Fair is great fun, benefiting great causes

While Harlem's annual Oliver Hardy Festival claims to be the area's largest single-day event, it's safe to say that Columbia County's biggest event each year is the annual fair sponsored by the Merchants Association of Columbia County.

With darkness descending earlier and cool nights upon us, there's nothing better than a fall fair. Columbia County's annual event has been running for an amazing 40 years, and it kicked up a notch in 2003 when the famed Drew Expositions began operating the midway.

This year, in addition to the thrilling rides, a variety of musical entertainment and the ever-popular "human cannonball" demonstration at 7 and 9 p.m., the fair features the Bear Mountain Show - yep, with live bears - and a trapeze and high-wire act.

Local talent can even get in on the act, with an amateur-night talent show on Tuesday. Local performer Tony Howard will provide the "Showtime at the Apollo" theatrics. (Hint: They're looking for musical talent - not bear-tamers.)

The fair opens Thursday afternoon and runs through midnight Nov. 12. And as in every year, it's a guaranteed good time.

But the fair isn't just about fun; it also supports a variety of good causes. The Merchants Association, an active, respected group in Columbia County, each year gives out thousands of dollars in scholarships to local students. With fair proceeds, the organization also supports the Columbia County Foundation for Children, the American Red Cross, Camp Rainbow and the Children's Miracle Network.

The fairgrounds are on Columbia Road, just past Patriots Park.

See you at the fair!