Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community

Dutchess County Agricultural Society
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Documentary

A podcast dedicated to celebrating the people, farms, and traditions that make agriculture such an important part of our lives here in Dutchess County and beyond. Hosted by Suzanne Rajczi — is a 25-year member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, foodservice industry leader, community advocate, and passionate supporter of local agriculture. This podcast shines a spotlight on agriculture and community — and the incredible stories behind them.

  1. 6d ago

    14,000 Flowers?! The Secret Behind the Dutchess County Fairgrounds

    Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes to make the Dutchess County Fairgrounds look so spectacular? Tony from Phantom Gardener takes us behind the scenes of the gardens and grounds, revealing how nearly 14,000 annual flowers are planted and maintained for fair week, how historic trees are cared for, and how the Horticulture Building comes together each year. Tony also shares the story behind this year's “Witness Tree” display and reflects on nearly 20 years of helping transform the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Discover the people, planning, and passion behind one of Dutchess County's most recognizable annual events. #DutchessCountyFair #PhantomGardener #Horticulture #DutchessCounty #Gardening

  2. 6d ago

    80 Years at the Fair: The Story Behind the Grange Snack Bar

    For more than a century, the Grange has been part of the Dutchess County Fair. In this Legacy of Agriculture and Community podcast, Ryan Orton shares the story of his family's five-generation connection to the Grange, the 80-year history of the Grange Snack Bar, and the organization's continued commitment to agriculture, community service, volunteerism, scholarships, and youth programs. Discover what's inside the Grange Building, why the famous homemade pies and cakes remain a fair tradition, and how the Grange continues to bring generations of people together. #DutchessCountyFair #Grange #DutchessCounty #Agriculture #Community #Volunteerism #RhinebeckNY #FairHistory

  3. 6d ago

    Did You Know There’s an 1870 Train Station at the Dutchess County Fair?

    Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alan and Ingrid as we explore the history of the Pleasant Valley Train Station, its connection to Dutchess County agriculture, and how this historic structure was carefully moved and restored at the fairgrounds. We also visit the Antique Village, discuss the historic firehouse and railroad artifacts, and explore why preserving local history is so important to future generations. This is another story from the Legacy of Agriculture and Community Podcast, celebrating the history, agriculture, education, traditions, and people that make the Dutchess County Fair special.

  4. 6d ago

    He Juggles, Rides a 10-Foot Unicycle & Plays With Fire!

    Meet Hilby, the “Skinny German Juggling Boy,” and discover the incredible story behind one of the Dutchess County Fair's longtime performers. From learning to juggle while traveling through Asia to performing at fairs, cruise ships, theaters, and venues across the country, Hilby has built a unique career combining juggling, comedy, unicycling, fire, and audience interaction. He also shares the story of meeting his wife at the Dutchess County Fair and explains why this fair has remained such a special place for him for nearly 25 years. #DutchessCountyFair #Hilby #Juggler #Juggling #CircusEntertainment

  5. 6d ago

    Inside 4-H: The Program Teaching Kids Agriculture, Leadership & Life Skills

    Discover what 4-H means to the young people and families of Dutchess County. Carolyn McGraw, Dutchess County's 4-H Program Leader, explains how nearly 300 youth participate in 29 clubs covering livestock, agriculture, environmental science, sewing, quilting, and more. From public speaking and leadership to caring for animals and participating in the Youth Livestock Sale, 4-H gives kids real-world skills and experiences that extend far beyond the fairgrounds. Learn why the Dutchess County Fair is considered the “Super Bowl” for local 4-H members and how these young people are helping shape the future of agriculture and their communities. #4H #DutchessCountyFair #DutchessCounty4H #AgricultureEducation #YouthAgriculture

  6. 6d ago

    These Belts Last 20 Years?! Inside the Family Business Behind Leon’s Leather

    For more than 50 years, Leon’s Leather has been part of the Dutchess County Fair. Amanda and Scott share the story of their family business, which began with Leon in 1966 and grew into a nationally traveling leather business known for its full-grain leather belts and handcrafted products. Learn how their belts are made, why they can last for decades, what makes full-grain leather special, and how three generations of the family continue Leon’s legacy. #LeonsLeather #DutchessCountyFair #LeatherBelts #FamilyBusiness #AmericanCraftsmanship

  7. 6d ago

    This Is How Firefighters Fought Fires 100+ Years Ago

    What was firefighting like before modern fire trucks? Discover the answer inside the Firefighters Museum of Dutchess County at the Dutchess County Fair. Kyle Poggenburg, president of the museum, shares the history behind an 1889 horse-drawn ladder truck, historic hand pumpers, hose carts, vintage uniforms, helmets, and other artifacts from fire departments throughout Dutchess County, New York. Learn how firefighters once worked together to pump water by hand, how horses helped respond to fires, and why preserving this history matters to the community. #DutchessCounty #FirefightersMuseum #DutchessCountyFair #FirefightingHistory #LocalHistory

  8. Sep 23

    Behind the Scenes of the Dutchess County Fair | Opening Day

    After 12 months of preparation, opening day has finally arrived at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York. Go behind the scenes of this Hudson Valley tradition and discover the people, agriculture, livestock, 4-H programs, food and family memories that bring the fairgrounds to life each year. From the livestock barns and birthing center to new fair food and generations of farming families, this conversation explores why agriculture remains at the heart of the Dutchess County Fair — and why producing the fair is a year-round labor of love. Six days. Twelve months of work. Generations of tradition. Welcome to the Dutchess County Fair.

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7 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to celebrating the people, farms, and traditions that make agriculture such an important part of our lives here in Dutchess County and beyond. Hosted by Suzanne Rajczi — is a 25-year member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, foodservice industry leader, community advocate, and passionate supporter of local agriculture. This podcast shines a spotlight on agriculture and community — and the incredible stories behind them.

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