Celebrate 150 Years at Cobleskill Sunshine Fair: A Must-See Summer Tradition in Upstate New York

From demo derbies to artisan showcases, the Cobleskill Sunshine Fair brings visitors from across the Northeast to Schoharie County every August.

The Demolition Derby—always a Sunshine Fair favorite. 2026 will mark the 150th fair so expect big things.

The demolition derby engines are revving. Cotton candy-fueled kids are screaming down the midway. A 4-Her is clipping her cow while circus acrobats warm up nearby. And somewhere, Fair Board President Doug Cater is already planning next year's fair—because it takes a full year to pull off the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair.

In 2026, it'll be 150 years since farmers first gathered here to celebrate the harvest. And if you've never been, you're missing one of the prettiest, oldest fairs in New York State—and a tradition that defines summer's end in Schoharie County.

A gymkhana competitor races the clock on horseback. Are you a blue ribbon baker? Maybe you’ve got a great milk bottle collection. Or you’re fabulous with cows. Our fair’s a great place show off to the rest of the world.

Not Your Average County Fair

Sure, the Great New York State Fair claims the title of oldest in the state. But the Sunshine Fair isn't far behind—and its turn-of-the-century red and white wooden barns have earned it blue ribbon honors as one of upstate's most beautiful fairgrounds. No prefab buildings here. Just historic barns, well-tended flower gardens, and a whole lot of volunteers who've been doing this for decades.

Helen Roberts has run the Country Living Building, showcasing everything from hand-woven dish cloths to folk art to collections of local milk bottles, for 20 years. She's almost ready to retire. Almost. After the 150th.

John Leavitt oversees the Horse Barns—when he and his wife Stephanie aren't showing off their four-horse hitch of Clydesdales from Heather Brooke Hill. (The rest of the time, John's Carlisle Town Supervisor.) He takes a break to watch the Sire Stakes harness races, then gets called away. "Gotta go."

Other volunteers manage the Hall of Agriculture, Progressland, Historic Treasures, and the Cattle Barns (dairy and beef). They're always looking for more help—hint, hint.

More Than Just a Fair

The fairgrounds sit right off I-88 in the center of Cobleskill, and they're busy year-round. April brings the Maple Festival. Horse shows run all summer. This year saw a cavers' convention in June and the state's first Canine Expo in September.

2025 Sunshine Fairgoers fly high over a midway filled with food, families, and fun.

But the fair? That's the main event.

Rich Slater, in charge of Buildings & Grounds, is one of just a few paid staff racing from barn to event to keep everything running smoothly. Because pulling off a fair like this—with world-class entertainment (Parmalee, Marshall Tucker Band, Immortal Wrestling), the Box Seat Auction, A Taste of New York food samplings, and prizes for everything from the Ugliest Cake to the Beautiful Baby Contest—takes serious coordination.

Doug's already promised local favorite Skeeter Creek for 2026. He's been Fair Board President for nearly as long as anyone can remember, and he's determined to make the 150th a fair for the ages.

Why This Matters (Beyond Fried Dough)

The Sunshine Fair isn't just nostalgia—it's a living celebration of Schoharie County's agricultural roots and a major economic driver. Folks come from across the Northeast to walk these historic grounds. They stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and discover what life looks like here.

Fair food? Why it can be anything, from messy ice cream treats to fried dough.

For residents, it's where summer ends and community comes together. For newcomers, it's an introduction to a place where people still show horses, judge zinnias, and volunteer hundreds of hours to keep traditions alive.

Be Part of History

Think your cucumbers or zinnias are blue ribbon-worthy? Want to barrel race or learn to milk a cow? The fair welcomes everyone—whether you're competing, volunteering, or just coming for the demo derby and fried dough.

Come for the day. Stay for the midway, the fair food, the circus acts, and the feeling that you've stepped back in time to something real.

The 150th Cobleskill Sunshine Fair: August 5-10, 2026

Mark your calendar. Bring your appetite. And maybe your prize-winning postcards from 1900.

More Info: [scsunshinefair.com] (add actual link if available)
Fairgrounds Location: Off I-88, Cobleskill, NY

Root Access is your guide to life, work, and community in Schoharie County. Growing something blue ribbon-worthy or have a fair story to share? Comment below.