= Celebrating the grand re-opening of Raymond Avenue =
In past years, we've seen thousands of families attend the fair; with the revitalization of the Arlington area in the Town of Poughkeepsie, we really have a lot to celebrate, and we hope that 5000 or more may attend this year as well!
And there is every reason to show up: carnival rides, musical guests and other live entertainment, a state-wide Chili Cookoff, and 100 plus caterers, shopkeepers and craftspeople will occupy three whole blocks of Raymond Avenue (Look for more details of these in the tabs above).
Admission to the fair is totally free and is sponsered in part by the Arlington BID, Vassar College, Vassar Student Association and Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson Valley. Look for the large tent for entertainment by the Arlington Post Office and an open air dance floor at the Arthur S. May School.
Families with children should look to the parking lot for carnival rides, bounce'n fun and other events.
Highlights of the day include a ribbon cutting in celebration of the revitalized Arlington area at noon, as well as the taking place of the final qualifying chili cookoff event for the World's Championship Cookoff in Charleston, WV.
"...a culinary trip around the world."
That is what a visit to the fair ought to be like for families looking for something to choose from for everyone, at least according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. A wide variety of retaurants will be represented (For details click the "food and snacks panel above).
30 judges will make up the panel for the chili cookoff – public figures, local celebrities, business people and students – and will be tasting entries in the three categories: salsa, chili and chili verde. The public will be invited to taste as well, starting from noon, in order to vote for a winner of the People's Choice award.
This is a big event, and needless to say, we expect entrants from throughout the area as well as some who may be travelling here from quite a distance in order to qualify for the World Championship.
The fair will take place, rain or shine with the opening ceremony at noon and will last until 6pm. All monies raised will go to support local charities. Free parking will be available at the Davis Avenue lot, in the lot behind Prime Financial on Raymond Avenue, and on neighboring streets.
New York State Chili Cookoff
= The annual chili cookoff has hit the big time folks! =
The Arlington Street Fair is proud to host the New York State Chili Cookoff, sanction by the International Chili Society. Contestants should note our schedule for the day. Those who wish to apply should note the contest categories. Spectators will be invited to begin tasting at noon and vote for the People's Choice winner, so be sure to come early or you might miss out! Chief Judge of this event will be Steve Falkowski, World Champion of 1997. Winners will advance to the 2009 World Chili Championship!
= Schedule for September 26th Chili Cookoff =
Setup
8am
Cook's meeting
10am
Salsa turn-in
1pm
Verde turn-in
2pm
Chili turn-in
3pm
= Contest Categories and Applications =
Salsa
$10
Chili Verde
$15
Chili with People's Choice (1 gallon)
$30
Chili without People's Choice
$35
Salsa, Verde & Chili Combo
$50
= Send application and fees to: =
Steve Falkowski
261 Creamery Road Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
845-227-2425
Directory of Vendors by Category
= Food =
Carole's Hot Dogs, DYA Wanna Pretzel, Janet's Jerk Shop, La Cabanita, Mole Mole, Noshish Coney Island, Reggae Boy, Beech Tree Grill, Rodwall Bake
= Beverages, snacks and ice-cream =
Benny and Caesars, Chilly Willy's, Garcia's Italian Ice, Jammin James Kettle Popcorn, The Nut Shop
= Services =
Hudson Valley Credit Union, Taxpert, East coast Roll-Off, Wireless Zone
= Home and renovation =
Bragada Inc., Dutchess Overhead Doors, Factory New Spa Wholesalers
= Instruments, accessories and jewelry =
Andean Creations, Fanny Prizant, Jewelry, Sarah Lawton, Thein Art Beaders, Vintage Flair Originals, Nana Huatzin
= Arts, crafts and photography =
April Matula, Blue Yonder Images, Peggy Roland, Saint John's Church
