Last year, the Orange County Fair had to adapt, hosting a fair food drive-thru event instead of its traditional festivities.

But this year, fair planners are excited to welcome the public back with new rides, food and entertainment.

Fair workers are pushing hard to complete the finishing touches for the 181st Orange County Fair in Middletown, which will include the longtime favorites — and a few new attractions.

“We always try to bring something new. We always try to do something more exciting, because that's what the fair is about right, new experiences, new foods, new entertainment,” Orange County Fair Manager Ron Weber said.

Fairgoers will enjoy new attractions like the Super Himalaya, and entertainment like the Banana Derby, where you can see monkeys riding dogs.

But don’t worry, patrons can still find their fair favorites, too.

Weber says many people have their favorite rides and food and return year after year just for them.

The fair will also debut its new barn amphitheater, which Weber says will feature the biggest national tribute band in the country.

He says, “It’s sort of just like the old days, when we used to have the biggest bands in the country here.”

The fair is following CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Because it is an outdoor event, masks will not be required, but visitors are welcome to wear them.

“We have plenty of hand-washing stations and availability to wash your hands and stay distant, and then, you know, cleaning protocols and all those things,” says Weber.

The fair will run for the next three weekends until August 1.