The Chatham Press | August 2026

A monthly paper about the people, places and things that make Chatham and the surrounding towns so special

AUGUST 2026

TALENT CONTEST

NEW! STREET TRUCK PULL

NEW! FIREWORKS SHOW

NEW! ULTIMATE AIR DOG CONTEST

NEW! UNCLE SAM STILT WALKER

THRILLING MIDWAY RIDES

CLASSIC FAIR GAMES

MOUTHWATERING FAIR FOOD

LIVESTOCK SHOWS

EXHIBITS & COMPETITIONS

MAGIC & HYPNOTIST SHOWS

TWO NIGHTS OF DEMO DERBIES

MONSTER TRACTOR PULL

RODEO & SLACK COMPETITION

Celebrate the freedoms we cherish with six unforgettable days of family fun as the Columbia County Fair returns September 2–7!

Kick off Opening Day with an exciting NEW Street Truck Pull, followed by a spectacular Fireworks Show at 9 PM. Then, make the most of the Labor Day weekend with thrilling midway rides, classic fair games, mouthwatering fair food, livestock shows, exhibits, competitions, magic and hypnotist shows, and entertainment for all ages.

LIVE LOCAL BANDS & MUSIC RACING PIGS

MASTER OF THE CHAIN SAW

ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL

SCHOOL QUEEN CONTEST

PETTING ZOO

HERITAGE VILLAGE

Feel the excitement at two nights of Demo Derbies, the powerful Saturday Night Monster Tractor Pull, and the adrenaline-pumping Rodeo. Plus, enjoy live music throughout the fair, including country music star Jerrod Niemann on the Main Stage September 6.

Celebrate America. Celebrate community. Celebrate summer. Come to the Columbia County Fair and enjoy one last blast of summer!

4PM Sunday

For humans by humans

Stuck spelunker rescued from Merlin’s Cave

With a man lodged deep in the cave once known as Rattlesnake Den and written of by famous 19th century author Susan Warner, a harrowing rescue ensues.

The Beartrap

I’m stuck

Bring vittles!

Forest Ranger rescuer DEC interview

This month, we revisit the Class of 1995

Chatham High

Lady Panthers Capture State Title …again

Clearly, it’s no accident that Brantley-led Chatham softball teams have won or contended for state championships. The mental preparation and resiliency that he instills in his teams, along with being on the right side of some of the breaks, leads to consistent success.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARON GROOM AND JOHN SHEA/SMOKING MONKEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The catcher

The rst baseman

Patroon champs

Digital Issue

Austerlitz celebrates America’s 250th

To Build a House

It was time for a new domicile and one young Chatham boy received the education of a lifetime in the process.

Shingles included

Where you going with that?

No goldbricking

�-H veterans continue to grow

Seven years later, 4-Hers still getting ready for the fair – and the future.

Rocket making

Cooking class, softball

Anti-Rent The War

The Anti-Rent War that erupted in and around our area in the mid-19th century continues to echo today.

The landlord

The Tenants

The Helderberg War

Columbia County

The aftermath

Happenstance leads to a career

While raising her young children at home, Pamela Dalton made nautical scenes, gardens, flowers, children playing, Bible scenes, and anything that could fit onto the piece of paper before ultimately turning professional.

Serendipity

Where to nd

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From the Dave Dobrosielski-led cagers bringing home the Patroon Conference title, to a train wreck at the Main Street crossing, to tight fuel supplies, 1973 made for interesting times.

Chess champ

Gorilla Monsoon

Main Street derailment

Tight fuel supplies

Tornado

SportBits

With three offices in Copake, Valatie, and Chatham we are here to help you with any of your insurance needs. Contact us today for a quote on your home, auto, business, health insurance or life insurance. We are the Kneller Agency and we’re here to insure your world.