Rensselaer County First Responders Keep the Action Going at the 2026 Schaghticoke Fair

The 2026 Schaghticoke Fair brought another exciting year of motorsports, entertainment and family activities. Firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel from across the Capital Region played an important role in keeping thousands of visitors safe while taking part in several events throughout the week. Every year, members of the Schaghticoke Fire Department and Hoosick Valley Fire Company provide fire protection and emergency services at the fairgrounds. Firefighters spend long hours standing by during tractor pulls, truck pulls, monster truck shows and one of the fair's biggest attractions, the demolition derby. This year's demolition derby was packed with hard-hitting action that kept firefighters busy. Several vehicles caught fire in their engine compartments, requiring firefighters to quickly move in and extinguish the flames. Crews also responded to several medical emergencies during the event. While spectators enjoyed the action from the grandstands, firefighters remained nearby, ready to respond whenever an emergency occurred.

For members of the Schaghticoke Fire Department and Hoosick Valley Fire Company, protecting the fairgrounds has become an annual tradition. Many of these volunteer firefighters take time off from their regular jobs to spend their days and evenings at the fair, making sure visitors can safely enjoy one of Rensselaer County's largest events. Another exciting moment came when country music star Braxton Keith stepped up to help the Pleasantdale Fire Department raise money at its dunking booth. What started with a simple message through social media turned into a memorable experience when Keith, who was performing at the fair, agreed to climb into the dunk tank. Fairgoers quickly lined up, paying $5 for a chance to dunk the country singer. Keith spent more than an hour with Pleasantdale firefighters, meeting fans, sharing laughs and getting dunked into the water. His appearance helped draw a large crowd while raising money for the volunteer fire department.

Several other public safety agencies also participated in the fair, giving families the chance to meet first responders and learn more about their work. The Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety, Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office and City of Troy Police Department provided several activities, including an inflatable fire prevention maze, tours of a BearCat armored vehicle and child safety identification cards. The Albany Police Department also brought its mounted police unit to the fair, giving visitors the opportunity to see the department's horses up close. Throughout the event, mounted officers took part in several demonstrations, showing the horses' abilities and how they are used during police operations. Albany Police also held several K-9 demonstrations that drew large crowds. Officers and their police dogs showed off their training and skills, giving spectators a chance to see how these highly trained animals work alongside their handlers. The demonstrations were especially popular with children and families, who had the opportunity to learn more about the important roles police horses and K-9 units play in keeping communities safe.

From firefighters putting out vehicle fires during the demolition derby to police officers showing off their horses and K-9 units, the fair gave visitors a chance to see the work of local first responders outside of their normal emergency calls. For the volunteer firefighters who give up their personal time to protect the fairgrounds, the Schaghticoke Fair is more than just another event. It is an opportunity to help their community, work alongside fellow first responders and continue a tradition that has lasted for many years.

As the 2026 Schaghticoke Fair came to an end, firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel once again showed their dedication to protecting the public while helping make one of Rensselaer County's largest annual events a success.