‘Giddy up’ for 18th Goshen Stampede

‘Giddy up’ for 18th Goshen Stampede

Step one of the Cowgirl Triathlon required competitors to lasso a calf.

Riley Klein

GOSHEN — Country-style competitions and confections filled the Fair Grounds for the 18th annual Goshen Stampede, June 7 to 9.

The three-day rodeo festival displayed a range of all-American contests including horseback riding, goat wrangling, barrel racing, monster trucks, quad racing, demolition derbies, live music, carnival rides, fried delicacies and of course, bull riding. Kids even got in the rodeo action with a sheep riding competition.

Step two of the Cowgirl Triathlon was barrel racing.Riley Kelin

Pointy boots, ten-gallon hats and handheld fried or frozen foods met the eye at every turn. Guests moved through walkways lined with enticing games and vibrant vendors, all leading to the main attractions.

The Cowgirl Triathlon, held Sunday, June 9, showcased unique skills on horseback. Competitors began by lassoing a calf, moved seamlessly into the barrel race, and concluded by dismounting to wrangle a goat.

“The richest cowgirl triathlon east of the Mississippi” paid out $705 to winner, Shyla O’Neil, who completed the three stages of the timed event with no errors in 30.28 seconds.

Deep fried delicacies and big hats at every turn.Riley Klein

Cars wrecked in the demolition derby were lined up in the straight track to become part of the monster truck event. Customized pick-up trucks with massive wheels roared down the straight as crash-hungry spectators looked on with excitement in the stands.

An orange truck named “Terrordactyl” was fixed with 10 seats in the bed, offering monster truck rides to guests. A nine-step ladder brought riders from the ground up to their seats.

Stanley McGrath, renowned onion ring maker, has been attending the fair since it began in 2006. He said “it’s the people” that keep him coming back.

Riley Klein

Litchfield County Axe House set up an axe-throwing booth just beside the rodeo ring. Owner Joseph Kucia said his company has been attending the Stampede for the past five years.

“Litchfield County is super nostalgic,” said Kucia, noting the connection people in the area feel to the weekend’s events. “They can kind of vibe off that... I think it’s a comfort.”

Three bullseyes won a free game of axe throwing.Riley Klein

Latest News

Students get a taste of the real world during Career Day

Ella Emberlin, an eighth grader at Salisbury Central School, meets alum Colby Hickey, owner of Colby’s Tree Service, on Career Day.

Madi Long

SHARON – Sharon Center School students got a firsthand look at potential career paths on Friday, April 10, during their annual Career Day, where guest speakers from a range of fields spoke with students in fourth through eighth grade.

The annual event is organized by school counselor Liz Foster, who aims to showcase the positions held by local community members. Presenters included a meteorologist, scuba diving instructor, mechanic and attorney.

Keep ReadingShow less

Legal Notices - April 16, 2026

Legal Notices - April 16, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of Shared Gooods, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/13/26. Office location: Dutchess County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Shared Gooods, 56 S Center Street, Millerton, New York 12546 Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Keep ReadingShow less

Classifieds - April 16, 2026

Classifieds - April 16, 2026

Help Wanted

EXTRAS After-School and Summer Childcare Program: is looking for summer counselors! Please visit our website for more details and other open positions. www.extrasprogram.com/employment.

Gardeners needed for native plant design business: March 15- December 1st. Must be physically fit and dependable. Call for interview 347-496-5168. Resume and references needed.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Cannabis dispensary developers propose grocery store, ice cream shop near downtown Pine Plains

Engineer Zak Hall, left, and architect Kristina Dousharm of Kristina Dousharm Architects present plans to build a new grocery store and renovate an existing building for an ice cream shop at the Planning Board on Wednesday, April 8.

Photo by Nathan Miller

PINE PLAINS — The developers behind the recently-approved cannabis dispensary on South Main Street plan to further develop the property with a grocery store and an ice cream shop.

Architect Kristina Dousharm appeared before the Planning Board on Wednesday, April 8, with plans to demolish three buildings at 7723 South Main St. and construct an 8,989-square-foot grocery store. An existing structure will be renovated for the planned ice cream shop.

Keep ReadingShow less

Hunting for eggs

Hunting for eggs

The annual Millerton Fire Company Easter egg hunt returned to Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Saturday, April 4.

Nathan Miller


Tyler Dehoff discovers a piece of chocolate in a plastic egg at the zero to two-year-old egg hunt area.Nathan Miller

Keep ReadingShow less
Connecticut kratom ban drives cross-border demand in New York

Packets of Blue Razz botanical extracts in pill form are among herbal remedies offered as an alternative to kratom at The Smoking Ape in North Canaan and Torrington.

Photo by Debra A. Aleksinas

MILLERTON — A new Connecticut ban on kratom — a substance with opioid-like effects linked to dependence and withdrawal — is reshaping border behavior, with some residents crossing into New York to obtain it.

Derived from a Southeast Asian tree, kratom has been marketed across the country as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal. But officials warn it can act like an opioid at higher doses, prompting Connecticut to classify it as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.