For 40 years, Maxwell Concessions has helped feed generations of families at the Dutchess County Fair.
Rob and Joanne Maxwell take us behind the scenes of their family business — from Walkaway Sundaes and frozen bananas to Carissa’s Lemonade, sausage and peppers, Philly cheesesteaks and other fair favorites.
But serving thousands of fairgoers requires much more than a food stand.
The Maxwells bring roughly 14 trailers to the fairgrounds and employ around 60 people during fair week, including longtime employees who first joined the operation as teenagers and still return decades later.
Rob and Joanne also reflect on how the Dutchess County Fair has evolved over their 40 years here, what makes the fair so special to their family, and the challenge of finding the next generation to carry the concession business forward.
For the Maxwells, this isn't just a six-day event.
It's family, tradition and a huge part of their identity.