2024 DAPFD Frequently Asked Questions
Are walk-ins allowed at DAPFD?
Yes, Absolutely. At this time there is space in all intensives and weekend activities.
Where is DAPFD?
Orange County Farmers Museum at 850 Rt 17K, Montgomery, NY
How do I sign up?
Head to our website for registration and payment options. We recommend you register online, although you can also register upon arrival. You’ll be able to choose any combination of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday admission as well as meal options.
Which day should I go to?
That depends upon what you want to experience! We recommend Friday for those who are extremely interested in furthering their knowledge and skills with draft animals in a particular area (forestry, mowers, farming, working/caring for draft horses, working/caring for oxen). The higher price of this daylong experience reflects the level of educational opportunity. We recommend Saturday to those who haven’t narrowed down their interests yet and want to experience a little bit of everything. And since camping is free and lots of fun networking happens Saturday evening, you should definitely stay for Sunday’s homemade breakfast and fun workshops!
Is camping available at the event?
FREE ON SITE CAMPING (no electric or water for campers). Bring your tent, sleep in your car/truck or bring a camper.
Is there somewhere to stay locally if I don’t want to camp?
Yes! There are multiple hotels located within a few miles of the Field Days. We do have a hotel blocked with a discounted group rate. Here is the information you need when making your reservation:
Hotel Information:
Ramada by Wyndham Newburgh/West Point
Address - 1289 Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550, United States
Phone Number - 845-5644500
Group Information:
Group Name - Draft Animal Power Network
Group Code - GS092624DAP
Arrival Date - 09/26/2024
Departure Date - 09/30/2024
Room(s) Information and Rate(s):
5 Room(s) per night - 1 King Bed Non-Smoking Room (NK1) - $124.53/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 26 - $92.65/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 27 - $152.15/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 28 - $160.65/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 29 - $92.65/rm per nt + TAX
5 Room(s) per night - 2 Double Beds Non-Smoking Room (NDD1) - $133.03/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 26 - $101.15/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 27 - $160.65/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 28 - $169.15/rm per nt + TAX
Sep 29 - $101.15/rm per nt + TAX
Booking link:
http://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/00217?checkInDate=09/26/2024&checkOutDate=09/30/2024&groupCode=GS092624DAP
Room(s) release date:
08/26/2024
What languages are the presentations given in?
All presentations and demonstrations will be in English. However, we often have some French speaking presenters and participants who may be able to help translate or explain things in French.
Can I volunteer at the DAPFD to help pay for the cost of admission?
YES! VOLUNTEER ADMISSION TRADES AVAILABLE. Please email Sara Dougherty at dapnetinfo@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.
The cost of admission is giving me hesitation about attending DAPFD even with the volunteer rebate. What should I do?
Please let us know if paying for admission is a hardship for you and we can try and make something work. Contact dapnetinfo@gmail.com with a little explanation if this is you.
Do I need to have experience with draft animals prior to coming to DAPFD?
Complete beginners are very welcome. We recommend you take one of our beginner intensive courses on Friday September 27th or join us for Saturday, September 28th if you’d like to see many different demonstrations and attend different workshops. We aim to offer enough diversity of information on Friday and Saturday that you could leave with at least a basic understanding of driving, training, farm and woods work, basic equipment, and hoof care.
Are dogs allowed?
No! We love dogs, but we ask that you leave all pets behind. This is an event with many working animals and bringing your pet could infringe on the safety of our working animals, teamsters and attendees.
What food is available at Field Days?
Lunch and dinner is included with your registration for Friday and Saturday. Friday and Saturday mornings, Breakfast will be sold by the Orange County Farmers Museum, or you can bring your own breakfast materials to cook or prepare in your camp. As always, we’ll have volunteer-prepared Teamster Breakfast on Sunday with donations accepted.
Is there parking onsite?
YES, there is free parking onsite.
What are the seating options at Field Days?
We have tables and chairs (and tea and coffee!) in a covered area for eating meals, taking a break, and doing some socializing. The seating options for the outside workshops are limited and we encourage folks to bring their favorite camp chair or cushion for when your legs get tired.
Is DAPFD suitable for families and/or children?
DAPFD is very family and youth friendly. In fact, as always, kids 12 and under are free (meals are not included with free admission). This year will feature many presentations and activities that will be “kid friendly” as well as our Homesteading presentations which will be applicable to all members of a “homesteading” family. The Grooming and harnessing and draft dogs workshops are “kid friendly” too. In addition, we encourage any folks involved in youth organizations (4-H, FFA, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.) and schools that would like to set up a field trip/group visit to email Dave Gibaldi at dapnetinfo@gmail.com
Are there any local airports if I am flying to DAPFD?
Yes! The closest airport is Stewart Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, NY which is only 10 minutes up the road but is also not very big so not sure if you would be able to get a direct flight. Another smaller airport is Westchester Airport (HPN) which is about an hour away. Newark, NJ (EWR) airport is a little easier to get to than the airports in NYC just due to traffic. If you do choose to fly into NYC JFK offers mass transit. Also about 1 hour 45 minutes north of Montgomery is Albany InternationalAirport (ALB).
