We expect added enthusiasm for visits to the pig barn this year Fair after last year’s absence of piglets due to a swine illness outbreak. It’s back to normal this year, so stroll the barn to enjoy the little ones with their mothers.

The pigs arrive on day four, moving in after the llamas occupy that space on the first three days. The llamas are a popular if temporary attraction, as the long-necked mountain dwellers are an unusual and fascinating sight on the grounds.

Of course that same building houses goats, including the goat milking area.

You can plan to enjoy the viewing, judging and demonstrations of all three species by scouting them on the Fair website, nysfair.org under Your Fair; Agricultural schedules, events and exhibits.

Until then, enjoy these pics by State Fair Hound photo editor Nick LoPresti .

State Fair Hound was on the grounds this weekend and we can report that infrastructure improvements continue in preparation for the 2015 New York State Fair. The projects currently nearing completion are consistent with those done over the past several years.

Shown below are the new brick steps on the Dairy Products Building, with a ramp to the left for those who can’t navigate stairs.

A brick patio looks ready outside Baker’s Chicken Coop.

Updated landscaping beautifies the Veteran’s Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Some bricks have been added as demand continues from families paying tribute to their vets.

Getting ready for this year, the ever-popular Dinosaur Bar-B-Que stand is up, with staff gearing up for the crowds.

Some paving has been completed in the Iroquois Village, as mentioned in an earlier post.

Check back for more updates on preparations from State Fair Hound.

The Wade Shows’ second New York State Fair Midway will bring some new surprises, including one very tall ride that is meant to thrill without speed. The Observation tower will lift riders gently 100 feet into the air, promising a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding grounds.

It sounds like a great place to capture some panoramic Fair photos and the Hound is planning to do just that. We’ll post some during the Fair. It also reminds us of the gondola ride Strates used to run years ago. Wade has one they call the Sky Liner. That over-the-top (literally), ride soars above the midway, offering a different view of the festive landscape, one that the whole family can appreciate. Maybe next year.

Meanwhile, if you want to see what else Wade has in store for this year, check their website where you can find a list and description of the rides they plan to erect on our midway this time around. And don’t forget your advance-sale ride passes–$20-$25 is a great deal for dedicated riders.

The Fair announced today plans for two new competitions for this year, one for flower arrangement and one for poetry. While these aren’t exactly blockbuster events, that’s fine. What’s a little concerning is the lack of anything new that has that excitement-generating, attention-grabbling potential that you expect every year.

The “attractions and Events” list on the Fair’s website is notably short on new features. As the Hound noted in an earlier post, we’re excited about the new Equine Avenue. The return of the Sea Lions and the circus, both missing last years, are also big additions to the line-up. There are a few other first-time features we’ll cover in future posts.

But we’re not seeing the wow factor for one or two new attractions as there has been in past years with the wolves and dinosaurs last year and debut of the Fair museum and the performing dogs in 2013.

We still yearn for exhibits like the Elvis memorabilia, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Corning Museum of Glass and Toothpick City of years past, all major crowd pleasers. Show biz being what it is, you can’t always get marquee attractions like those. And in all fairness, some of yesterday’s new features are now annual favorites—the Fair museum, the butterflies and the cow birthing center come to mind.

Ironically, this year’s biggest story is the debut of the amphitheater, which regular readers know has us concerned about its effect on the Fair. Stay tuned for more on that.

The perfect State Fair weather we’re enjoying today comes three weeks from opening day, Thursday, Aug. 27, so it’s time to go over your checklist to get ready for the best event of the year in upstate New York.

The 2015 visitors guide is out in print form at all of the retail outlets where tickets are sold. You can also access it on the Fair’s website, nysfair.org.

Look forward to concerts and special events you want to attend and make arrangements for time off from work, child care, friends to go with you and whatever else you may need.

Got your tickets yet? Waiting to the last minute isn’t a good idea. Once the Fair opens, you’ll have to pay full price, at least on some days.

But when deciding how many tickets to buy, remember there are many chances to get in free or at reduced prices. Patrons 60 years old or older get in free on two dates. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, past and present military members and Native Americans all have free admission days. Of course, kids under 13 are free every day.

Reduced gate prices on both Thursdays allow entry for just three bucks, and on Labor Day they’re replaying the $1 admission that led to a record attendance day last year.

As you think ahead, consider the Best Bets Bargain Book, a collection of over 100 coupons for discounts on food, fun and various vendor items. As the name would indicate, it’s a great bargain at $4 advance sale and $5 at the Fair.

And your kids would want us to put in a plug for advance sale ride bracelet vouchers. If you have daredevils in the family, it’s an exciting deal.
20 days to go!

You may have seen a news report that two people were killed and 22 more injured in a weather-related tent collapse at a Walker Brothers Circus performance in New Hampshire. That same circus makes its return to the New York State Fair this year.

Should you be worried about your family’s safety while attending our Fair. In a word, no.

When you look at our history, it’s very impressive how few serious injuries or safety problems have occurred over the years. While luck plays a role, it’s mostly sound planning, attention to detail and hard work by Fair administrators and personnel that have led to an exemplary safety record.

Of course two people lost their lives in a freak windstorm that caused cancellation of the Fair on Labor Day, 1998. As sad as it was for the families of the victims, it could have been worse. Obviously, you can’t really prepare for that type of weather event.

But you can inspect rides, design buildings and tents, monitor safe practices in food preparation and show performances and prepare rescue and medical personnel for whatever may come.

When you attend, follow reasonable guidelines and supervise children from arrival to departure. If you do your part, you can be certain that the Fair is doing its part.

State Fair Hound is always in favor of more focus on the original residents of what is now New York State, so we look forward to Six Nations Day, Friday, Sep. 4.

Traditional dancers, long a fan favorite on the Iroquois Village stage, will perform in authentic Haudenosaunee garb at Chevy Court at 1 p.m. A performance by ethnically-appropriate Syracuse band the Ripcords will follow at 2 p.m.

Visitors to the Village will find newly-paved walkways where gravel paths had long been in place, a response to requests for more accessibility for people in wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers.

The deck on the cookhouse has also been improved, expanding space for dining and relaxing outdoors in the Fair’s most peaceful locale. Don’t miss the replica longhouse, agricultural exhibits, Six Nations artwork and those one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items for sale by the native vendors.

One area we always visit but would like to see improved is the Department of Environmental Conservation’s nature trail. It’s located right behind the DEC’s cabin. It features a series of exhibits on New York’s state bird, state flower, state insect and so on.

The trail hasn’t changed in years and is generally less than inspiring. There are no bluebirds, for instance, at the stop on state bird, and no ladybugs at the insect stop. You can see the brook trout, the state fish, but you have to go over to the DEC aquarium at the colonnade.

There is a replica lean-to that’s nicely built and generally staffed, so the display, shown here in photos shot last year by Hound Photo Editor Nick LoPresti, isn’t a complete disappointment. But we think the DEC could do better and would like to see them do an update here.

This year represents a real changing of the guard in acts playing Chevy Court. There’s been gradual trend, but this line-up shows significant movement toward a younger demographic. On the other hand, there sure doesn’t seem like much to attract the over-40 crowd.

Let’s see, there’s perpetual teenager Bowser and the over-the-hill Oak Ridge Boys on senior days. Then count Steve Miller, Melissa Etheridge, and Rick Springfield. OK, add the Jacksons and Orleans. That’s seven acts.

Snoop Dog? He’s no kid, but you have to expect the hip hop audience that will seek out him and Salt-N-Pepper to be predominantly youngish. The real change is represented by newer or less-familiar acts like Nate Ruess, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, R5, Fifth Harmony and the Swon Brothers. Bigger names Meghan Trainor and Nick Jonas are likely to draw big crowds that will, no doubt, include mixed ages, but baby boomers are not storming those stages.

When you come down to it, Chevy Court is a young person’s venue. For popular shows, most viewers will be standing, often in crowded conditions, in unpredictable weather. So going new age may be a good call, as long as the quality of performances doesn’t diminish.

The real proof will be in the size of the crowds in front of the Stan Colella Stage, so watch attendance numbers. Should be interesting.

If you love classic rock, there’s no need to search out a stage show as wandering minstrel Bandaloni will once again bring his one-man band to you at the New York State Fair. He augments his karaoke tracks with a harmonica and guitar, drawing a happy crowd wherever he sets up, stomping out the beat of his familiar tunes with a back-pack drum kit.

He’s one of several favorite acts coming back to entertain in various spots around the grounds, adding to the wealth of free entertainment. Also returning are the living statues and the fabulous juggler/comedian/stuntman Hilby.

New for 2015 is Rexie, a costumed dinosaur who measures 8 feet in height and 12 feet in length. Don’t worry, he’s tame and friendly, ready to greet kids, shake hands and pose for photos.

Rexie adds to the cast of cuddly characters roaming the grounds as Fair good will ambassadors. So keep your camera ready as you never know when you might get a great close-up encounter.