State Fair Hound

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Month: August 2019 (Page 3 of 6)

Veg In

The New York State Fair stand hosted by Strong Hearts Café has solidified its standing among Fair vendors with a creative menu featuring vegan specialties. It’s quite a coup at our Fair, an event that has long catered to the carnivore population, but Strong Hearts has made converts by selling burgers, entrees and shakes that patrons enjoy, never missing the meat and dairy.

CORN KIDSThat one corner of the Horticulture Building isn’t the only place where hungry Fair fans can enjoy vegetarian food. There are dozens of delicious dishes for eaters who avoid meat.

Though Daniella’s is an offshoot of a steakhouse, their fried green tomato sliders and tomato parm sandwiches are terrific.

Ethnic specialties are a good jumping off point as the menus of many countries  often include meatless favorites. Middle Eastern chow like grape leaves or falafel are full of exotic flavor and very satisfying. Look for them at King David’s and  several other vendors.

Asian food, including vegetable tempura and veggie rolls are commonly found in the Eatery, a/k/a the International Pavilion, and at other stands.

Stop by the Pan African Village for Omanii’s veggie sandwich or Creole Soul’s Cajun potatoes. Las Delicias’ lightly-fried empanadas come with various vegetable fillings, so they’re very tasty and inexpensive. EGGPLANT PARM

Italian food fans have made the eggplant parm at Eatery mainstay Emmi’s a perennial best-seller.

If you want to keep veggie while observing the carnival food tradition of gorging on deep-fried food, you can get pickles, cauliflower and many other battered plant foods at several stands.

Not to be overlooked are the cinnamon-dusted apple fritters from Log Cabin, the Wrap It Up stand’s veggie wrap and, of course, the famous baked potatoes.

Even the popular Butcher Boys steak trailer will build you a salad, your choice of in a bowl or wrapped in a warm pita. You could certainly say that the State Fair is a great event for every hungry patron.

 

Hall of Frames

While many visitors to the New York State Fair focus on the excitement and explosiveness of the midway, concerts and sideshows, there’s much to be said for some of the quieter exhibits, like the annual art exhibition located on the second floor of the Art and Home Center. ART 17

Paintings, drawings, photos and sculptures are on display throughout the makeshift gallery, some displaying the ribbons won after judging of the show is completed.

While the Fair itself is a frequent subject of the artists, there’s plenty of portraits, wildlife depictions, still lifes and abstracts among the wide variety of pieces on display.

It’s a great spot to escape a rainy day, but weather aside, it’s a not-to-be-missed State Fair staple. Admission is free, of course.

Wednesday is Women’s Day at the Fair

The annual Women’s luncheon will highlight an all-day observance of Women’s Day at the New York State Fair on Wednesday. PINK TRACTOR

Special activities will be concentrated around the Art and Home Center–once known as the “Women’s Building”–and Chevy Court.

Make reservations for the luncheon by calling 487-7711, ext. 1265.

Cheap Seats

It seems that the talented performers who roam the floorboards of the New York State Fair’s Empire Theater don’t get as much acclaim as they deserve. IRISH DANCERS 15

The stage is low-profile as State Fair venues go, sequestered within the Art and Home center, seen only by those Fair visitors who look for it.

But it’s not a bad deal, usually free shows in a room with refreshing air conditioning and comfortable seats.

There are musical and dramatic shows, dancers and surprises. This year, hypnotist Marshal Manlove performs there every day at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The entire schedule is usually posted outside the theatre as well as being on the Fair website.

Fire and Rescue Day is Sunday at the Fair

The real-life heroes who are firefighters and other first responders will be guests of honor Sunday at the New York State Fair.STRETCHER 17

Those brave men and women will be admitted free with their professional credentials and will receive  recognition at a ceremony at 11 a.m. in front of the Horticulture Building.

Fair fans can cheer on fire personnel as they’re featured in the 6 p.m. daily parade.

Face Time

Folks love to depart the grounds carrying a souvenir of their day at the New York State Fair. COUPLE WITH DRAWING 18

One of the most popular items to carry home is a caricature sketched by an artist in residence.

A quick break in a tent often produces an amazingly good likeness–whimsical, fun and one-of-a-kind.

Stuffed animals are OK, but a colorful portrait can be framed as a long-term remembrance, as this young couple discovered.

 

Tuesday is Beef Day

This isn’t Texas, but plenty of beef is raised and marketed here in New York.

BEEFER 18Of course, those burgers and steaks start out as bulky steers, like this one from the New York State Fair beef barn.

Walk past the midway or catch a tram to the pole barn at the western end of the grounds to meet these impressive cattle.

Monday is Maple Day at the Fair

It’s hard to think of all the ways that maple syrup can be used in delicious food products, but it all seems to be at the New York State Fair Maple Center. MAPLE IC KID 18

Monday is Maple Day, a day to recognize the sweet and sticky delights that are made from the sap of trees that thrive in the Empire State.

Visit the Horticulture Building for a taste of everything maple, from candy to coffee, ice cream, popcorn and doughnuts. Maple fudge is creamy and wonderful.

Of course, you can choose bottles of syrup to take home or give as gifts. Sweet!

Mini Rodeo

Mini horses invade the 4-H rings on Saturday as the pint-sized breeds compete in one of the Fair’s most popular livestock events.

MINI PULLING CART 16

The young handlers prompt their charges through a series of jumps or hitch them to small buggies for a ride around the corral. Ribbons will be awarded in several categories.

 

The little horses are adorable and great fun. There are often petting opportunities and the stars are naturally photogenic, so be sure to bring your camera. LEAPING MINI 16

 

The 4-H rings are at the western end of the grounds, past the midway rides and the cow birthing center. Events begin at 8 a.m. Saturday.

 

 

 

First Row

Fair visitors can take to the water and row a skiff on the NY Experience pond on Aug. 26, 29 and 30. To sign up, stop by the mini-marina along Broadway. Life jackets are provided and the event is free.

Fair visitors can take to the water and row a skiff on the NY Experience pond on Aug. 26, 29 and 30.
To sign up, stop by the mini-marina along Broadway. Life jackets are provided and the event is free.

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