The Hound took a guided tour of the grounds today to preview this year’s New York State Fair, which opens Thursday. There’s a lot of work still to be completed, but it’s clearly going to be a sensational show.
Earlier Hound posts have touted some of the new attractions, but there are a few we haven’t. Safety Town, a fire safety exhibit that has been featured in the Science and Industry Building for many years got a sorely needed update into an interactive, entertaining display for the family. It realistically simulate flames and smoke and even gives adults a chance to tryout fire extinguishers. Talk about hot times.
We didn’t get a look at the ice museum, which will be under a tent in the spot formerly occupied by the wine court, or the Discover the Dinosaurs, closer to the Grandstand. Both sound promising.
We did get a close look at the midway and it sure seems strange, but very exciting to see some new features, especially the RC-48 roller coaster and the enormous slide. The setup is more linear than it has been, with wide walkways and a very clean, very uniform look. Don’t forget that you can ride for free for the first 90 minutes of operation on opening day and Labor Day will feature $1 rides.
The cow birthing center, a big hit from last year is much larger, now an anchor on the west end of the grounds, in a tent just past the Youth Building and Kiddieland. More seating and video displays will help fans enjoy the miracle of bovine birth. Calves born there last year will be on hand to make cameo appearances and presumably sign autographs.
We vultures of the press got to taste the new Empire Brewing product, Showstopper Ale, and we found it luscious. Beer drinkers can be a particular lot, so we aren’t promising anything, but recommend giving it a try in the Taste of New York tent near the main gate or in the rejuvenated Taste NY Wine, Beer and Spirits Village at the Colonnade.
There’s a long list of ridiculous fried foods for those who need to raise their cholesterol but, with under two days to go, the old favorites are calling us.
More on the preview and some photos tomorrow. And for opening Day, we’ll be unveiling a challenge for sharp-eyed Fair fans.
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