State Fair Hound

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Author: State Fair Hound (Page 2 of 72)

Feeding Frenzy

While The Hound was pleased with new and planned construction of food stands for the New York State Fair, we’d like to see more existing spaces utilized. EATERYYou may have noticed empty spots in the Eatery, on Restaurant Row and around the grounds this years. Some of those holes once housed very popular and profitable businesses.

We’re not sure why they sat empty this year, but a return of favorite vendors or opening of new ones would be good to see. We hope that Fair administration will make that a priority for 2024.

 

Kibbles and Bits

With New York State Fair 2023 in the books, The Hound is a dog with a bone. We’re going to keep our coverage going for a while, reviewing highs and lows from this year’s big party over the next few weeks.

We’ll start with a change in direction for infrastructure on the grounds that started this year. NEW TULLY'S 2The new food service building for Tully’s Restaurant was beautifully done and apparently begins a trend for food stands. When the Gov visited during the Fair, she munched a sausage sandwich at Basilio’s and revealed plans to demolish their stand and build a replacement.

The Hound cheers the addition of new structures, something that had been on hold for several years. Some previously-razed vendor stands left owners to work from tents or trailers. But permanent buildings add class and make the Fairgrounds the very special venue that it is.

We’d love to see vacancies continue being filled with solid stands. This is a good start.

 

Going Dark

As the 2023 New York State Fair fades into the post-Labor Day sunset, there are plenty of memories, mostly good ones. SUNSET crop

Attendance surged to over 900,000, strengthened by mostly decent weather, though showers dampened several days and Labor Day weekend got pretty hot.

There was a nice balance of new features and established favorites. As expected, the Dinosaur Expedition was a monstrous hit and Lady Houdini made an exciting debut. Juggling the schedule to spotlight the Groovy Guy early in the Fair was a good idea as the wisecracking, rope-walking entertainer put on a fun show to hold the fort until Hilby arrived to large crowds midway through the Fair.

The concert lineup gave most fans little reason to attend. PETER FROM BACKIf Fair organizers aspire a return to attendance totals exceeding a million, they should start with more diversity at the major stages.

Traffic control was generally OK and parking went smoother than in past years. Of course, amp shows tortured drivers, while temporary closures of the orange lot were infuriating for Fair patrons. Both of those things need to change.

Cultural variety seems to be a winning strategy as the Iroquois welcomed returning crowds to their quaint reservation and the colorful Pan African Village grows year-to-year. The Latino Village came to life for the second half of this year, while the new Asian Village will need time to develop and grow, although it already excels in availability of delicious vegetarian food, something that can be tough to find at the Fair.

It was great to see those spunky kids back on the Talent Showcase stage. DANCER 2The experience of competing means a lot to the youngsters, like the dancer pictured here who touchingly dedicated her performance to her recently-deceased father.

As always, there were many food choices, this year adding such creative new entries as the Peanut Butter Paradise at Tommy C’s, Omanii’s vegetarian sandwich and several new Toss & Fire pies. The best way to keep cool on Labor Day was by slurping a fruity Italian Ice from Our Vegan Corner.

Meanwhile, food stand changes continued, though the renovation of the street outside the dairy cattle barn was underwhelming. Daniella’s Steakhouse consolidated to its Art and Home Center venue, allowing Beak and Skiff 1911 to take over the large space inside gate 4. Tully’s new stand is beautiful, better than their food.

EMPTY HORTVendor participation was noticeably depressed in several areas, particularly in the Horticulture Building and the Eatery, where vacancies stood out. Several outdoor spots were also wide open spaces, especially the yard in front of the Youth Building, which is begging for a large show venue. It would be a great location for a performing dog act, something that has been missing for years, although they never fail to draw large crowds. Maybe it’s time to suspend the Sea Lions Splash which is really dull show featuring adorable stars.

While some visitors complain that the Fair never changes, there’s always something new to enjoy and things you don’t see anywhere else. SNAKE KIDThe sand sculpture never fails to amaze, you can come within a few feet of Hawk Creek’s inspiring birds of prey and this year a kid was seen walking on the midway with his emotional-support snake.

For just six bucks, it’s a sensational ride.

State Fair Hound has lots more reaction–what was great and what needs to be better–in upcoming posts. We’ll follow that with plans for tweaks to our own coverage for 2024 and beyond. Meanwhile, we thank our readers for letting us cover the New York State Fair the Hound’s way.

 

On The Trail, Day 13–Last Call

The final day of the 2023 New York State Fair arrives Monday with the observance of Labor Day.

The traditional parade kicks off near the cow birthing center at the western end of the grounds at 10:30. Following the procession down Broadway, unions will rally down near Chevy Court. RIDING BLUE ELEPHANT 16

It’s dollar day on the midway with all rides except the Broadway SkyLiner priced at a buck.

The Fair wraps on Monday with major buildings and the midway closing at 9 p.m.

In case you haven’t done everything, seen everything and eaten everything at this year’s Fair, here’s The Hound’s abbreviated State Fair can’t miss list:

The history and pageantry of the Iroquois village, a revered Fair tradition, tops the list.

If you haven’t gone into the Grange Building–next to the poultry barn–this year, don’t miss visiting the State Fair History exhibit. It should be an annual stop on the route for every Fair visitor, though it’s generally updated only a little from year to year. TROPHY 19There’s plenty of history and much of it is on display. Still, it’s one of those features  where you may notice something different every year.

BLACKSMITHThe stately Agriculture Museum is an architectural work of art full of fascinating artifacts and demonstrations of various old-time farming and homemaking skills. The Carriage Museum next door features a working blacksmith shop and a variety of wheeled vehicles that predate cars.

Among other highly-recommended favorites are Hawk Creek Wildlife Center’s winged wonders in the State Park area and the festive Pan African Village.

Some livestock has departed, butLOTSA GOATS there’s still enough around to fascinate and charm visitors, while the final performances of the Circus Hollywood are great fun for all ages and lady Houdini makes her final thrilling escape on Labor Day.

Of course, many fans arrive focused on one or two last meals as fabulous Fair food never fails to make taste buds tingle.

If you haven’t seen the sand sculpture, where have you been? It’s in the Center of Progress. Meanwhile those ferocious dinosaurs are terrorizing the Expo Center to the delight of large crowds of kids.

Future additions

The Governor’s office and the Fair announced several major agricultural projects during the Fair last year, improvements expected to cost over $34 million. Some changes were evident this year, including the new Tully’s stand and infrastructure changes–not sure they were improvements–near the cow barn.

A 2,500 square foot, solar-powered goat pavilion, providing an open-air space for goat shows, is slated to replace temporary facilities. It’s among the changes that were scheduled to open next year, but now projected for 2025.

The one-and-a-half to two-acre greenhouse and Horticultural Education Center, projected to be a state-of-the-art glass structure facility, powered by solar panels and featuring a rainwater collection filtration system. The greenhouse will allow for the on-site growing of local New York products and will double as an educational center.

A 15,000 square foot sheep barn and wool center, which will replace tents as housing for the sheep. SHEEP WALK 19The adjoining Wool Center, staffed by volunteers who educate the public about wool products and their uses, will be located inside the sheep barn, bringing the two elements under one roof for the first time. This new building is scheduled to open in time for the 2024 Fair.

Also planned are three 9,000 square foot stables will be built to supplement the Fair’s existing, older stables. They will be utilized during off-season horse shows as well as the Fair for 2024 and beyond.

 

On The Trail, Day 12–Brand New Chevy

The emergence of the Suburban Park–formerly Chevrolet Park–stage over the past few years has taken some of the spotlight off Chevrolet Court at the New York State Fair as both bookend stages host daily concerts.

SELFIEThe Fair badly needed an alternative to the overcrowding at the court that made it nearly impossible for many fans to derive maximum enjoyment there and they decided to use the Park stage for most of the acts they judge to become the bigger draws, attendance-wise.

At one time, there were plans to replace the Chevy Court stage and the adjoining building, moving them back to increase space in front of the stage. But that now seems to be unnecessary as placement of acts can be managed to steer the biggest crowds to Suburban Park, leaving moderately-sized audiences in Chevy Court.

Some acts still draw tens of thousands of fans to that area, but you don’t generally see the massive overflow of years past. In order to create space in that area, vendor tents were moved out of surrounding streets several years ago, likely sacrificing some revenue. Large projection screens now flank the stage to offer a view from afar.

Fair planners use an established method for estimating crowd size, based upon a grid system that looks at defined areas with previously-determined capacities and adding up the occupied areas. It’s still an approximation, but when you come down to it, the actual numbers aren’t as important as other essential questions with an enormous crowd performing there.

COURT CROWD DAY-15

Regulating the crowd has proven difficult. Attempts to control the spacing and movement of that many fans with temporary fencing has been largely unsuccessful, in some cases making the situation worse by creating barriers to people spreading out or moving out of overcrowded areas. COURT RULES 15The rule prohibiting smoking at Chevy Court, heartily endorsed by The Hound, is now being stringently enforced, with staff encouraging compliance with posted rules.

They even moved the Chevrolet display out of the venue named for it. In addition to creating a nice concert space, preserving Chevy Court  kept intact a Fair locale that is both prominent and pretty. The sprawling Suburban Park can’t match Chevy Court’s ambience. The grassy, tree-lined court area benefits from being surrounded by those handsome buildings and close to the wine court, restrooms and food stands.

Stone Faces

Chevrolet Court really is the quintessential Fair locale, primarily due to those stoic buildings, all around 100 years old. The Fairgrounds’ original design, created by Buffalo architects Green and Wicks in 1907, started with completion of what is currently known as the Center of Progress Building the following year. That design is most evident around the landscaped courtyard now known as Chevrolet Court, where a grouping of major buildings forms a rectangle running south of the main gate to the majestic Horticulture Building.

HORT ENT 19The Fair’s major buildings reflect styles of the turn of the century, developing trends of the early 20th century and strong local influences.The first phase of construction took about 20 years to complete, culminating with the erection of the major buildings by the late 1930s.

While there are definite similarities to the buildings–a number of them are crowned by a cupola–each has its own character, particularly in terms of decorative touches. A stroll around the court reveals the varied look of the buildings at the fair’s core.

The two most similar buildings face each other bordering Cole Muffler Court to the east and west. The Center of Progress Building is the sister building of the Science and Technology and Dairy complex, stylistically and relative to the original design plan as both are bordered by full-length columns.

One important similarity from building to building is the combination of a functional interior disguised by a more aesthetically appealing exterior. There’s no denying that the look of today’s Fair is sharply different than some of its predecessors. No surprise there, given the ages of the buildings. But the sturdy structures have survived, including the stint during World War II, when the Fairgrounds were used as a  military base.

Today, they are the very foundation of the New York State Fair, both beautiful and functional.

 

On The Trail, Day 11–Equine Energy

Every day is horse day at the New York State Fair as the graceful, four-legged beauties are ever-present with the International Horse Show and numerous events scheduled most days in the Coliseum. WHITE BEAUTY 18They no doubt rival cows as fan favorites when it comes to livestock.

Although hundreds of horses make Fair appearances, it can be difficult to get a close-up visit with horses on the grounds. Like many equine fans, State Fair Hound always tries to get into the main horse barn, but it’s usually closed to the general public, we’re told due to liability concerns. Very frustrating.

One effective workaround on this restriction is to make a trip to the 4-H stables and show rings–known as Silver Spurs Arena–at the western end of the grounds. There seems to be a less restricted, more visitor-friendly vibe there, so horse fans can get some good photos and an occasional pat on the neck as a reward for making the trek. Some of the aging structures were demolished in recent years, but there should be enough horses around to charm visitors.

4H HORSEThe youthful riders there bring great enthusiasm and commitment to their competition, so the 4-H area is an all-around positive experience. Visitors can view events from ringside bleachers or stroll the grounds and stables to get their horse-viewing fix. Irresistibly adorable miniature horses made their appearances in Silver Spurs Arena Thursday and they’re delightful. They’re riderless, of course, but they do pull buggies and jump fences and often accept gentle petting. Add it to your agenda for next year.

Horses and riders often warm up in the covered exercise ring next to the Coliseum, providing a close-up view as they gallop around. The open-air corral just west of the horse barn is another spot for workouts,  allowing the equine paparazzi some access.

Arriving early on any day of the Fair will offer opportunities to observe ranchers and handlers walking their steeds around the grounds, bathing them at one of the specially-designed pads or exercising them in the cool of the morning.GIRL WITHMINI

Unfortunately, the terrific World of Horses exhibit didn’t return this year to the mini-barn along Sioux Ave. near gate four, that has been utilized for many different horse projects over the years. There is, however, a program underway that allows visitors to   interact with select, people-friendly horses in that stable.

The International Horse Show includes many thrilling events, so be sure to check the Fair schedule and pull up a bleacher seat in the Coliseum for one or two.

Disconnected

You have to think back quite a few years to remember seeing people on the Fairgrounds dropping a coin into a pay phone in order to call for a ride, check on the family at home or connect with people at the office. PHONEToday, like everywhere else, the cell phone rules the State Fair world.

But why? When you think of all the Fair represents, it’s puzzling that so many tourists stare at that damn screen rather than savor the fabulous Fair. True, you can view the Fair website on the internet, but if you’re planning after you’ve arrived, you’re already behind.

Most tech-addicted people just can’t seem to look away or stash their phones. If they can’t do it at the Fair, there may be no hope for them.

Look up, folks!

Chapel Hart Burn

One of the few promising concerts in the New York State Fair lineup this year ricocheted between dynamic and off-target Wednesday evening at Chevy Court when country trio Chapel Hart played to a disappointing crowd that failed fill the benches.CH 2

The Mississippi trio started strong with original country material that showed off their lush harmony, hinting that this show would live up to its promise. But later they lost their way, covering several hits released by other performers, unfortunately including rock songs from Fleetwood Mac and Journey.

Lead singer Devynn Hart is charismatic and witty, but she doesn’t know when to stop talking and get back to music. Her mildly amusing monologues went way too long, particularly when she gushed about service members and veterans, leading into the ladies singing one of the hokiest, sappiest songs to ever hit the country charts, hypocritical lounge singer Lee Greenwood’s gratuitous “God Bless the USA.”

POINTDevynn Hart invoked legendary women Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton in her talks and Chapel Hart should follow their lead. Overall these ladies showed that they have genuine talent that deserves better presentation.

Another point that was clear on Wednesday is that the Fair has some work to do in terms of training security staff at Chevy Court. Some staff–not all–exhibit a rude and overzealous attitude that was in full force, even though the small audience could have allowed for a less rigid approach. They rarely ask politely, instead arrogantly acting as if any minor issue is a major security risk and treating customers with hostility. They also more subtlety interfere with fan enjoyment by carelessly blocking sight lines when there’s no reason to do so. Rude conduct is rampant at Chevy Court and State Fair employees shouldn’t add to it.

 

On The trail, Day 10–Sacred Shelter

LONGHOUSEPerennial visitors to the New York State Fair treasure the picturesque Iroquois Village as a peaceful oasis of nature, beautifully shaded by the leaves of ancient trees.

New York State–before it was New York State–was the homeland of the indigenous people who call themselves the Haudenosaunee (pronounced “ho DEN o SHAW nee”) which means “People of the Longhouse,” in their native language, a reference to the bark-covered shelter of their ancestors.

Longhouses were used as dwellings by the Iroquois people as recently as the 17th century. NEAR LONGHOUSEGrowing families brought in-laws, children and grandchildren into the homes, which could be partitioned to allow each smaller family unit to have its own separate quarters. The buildings usually measured about 18 feet wide and from 40 to 200 feet long, although some were even larger. Beds made of saplings covered with a mat of cattails and deerskin often furnished the interior.

The cylindrical buildings were central to the culture and identity of the Iroquois as several family units within a common clan lived harmoniously in a longhouse, just as the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations lived side-by-side in peace on the confederacy’s hills and valleys.

To illustrate the point, in 2000 Six Nations crafts people designed and constructed a replica of their traditional housing to commemorate the 75th year that visitors to the New York State Fair had been welcomed to the Iroquois Confederacy’s Indian Village. The traditional shelter of Six Nations families   took its place as a fascinating piece of authentic native history.

The building of the native structure that began with the turning of the rich soil, only a few hundred yards from the shore of the ancestral site now known as Onondaga Lake, is a process that holds tremendous significance in the heart of the Haudenosaunee people. After a crew of builders staked out ground under branches of a huge tree at the entrance to the grassy, park-like village, Six Nations Agricultural Society Superintendent Norman Jimerson presided over the ground breaking ceremony. INSIDE LONGHOUSEA blessing in the native language was offered by Seneca elder Philip Thompson with Cayuga elder Stanley Buck at his side, both colorfully attired in customary shirts, feather headdresses and necklaces.

Jimerson then recognized the contributions of members of each of the six nations, singling out head builder and wood carver Larry Jones and Joe Cummins, the supplier of the elm bark that tradition dictates must cover the wooden structure, for words of appreciation.

State Fair director Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. cited the close  relationship between the Fair and the native people and praised the new addition as “a dream come true,” recalling how Six Nations representatives and Fair officials had extensively researched and cooperatively planned the project. The original longhouse had to be rebuilt for the start of the 2011 Fair after an off-season storm extensively damaged the structure. The second incarnation now stands for Fair visitors to enjoy.

It is now an essential contribution to the Fair by the indigenous inhabitants of our neighborhood. The Six Nations are the original custodians of this beautiful land and it wouldn’t be the Fair without them. DREAMCATCHERSEvery day they present native dancers, festooned in colorful and finely-detailed costumes, performing historically-significant, traditional dances on the turtle mound stage.

Often described as the oldest participatory democracy on Earth, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s system of government was a model for the American Constitution. What makes it stand out as unique to other systems around the world is its blending of law and values. For the Haudenosaunee, law, society and nature are equal partners and each plays an important role.

A trip to the New York Sate Fair can’t be considered complete without a visit to the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Village.

 

On The Trail, Day 9–Udder Fascination

The marquee attractions of New York livestock–dairy cattle–return to the New York State Fair, taking up every inch of the 92,000-square-foot Exhibit Center. Farmers bring their cows in every summer for judging and competition, allowing visitors to stroll past these bovine superstars, maybe taking a photo or two or reaching out to pat their furry shoulders

Both youth and adult exhibitors come in from all over the Empire state to display thousands of animals including such breeds as Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Ayrshire and Shorthorn in barns on the grounds. COW LOVE [4077]The tradition goes back to the earliest fairs when farmers brought animals to market for sale. The animals were compared to each other, eventually leading to the more formalized judging done today.

The judging and competitions are open to the public, but most fair-goers simply enjoy strolling the hay-strewn floors at a leisurely pace. There’s also an opportunity to observe milking take place in the modern, glass-enclosed parlor.

The sprawling structure becomes a temporary home to farm owners and families while their animals are exhibited. Keeping an eye on their animals makes dairy farmers available to field questions from curious visitors. People walking through the barn often stop to ask questions about the cows that make such a profound contribution to their lives or the industry. Common questions include “Do You have to milk them daily?” and “Is this cow pregnant?”

PET BOSSYAlthough exhibitors may enjoy their time at the Fair, farming is their livelihood and business comes first. There are more than trophies and ribbons at stake when judging takes place. A cow’s value will actually increase if she wins in her class.

The primping that farmers do on their cows may make it seem like a beauty pageant, but the prettiest bossy isn’t necessarily most likely to take a blue ribbon. MILK BOTTLESThe judges are looking for a cow that will produce a lot of milk over a long period of time. A panel of experts scrutinizes the animals for several qualities that make it the most perfect example of the species in the ring that day.

Baby calves are very popular, both in the main barn and in the calf birthing tent, down past the Expo Center. Watching the actual births is not for everybody, but the newborns are irresistibly cute, photogenic and often within petting range. That adorable factor makes a visit worth the effort. BUTTER

Just across from the main cow barn is the Dairy Products Building, home to the Fair’s signature artwork, the butter sculpture. About 800 pounds of real New York butter is carved into statuary with each year featuring a different theme and design.

A few feet away, customers flock to the milk bar where chocolate, white and sometimes strawberry milk are sold in 25-cent cups. Ice cream and cheese vendors and the popular Belgian waffle stand are building mainstays.

Young Hearts

Stage shows, science projects, artworks, journalism, dog training, livestock raising and lots more are featured by the bright minds from across New York that are featured daily in the Youth Building. DRAWING

While participation presents great opportunities for the 4-H kids, they love to involve visitors in petting their dogs, trying out their projects, creating artwork and, most famously, holding baby chicks.

It’s a thrilling and delightful opportunity for the youngsters and their enthusiasm is contagious. Be sure to pay a visit–you’ll leave impressed.

On The Trail, Day 8–Country Cousins

When Chevrolet Court passers-by at the New York State Fair catch the sound of gorgeous harmonies emanating from the stage on Aug. 30, they may recognize covers of classic country songs like Loretta Lynn’s “Don’t Come Home A’drinkin’ “or Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight.” CHAPEL HART

If those songs cause music fans to turn their heads toward the stage, they may be surprised to see three young, African-American women doing the singing. The Mississippi ladies performing will be two sisters and their cousin who call their act Chapel Hart.

The trio gained notice in 2022 on the TV talent show America’s Got Talent. While their emergence will no doubt be seen as breaking cultural barriers, they seem to have a bright future beautifully blending their voices with old-fashioned country spirit.

GB CROWDThese country cousins respect tradition by covering ground that had been almost exclusively for white artists. Once you’ve heard them, it’s their sound that makes them special, not their appearance. Hall of Fame country singer Charley Pride was something of a novelty as an African American when he began, but he wouldn’t have become the legendary performer he surely was unless he flawlessly sang the notes while pouring his heart into the stories and emotions they captured.

Thus Chapel Hart seeks to follow the tradition of such country family acts as the Judds, the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, the Whites, the Forrester Sisters and even the Carter Family, acts carried by multiple women who were family. It isn’t often that you can say that a Chevy Court act features something we haven’t seen before, so Chapel Hart is a not-to-be-missed concert. Show time is 6 p.m.

The timing of this concert is perfect as Wednesday is Women’s Day at the New York State Fair. WOMEN DANCERSHome base for some of the observances is logically the Harriet May Mills Art and Home Center which will host various activities throughout the day. The classically-designed, pillar-enhanced structure, long known as the Women’s Building, hosts traditionally female-centric homemaking skills with artistic handicrafts, dresses, quilts, rugs and artworks prominently exhibited, while culinary masterpieces compete for ribbons.

This year marks the third New York State Fair under the administration of a woman governor, which boosts the significance of Women’s Day at the Fair.

While you’re in the Art and Home Center you can take a break at the Empire Theatre, located a few stairs above the ground floor, for a performance of magician Steve Trash. The dimly-lit auditorium offers comfortable chairs and air conditioning where you can relax and enjoy entertainment from local music, dance or acting troupes. Stage shows, often presented with youthful enthusiasm, are generally free of charge. The schedule of performances is listed on the Fair’s website and may be posted outside the building entrance nearest the Pan African Village.

Go upstairs to the musical instrument museum to enjoy some vintage pieces including several keyboard instruments. Follow the sound of music to the classic organs and a player piano. CIRCUSDownstairs, authentic model circuses and carnivals bring back historical memories of fairs past with colorful posters lining the surrounding walls.

If attending the New York State Fair means missing your favorite television cooking show, you can get a live chef lesson in the high-tech demonstration kitchen. The schedule is on the Fair website and posted outside the northern entrance to the building.

 

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