Opening Day is always a great time to visit the New York State Fair. 
You may even see Andy Cuomo, New York’s governor, while traversing the grounds as he usually shows up to cut a ribbon, make a speech and gobble a sausage sandwich.
Not everyone is a fan of the Gov–such is politics. But you have to recognize, he’s arranged for a lot of improvements to our beloved fair, so put aside differences and join the celebration, at least for today.
From any angle, the New York State Fair is sensational. It starts Wednesday.
It may make your trip to the New York State Fair easier to navigate if you check available traffic cameras before heading to Geddes.
For one site, you can go to the State Fair website, select “your visit,” then click “plan your trip,” then “parking and transportation.” You’ll see the 511NY logo, which will route you to that site. There are several cameras on the map that are near the Fairgrounds that will help you get an idea how things are looking around the parking areas.
The WeatherBug site also has several views of nearby traffic.
Timing matters when going to the Fair and knowing whether traffic is flowing smoothly or bogged down can help you decide he best times to go.
Car pool if you can and remember that taking a bus is always an option, too.
Join the crowd at Chevrolet Court to hear the concert of your choice, unless you’re fan of traditional-style country music, which continues to be blackballed by Fair promoters (Triangulation, July 15, 2019). Check the schedule and plan ahead to get a good spot. Don’t forget the Experience Stage as it grows in popularity.
The full list of attractions scheduled at the 2019 New York State Fair in now available on the website (nysfair.ny.gov) and it includes several new acts.
Wild animals are featured performers for Bearadise Ranch and Wolves of The World, in addition to perennial favorite Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, which brings in birds of prey. 
The domesticated, yet wildly entertaining dogs of K9s in Flight will also perform, while human stars Hilby and Bandoloni will return. Also back are the Coronas Circus and the SkyRiver Butterflies.
Three unusual additions are hypnotism master Marshal Manlove, holding court in the Art and Home Center’s Empire Theater, a live character illusion called The Living Wall and nine-foot-tall Rock-It the Robot. Most acts run three shows per day.
Pyrotechnics fans should make note that the annual fireworks display will blast off this year on Saturday, Aug. 31, not the usual Labor Day evening.
Also–remember that the sand sculpture has returned to the Center of Progress.
From the Fair’s homepage, select “Fair attractions page.”
The butterfly tent in the Horticulture Building has become a perennial favorite at the New York State Fair.
Take a balanced approach to winning a prize on the Wades Shows midway at the New York State Fair.
The New York State Fair has announced plans to open a new parking lot one mile from the main gate.
The 10.5- acre lot is still under construction on property purchased from Honeywell, just east of the Fairgrounds. Vehicles would have to enter on Willis Avenue at the intersection of State Fair Boulevard. Shuttle buses would then transport patrons west on the Boulevard to Gate 10.
The new lot has an estimated 1800 parking spaces, so its a significant and much-needed boost to Fair parking accommodations.
The usual $5 per car fee would apply while round-trip bus service would be free. 
The only practical way to approach the entrance to the lot would be to drive north on Willis Ave, which makes it most accessible from Solvay, Tipperary Hill and the western suburbs.
Other changes were announced that pertain to Centro Park-and-Ride service to the Fair, so check ahead before heading to your favorite parking site.
History is on display every day at the New York State Fair. This exhibit in the Iroquois Village recalls a way of life that’s centuries old.
Many of the favorite once-a-year experiences at the New York State Fair involve animals.
Patting a cow, riding a pony, petting a sheep, feeding a duck or cradling baby chick in your hands–as this boy is doing–are wondrous moments for many kids.
It’s a great chance for families to put down the smart phone and participate in a real life moment.
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