One really good reason to love the Fair is its wide range of exhibits. Sure, it’s the food, the rides and the entertainment, but you can get so much more out of a day touring the grounds.

Last year we told you about Future of Nursing: New York State Action Coalition exhibit in the Hall of Health section of the Science and Industry Building. It’s back this year, to discuss the ongoing and dramatic changes in our health care system and the variety of approaches NYSAC is using to ensure that nurses play a key role in health care transformation in New York. Professional leaders and representatives of New York State colleges that offer nursing programs will be on-hand to discuss a statewide initiative on the future of nursing, and the opportunities available to people interested in pursuing a nursing degree. The Hound loves nurses, so pay them a visit.

While in the neighborhood, visit some of the other exhibits in the Hall of Health which was upgraded with a brighter, cleaner look last year. Health care organizations and charitable groups are on hand with knowledgeable staff to offer advice, referral services and even some free stuff.

Last year we especially appreciated the fire safety display which went from cartoonish to polished and professional. The kids will love it.

By now you should be planning your trip(s) to the 2015 New York State Fair, so here’s a reminder to stop by the Grange Building, which is opposite the Dairy Products Building back door, behind the milk bar, to tour the State Fair history exhibit.

The second year of the display, 2014, included subtle changes to an artistic and fascinating stroll through photos, artifacts and text that every State Fair aficionado should re-visit annually. We’ve found that each trip you make brings new discoveries and triggers warm memories. We often hear patrons commenting on events they remember, concerts they attended and history they witnessed there. The souvenir shop is a great spot to find one-of-a-kind Fair memorabilia to take home.

Speaking of Fair memorabilia, the New York State Department of Transportation setup in the Center of Progress Building will be accepting applications for a new license plate featuring the State Fair logo. We’ll visit DOT during the Fair and report back with all the details.

State Fair Hound hopes that you never miss a chance to enjoy exhibits featuring the Empire State’s finest agricultural products displayed inside the Horticulture Building. The flower and vegetable competitions can inspire the home gardener in us all.

Our favorite is the western wing, home to the honey, apple and maple displays. There we can not only look, but also taste our home state’s best. If you haven’t tried the maple ice cream, be sure to do it this year.

Don’t forget that the theme continues just outside the door with the fragrant and majestic Christmas trees. There you can see and touch the beautiful trees and wreaths, learn about the various species and get some ideas for your own holiday decorating. Nick LoPresti took these photos at last year’s New York State Fair.

The New York State Fair history exhibit in the Grange Building is this year’s best new addition, sure to spark a ton of great memories for Fair fans. The Fair went first class in building an entire new gallery with an entrance modeled after the old carriage main gate. Right at the entrance is a scale model of entire Fairgrounds

Inside, an illustrated timeline of major events in Fair history includes the 1998 Opening of the Pan African Village, 1999 Veterans’ Memorial built, the first one million attendance year in 2001, and the 2002 dedication of the 9-11 Memorial, though there was no mention that Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. was director for all of those milestones. We’re confident that Cappuccilli’s legacy will remember him as one of the great directors, despite efforts by the overzealous Andrew Cuomo and a short-sighted local press to portray him negatively.

A map and text run through the history of locations where the Fair has been staged, and a unnecessarily large graph documenting attendance growth don’t generate much excitement, but they’re only the beginning.
The Sports at the Fair wall illustrates harness racing from 1901, auto racing and an air show from the 20s, a 1970s demolition derby and stock car races, once one of the Fair’s leading traditions. A tractor pull, rodeo, boxing and the 2010 outdoor hockey game are also memorialized.

The gallery of entertainer photos is a dynamic trip down memory lane, with photos of such Fair stars as Sonny and Cher, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Britney Spears, Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart, Donny and Marie, Bill Cosby, Whitney Houston, the Judds, Reba McEntire, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, Charley Daniels and Bon Jovi—not from this year, obviously. There’s even a shot of Buckethead from the Midway Music Series.

There are also tributes to agricultural events, 4-H, the State Police and a colorful wall and video screen dedicated to the Iroquois village, unfortunately referred to as the “Indian Village.” The 10-piece butter sculpture models, James E. Strates Shows posters lead into such memorabilia treasures as trains and carnival models, ribbons, trophies and midway gems. An 18-minute video from 1969 shows Anita Bryant performing and the famous jet-pack stunt man flying over the gate.

See if you can spot the mistake, an historical inaccuracy on the wall with photos of famous political figures from Teddy Roosevelt to the Clintons. That may be the only error in a dazzling display. There may be room for improvement and expansion, but it’s a smashing debut to what should become one of those beloved every- year, must-see fan favorites.
Photos by Nick LoPresti