The 2024 New York State Fair arrives as a sweltering Central New York summer winds down. We can’t predict Fair weather with certainty, but the persistent heat that dogged us this summer may not relent as Labor Day approaches.

Even moderately warm days can feel hot on the Fairgrounds. When there’s a little humidity and penetrating sunshine, it’s best to have a strategy for enduring steamy conditions while enjoying the Fair.

Major buildings are air conditioned. That wasn’t always the case and senior Fair patrons remember the unbearable conditions on toasty days prior to building systems upgrades. AC is great. But when you’re outdoors, in barns or under tents, even a moderately hot day can be tough.

Wearing light clothing and drinking non-alcoholic beverages can help. Look for cooling station sprinklers around the grounds for a quick refresher. Smart fans wait for Chevy Court shows under the shade of umbrellas. The Iroquois Village and the State Parks grounds are among the best shady lunch spots.

Timing your Fair activity is a good idea, Try to enjoy your outdoor activities early in the day or after dark. As always, planning ahead and arriving with a strategy will serve you well.

It looks like there will be two frustrating nights for Fair fans competing for access and parking with people coming in for a concert at the Mistake-By-The-Lake amphitheater. The Hound has been told that Fair administration thinks the status quo is acceptable. Of course, they aren’t the ones sitting in a line of traffic for an hour or two.

There’s been more than enough said on State Fair Hound about this issue. Two large events that depend upon the same roadways to enter the same lots for parking, running simultaneously will inevitably sow chaos. We’ve seen it before and we’ll see it again, this year on both Thursdays, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28. Try to avoid entering in late afternoon and early evening on those two days.

According to longstanding tradition, the New York State Fair has designated the first Monday and Tuesday each year senior days. But days six and seven this year weren’t, perhaps because golden-agers over 65 years are being admitted free every day of the Fair. The absence of special senior days at the Fair isn’t surprising as recently they seemed to hold less significance than they did in years gone by.

Going back decades, senior days at Chevy Court featured seasoned performers from years past, going back to Debbie Reynolds, the Statler Brothers, James Darren, Al Martino, Neil Sedaka, Rosemary Clooney, the Bowser oldies show and Lawrence Welk cast members. More recently, a classic country (remember when the Fair had classic country?) revue from the famed Grand Ole Opry appeared on the stage at Chevy Court. Senior-friendly concerts were a tradition to which Marketing Director Joe LaGuardia held allegiance.

Conversely, the incompetent agency that currently books acts at Chevy Court apparently didn’t get the memo that senior-favored acts fill the benches year-after-year, although the return of Herman’s Hermits (Tuesday at 1 p.m.) is a good, though unimaginative, choice.

When meal time comes, gray-haired fans are likely to notice that such State Fair classic food vendors as the Grange Ox Roast, Baker’s Chicken Coop and Gianelli are missing and certainly missed. Senior patrons who flocked to the now-missing stands, will have to adjust and there are certainly still many tasty choices for Fair meals. The Eatery Building remains a retiree-friendly dining destination.

If free admission leads us to regard every day as senior day, there are no doubt plenty of events, exhibits and treats for the over-60 crowd to enjoy whenever they come. For instance, such beloved favorite bargains as buck-a-spud potatoes and fresh milk–white chocolate and maybe even strawberry–are still present and very popular. Watch for additional daily specials to further stretch your funds.

One difference from days of yore that shouldn’t be overlooked is that there is considerably more walkable space within the grounds since demolition of the grandstand and paving over of the ground once occupied by the track and infield.

As Hound readers know, planning ahead is always recommended before pulling into a State Fair parking lot and that’s especially true for anyone who’s looking to conserve energy, regardless of age. Thus, seniors would generally be advised to avoid the massive middle ground–which is mostly rides and kids’ stuff–in order to avoid exhaustion, which can certainly make a day at the Fair less enjoyable.

Prioritize your favorite attractions, plan some rest time and keep in mind that you can always come back another day for free–or $3–admission.

Monday is designated Law Enforcement Day so any current or retired police officer can gain free admission by flashing a badge. A parade in their honor down Broadway starts at 6 p.m.

Wednesday is Opening Day of the 2022 New York State Fair. That annual first, fresh look at the clean, bright Fairgrounds is always exhilarating. You could call this a rebound year as it’s back to normal in many ways after last year when things were, well, not normal.

The Fair continues its infuriating policy of accepting no cash for parking or gate admission, so plan ahead. The brown and orange lots have EZ Pass lanes. Logically, you would think that handing the attendant a five-dollar bill would be fine, but for some ridiculous reason, they won’t accept it.

There is a positive change though. The gates will open each morning at 9 a.m., a definite improvement over last year’s Cuomo-inspired 11 a.m. start time that left people waiting outside for hours.

Visitors will be able to enter in time to hear roosters greet the morning with crowing and to enjoy breakfast at one of several stands that serve such favorites as eggs and doughnuts.

Major buildings still don’t open until 10 a.m., but you may be able to gain early entry to some of the livestock barns. It’s also fascinating to watch midway ride operators and other exhibitors prepare for a wave of customers on the grounds.

Beat the traffic and the heat by passing through the gate as early as 9 a.m.

Traditionally, the first day of the Fair is also Governor’s Day. This is Kathy Hochul’s second Fair in office after her assent two weeks prior to opening day last year. She may hear questions about the mysterious departure of State Fair Director Troy Waffner, something that she has not fully explained.

Customers will find it easier to breathe clean air at the 2022 New York State Fair as smoking will be severely restricted throughout the grounds.

While smoking is already prohibited under state law inside Fairgrounds buildings and by Fair policy at the Chevy Court and Chevy Park concert venues, starting this year smokers will be limited to lighting up in various designated outdoor smoking areas, which are shown on visitor maps.

The location of the astonishing sand sculpture has changed–yes, again–back to the Center of Progress.

On opening day the sculpture is usually still under construction, so if you enjoy watching the artists work, this is a good day to visit.

Llamas, the fascinating South American mammals, return for the start of the Fair. They take up temporary residence in the swine and goat building, beginning opening day.

They’ll be herded out Saturday afternoon, so stop in early. They’re stunning creatures, especially up close.

Don’t miss wild and hilarious llama costume contest scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.

While visitors to the New York State Fair have their traditional favorite exhibits and events, every year the itinerary of special performers and entertainers staging shows around the grounds varies. Musical acts, stunt performers, talented animals and rib-tickling comedy provide a wide variety of free-of-charge shows sprinkled liberally throughout the day.

There are fewer acts this year than usual, but look for them in Central Park–the grassy area between the midway and the barns–or further west in the Family Fun Zone–the lawn between the Youth Building and the New York Experience pond.

Bleacher space for the more popular shows can fill up fast, so grab a portable snack, arrive early and take a break as you await showtime.

The marquee attraction this year will be the return of wet and wild performances by Sea Lion Splash in the Family Fun Zone. The chubby, mustached mammals have been absent from the Fair for several years and their encore will draw large crowds three times every weekday, four on weekends.

Make sure your camera is charged and ready as photos of the sideshows document some of your best Fair memories.

Several food stands along Broadway and Restaurant Row present bands and solo acts that are often surprisingly talented, adding an element of night club atmosphere to your Fair dinner.

Check the schedule and stay alert for appearances by such terrific wandering entertainers as Bandoloni and Hilby who have both become Fair regulars.

If you’re planning a trip to the New York State Fair on Thursday, early arrival is recommended as there will be a concert at 7:30 that evening at the Amphitheater, complicating the traffic and parking challenges.

It’s bad planning by amp organizers, but they do it every year, at least a couple of times.

In addition to Thursday, concerts are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27–a particularly stupid idea–and for Sep. 1, so plan ahead to avoid waiting in long lines of cars entering the lots.

We’ve heard that folks going a concert  won’t get free Fair admission this year, but it’s only three bucks, so stop complaining.

Precipitation Nation

The New York State Fair has barely recovered from saturated grounds after several days of heavy downpours prior to opening day, now there’s the possibility of more rain in the forecast for much of the next few days. But don’t stay home when it rains–add a layer of preparation and head out to the first-ever 18-day Fair.

In addition to the familiar buildings, many tents, food stands and pavilions offer shelter on the grounds.

While out in the open, you’ll find that dressing for wet weather always starts with a good jacket and water-resistant footwear, while an umbrella can be unwieldy in crowds, but still useful.

If you don’t already have some of those super-absorbent chamois towels, you can buy some in the Science and Industry Building. They’re great for drying off a place to sit whether on the tram, relaxing with a snack at picnic table or on a Chevy Court bench while taking in a show.

Speaking of shows, umbrellas will block views of those nearby, so try to do without them when the performance begins.

Remember that rain typically reduces crowd size, so it’s a good opportunity to navigate the grounds more easily. It’s all about your attitude. Let the rain roll off and savor another Fair experience.