During the 2015 New York State Fair, your State Fair Hound has greatly increased the site’s photo file, many new images having been shot by crack Hound photojournalist, Nick LoPresti. Saturday Nick, defying all risk, took some new pics from the Observation Tower ride, new to the Wade Shows midway this year (Tower of Power, Aug. 8, 2015).

The photos shot from the 100-foot-tall ride offer a proverbial birds-eye view of nearby rides, the infield and buildings near and far.

The Hound appreciates the courtesy of Wade Shows staff in getting Nick airborne early for these panoramic shots.

There seems to have been some confusion in information distributed by the Fair regarding on the date that the City Market would be on the grounds. A couple of dozen vendors were set up behind Chevy Court on Saturday Aug. 29 and, as far as the Hound knows, that’s the only scheduled date. Too bad, because it was a dandy addition that day as the antique dealers and flea market vendors had a busy spot with plenty of traffic.

Fair patrons browsed furniture, jewelry, candles, artwork, pottery, musical instruments and collectables, sheltered by tents on a sunny day. The sellers are some of the folks that set up at the monthly market in Armory Square.

The Hound hopes to see this colorful and creative event become a regular feature of the Fair. It’s another winner.

Some of the best new features noticed by the Hound as he wandered the Fair on opening day weren’t heavily publicized, but are great new wrinkles.

This roaring dinosaur character was seen posing with friends young and old as he roamed the wild terrain near the main gate. Rexie the T-Rex is a newcomer to the Fairgrounds and is likely to become a favorite among the roaming characters.

The Hound was really impressed with an expanded maple display that balances the nearby maple sales and product showcase. It’s an extravagantly assembled exhibit featuring tree tapping gear and a sap boiler. Sample tastes are available nearby.

The newly-paved paths in the Iroquois Village have a classy mottled look and grainy texture that help preserve the rustic feel of the land around the Turtle Mound, exhibit buildings and souvenir huts. The one pictured leads to the historic longhouse.

One established Fair vendor, King David’s isn’t in its customary location outside the Grange Building. The Hound hopes to sniff it out soon as he loves chowing down on their Middle Eastern cuisine. More on that later.