We’re down to the last weekend as the Fair wraps on Monday.  

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. Don’t leave the Fair without seeing the fascinating dancing atop the Turtle Mound, daily at 11 a.m., 4 and 7 p.m.

If you haven’t gone into the Grange Building 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. There’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.

The 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. The debut Fair appearance of the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show can’t miss with dog lovers

Some livestock has departed, but there’s still enough around to fascinate and charm visitors, while the final performances of the Circus Hollywood (1, 4 and 7 p.m.) are great fun for all ages.

Of course, many fans arrive focused on one or two last meals, following their traditions to favorite vendors and sampling new treats.

If you haven’t seen the sand sculpture, where have you been? It’s in the Center of Progress.

It would be great if the weather is ideal for the final three days, but don’t let heat or rain keep you away. Go in prepared with appropriate clothing and a positive attitude and you’ll do just fine.

The final weekend is usually hectic with big crowds of fans getting their Fair fix. Arrive early and bring your patience.

Wednesday is Women’s Day at the New York State Fair, featuring a mini-fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Court Pavilion featuring many advocacy groups for women. Stop by to get information, learn, and ask questions.

Wednesday is also sensory friendly Day. No really.

OK, we admit it. This day strikes us as kind of weird. It would seem that there aren’t many people who are seriously sensitive to lights, sounds and music and that tiny sliver of the population may be less likely to enjoy this big, bright, loud event. But OK, let’s not exclude anyone. If you want a lower-intensity State Fair with reduced sound volume and brightness, this is the day for you. Enjoy.

The men and women of fire, emergency services and EMS agencies, active or retired, get free admission to the New York State Fair on Tuesday with a picture ID from their department or organization.

A ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building, starting at 11:00am. And the parade steps off from the back of the Exposition Center at 6 p.m.

Hilby will begin staging his performances featuring juggling, unicycle riding, wisecracks and antics with three shows Tuesday.

Celebrate Maple Day Monday with the New York Maple Association. Their ice cream is one of the Fair’s best desserts and their stock of syrup, fudge, creams and candies make great take-home gifts.

Law Enforcement Day 

Also on Monday, men and women of law enforcement in New York State are honored with free admission. The annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony starts at Noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building and the parade starts at 6 p.m.

 State Parks Day

Trifecta–Stop by to celebrate our terrific New York State Parks, located in front of the Horticulture Building. This year they’ll have animal exhibits near the reflecting pool. Admission today will be free for customers who present a New York State Parks Empire Pass, Liberty Pass, or Access Pass.

Wednesday the first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day, the New York State Fair,  honors the LGBTQ community with a parade and other festivities throughout the day.

Later, you can witness approximately 100 people as they pledge their allegiance to the United States and become Americans. The ceremony will be held at the Art & Home Center.

Also today (and again on Aug. 29), the Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting free fishing event from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the pond near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.

The final day of the 2024 New York State Fair arrives Monday with the observance of Labor Day.

Labor union marchers begin their traditional parade near the cow birthing center at the western end of the grounds at 10:30. Following the procession down Broadway, they will rally down near Chevy Court.

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.

On Labor Day, Chevy Court concerts start at 12:00pm and 4:00 p.m., while Jackyl’s Suburban Park concert starts at 6:00 pm.

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. Don’t leave the Fair without seeing the fascinating dancing atop the Turtle Mound, daily at 11 a.m., 4 and 7 p.m.

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. There’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.

The 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, but there’s still enough around to fascinate and charm visitors, while the final performances of the Circus Hollywood (11 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m.) are great fun for all ages.

Of course, many fans arrive focused on one or two last meals, following their traditions to favorite vendors and sampling new treats.

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.

It looks like the weather will be autumn-cool, but sunny. For those discouraged by rain over the past few days, here’s one last chance to savor the Fair.