On the trail | State Fair Hound

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On The Trail, Day 13–Last Call

On September 3, 2023

The final day of the 2023 New York State Fair arrives Monday with the observance of Labor Day.

The traditional parade kicks off near the cow birthing center at the western end of the grounds at 10:30. Following the procession down Broadway, unions 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.

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.

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 are great fun for all ages and lady Houdini makes her final thrilling escape on Labor Day.

Of course, many fans arrive focused on one or two last meals as fabulous Fair food never fails to make taste buds tingle.

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.

Future additions

The Governor’s office and the Fair announced several major agricultural projects during the Fair last year, improvements expected to cost over $34 million. Some changes were evident this year, including the new Tully’s stand and infrastructure changes–not sure they were improvements–near the cow barn.

A 2,500 square foot, solar-powered goat pavilion, providing an open-air space for goat shows, is slated to replace temporary facilities. It’s among the changes that were scheduled to open next year, but now projected for 2025.

The one-and-a-half to two-acre greenhouse and Horticultural Education Center, projected to be a state-of-the-art glass structure facility, powered by solar panels and featuring a rainwater collection filtration system. The greenhouse will allow for the on-site growing of local New York products and will double as an educational center.

A 15,000 square foot sheep barn and wool center, which will replace tents as housing for the sheep. The adjoining Wool Center, staffed by volunteers who educate the public about wool products and their uses, will be located inside the sheep barn, bringing the two elements under one roof for the first time. This new building is scheduled to open in time for the 2024 Fair.

Also planned are three 9,000 square foot stables will be built to supplement the Fair’s existing, older stables. They will be utilized during off-season horse shows as well as the Fair for 2024 and beyond.

On The Trail, Day 12–Brand New Chevy

By State Fair Hound

On September 2, 2023

In Concert critiques, On the trail

The emergence of the Suburban Park–formerly Chevrolet Park–stage over the past few years has taken some of the spotlight off Chevrolet Court at the New York State Fair as both bookend stages host daily concerts.

The Fair badly needed an alternative to the overcrowding at the court that made it nearly impossible for many fans to derive maximum enjoyment there and they decided to use the Park stage for most of the acts they judge to become the bigger draws, attendance-wise.

At one time, there were plans to replace the Chevy Court stage and the adjoining building, moving them back to increase space in front of the stage. But that now seems to be unnecessary as placement of acts can be managed to steer the biggest crowds to Suburban Park, leaving moderately-sized audiences in Chevy Court.

Some acts still draw tens of thousands of fans to that area, but you don’t generally see the massive overflow of years past. In order to create space in that area, vendor tents were moved out of surrounding streets several years ago, likely sacrificing some revenue. Large projection screens now flank the stage to offer a view from afar.

Fair planners use an established method for estimating crowd size, based upon a grid system that looks at defined areas with previously-determined capacities and adding up the occupied areas. It’s still an approximation, but when you come down to it, the actual numbers aren’t as important as other essential questions with an enormous crowd performing there.

Regulating the crowd has proven difficult. Attempts to control the spacing and movement of that many fans with temporary fencing has been largely unsuccessful, in some cases making the situation worse by creating barriers to people spreading out or moving out of overcrowded areas. The rule prohibiting smoking at Chevy Court, heartily endorsed by The Hound, is now being stringently enforced, with staff encouraging compliance with posted rules.

They even moved the Chevrolet display out of the venue named for it. In addition to creating a nice concert space, preserving Chevy Court kept intact a Fair locale that is both prominent and pretty. The sprawling Suburban Park can’t match Chevy Court’s ambience. The grassy, tree-lined court area benefits from being surrounded by those handsome buildings and close to the wine court, restrooms and food stands.

Stone Faces

Chevrolet Court really is the quintessential Fair locale, primarily due to those stoic buildings, all around 100 years old. The Fairgrounds’ original design, created by Buffalo architects Green and Wicks in 1907, started with completion of what is currently known as the Center of Progress Building the following year. That design is most evident around the landscaped courtyard now known as Chevrolet Court, where a grouping of major buildings forms a rectangle running south of the main gate to the majestic Horticulture Building.

The Fair’s major buildings reflect styles of the turn of the century, developing trends of the early 20th century and strong local influences.The first phase of construction took about 20 years to complete, culminating with the erection of the major buildings by the late 1930s.

While there are definite similarities to the buildings–a number of them are crowned by a cupola–each has its own character, particularly in terms of decorative touches. A stroll around the court reveals the varied look of the buildings at the fair’s core.

The two most similar buildings face each other bordering Cole Muffler Court to the east and west. The Center of Progress Building is the sister building of the Science and Technology and Dairy complex, stylistically and relative to the original design plan as both are bordered by full-length columns.

One important similarity from building to building is the combination of a functional interior disguised by a more aesthetically appealing exterior. There’s no denying that the look of today’s Fair is sharply different than some of its predecessors. No surprise there, given the ages of the buildings. But the sturdy structures have survived, including the stint during World War II, when the Fairgrounds were used as a military base.

Today, they are the very foundation of the New York State Fair, both beautiful and functional.

On The Trail, Day 11–Equine Energy

By State Fair Hound

On September 1, 2023

In Livestock news, On the trail

Every day is horse day at the New York State Fair as the graceful, four-legged beauties are ever-present with the International Horse Show and numerous events scheduled most days in the Coliseum. They no doubt rival cows as fan favorites when it comes to livestock.

Although hundreds of horses make Fair appearances, it can be difficult to get a close-up visit with horses on the grounds. Like many equine fans, State Fair Hound always tries to get into the main horse barn, but it’s usually closed to the general public, we’re told due to liability concerns. Very frustrating.

One effective workaround on this restriction is to make a trip to the 4-H stables and show rings–known as Silver Spurs Arena–at the western end of the grounds. There seems to be a less restricted, more visitor-friendly vibe there, so horse fans can get some good photos and an occasional pat on the neck as a reward for making the trek. Some of the aging structures were demolished in recent years, but there should be enough horses around to charm visitors.

The youthful riders there bring great enthusiasm and commitment to their competition, so the 4-H area is an all-around positive experience. Visitors can view events from ringside bleachers or stroll the grounds and stables to get their horse-viewing fix. Irresistibly adorable miniature horses made their appearances in Silver Spurs Arena Thursday and they’re delightful. They’re riderless, of course, but they do pull buggies and jump fences and often accept gentle petting. Add it to your agenda for next year.

Horses and riders often warm up in the covered exercise ring next to the Coliseum, providing a close-up view as they gallop around. The open-air corral just west of the horse barn is another spot for workouts, allowing the equine paparazzi some access.

Arriving early on any day of the Fair will offer opportunities to observe ranchers and handlers walking their steeds around the grounds, bathing them at one of the specially-designed pads or exercising them in the cool of the morning.

Unfortunately, the terrific World of Horses exhibit didn’t return this year to the mini-barn along Sioux Ave. near gate four, that has been utilized for many different horse projects over the years. There is, however, a program underway that allows visitors to interact with select, people-friendly horses in that stable.

The International Horse Show includes many thrilling events, so be sure to check the Fair schedule and pull up a bleacher seat in the Coliseum for one or two.

Disconnected

You have to think back quite a few years to remember seeing people on the Fairgrounds dropping a coin into a pay phone in order to call for a ride, check on the family at home or connect with people at the office. Today, like everywhere else, the cell phone rules the State Fair world.

But why? When you think of all the Fair represents, it’s puzzling that so many tourists stare at that damn screen rather than savor the fabulous Fair. True, you can view the Fair website on the internet, but if you’re planning after you’ve arrived, you’re already behind.

Most tech-addicted people just can’t seem to look away or stash their phones. If they can’t do it at the Fair, there may be no hope for them.

Look up, folks!

On The trail, Day 10–Sacred Shelter

By State Fair Hound

On August 31, 2023

In Blue ribbon exhibits, On the trail

Perennial visitors to the New York State Fair treasure the picturesque Iroquois Village as a peaceful oasis of nature, beautifully shaded by the leaves of ancient trees.

New York State–before it was New York State–was the homeland of the indigenous people who call themselves the Haudenosaunee (pronounced “ho DEN o SHAW nee”) which means “People of the Longhouse,” in their native language, a reference to the bark-covered shelter of their ancestors.

Longhouses were used as dwellings by the Iroquois people as recently as the 17th century. Growing families brought in-laws, children and grandchildren into the homes, which could be partitioned to allow each smaller family unit to have its own separate quarters. The buildings usually measured about 18 feet wide and from 40 to 200 feet long, although some were even larger. Beds made of saplings covered with a mat of cattails and deerskin often furnished the interior.

The cylindrical buildings were central to the culture and identity of the Iroquois as several family units within a common clan lived harmoniously in a longhouse, just as the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations lived side-by-side in peace on the confederacy’s hills and valleys.

To illustrate the point, in 2000 Six Nations crafts people designed and constructed a replica of their traditional housing to commemorate the 75th year that visitors to the New York State Fair had been welcomed to the Iroquois Confederacy’s Indian Village. The traditional shelter of Six Nations families took its place as a fascinating piece of authentic native history.

The building of the native structure that began with the turning of the rich soil, only a few hundred yards from the shore of the ancestral site now known as Onondaga Lake, is a process that holds tremendous significance in the heart of the Haudenosaunee people. After a crew of builders staked out ground under branches of a huge tree at the entrance to the grassy, park-like village, Six Nations Agricultural Society Superintendent Norman Jimerson presided over the ground breaking ceremony. A blessing in the native language was offered by Seneca elder Philip Thompson with Cayuga elder Stanley Buck at his side, both colorfully attired in customary shirts, feather headdresses and necklaces.

Jimerson then recognized the contributions of members of each of the six nations, singling out head builder and wood carver Larry Jones and Joe Cummins, the supplier of the elm bark that tradition dictates must cover the wooden structure, for words of appreciation.

State Fair director Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. cited the close relationship between the Fair and the native people and praised the new addition as “a dream come true,” recalling how Six Nations representatives and Fair officials had extensively researched and cooperatively planned the project. The original longhouse had to be rebuilt for the start of the 2011 Fair after an off-season storm extensively damaged the structure. The second incarnation now stands for Fair visitors to enjoy.

It is now an essential contribution to the Fair by the indigenous inhabitants of our neighborhood. The Six Nations are the original custodians of this beautiful land and it wouldn’t be the Fair without them. Every day they present native dancers, festooned in colorful and finely-detailed costumes, performing historically-significant, traditional dances on the turtle mound stage.

Often described as the oldest participatory democracy on Earth, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s system of government was a model for the American Constitution. What makes it stand out as unique to other systems around the world is its blending of law and values. For the Haudenosaunee, law, society and nature are equal partners and each plays an important role.

A trip to the New York Sate Fair can’t be considered complete without a visit to the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Village.

On The Trail, Day 9–Udder Fascination

By State Fair Hound

On August 30, 2023

In On the trail

The marquee attractions of New York livestock–dairy cattle–return to the New York State Fair, taking up every inch of the 92,000-square-foot Exhibit Center. Farmers bring their cows in every summer for judging and competition, allowing visitors to stroll past these bovine superstars, maybe taking a photo or two or reaching out to pat their furry shoulders

Both youth and adult exhibitors come in from all over the Empire state to display thousands of animals including such breeds as Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Ayrshire and Shorthorn in barns on the grounds. The tradition goes back to the earliest fairs when farmers brought animals to market for sale. The animals were compared to each other, eventually leading to the more formalized judging done today.

The judging and competitions are open to the public, but most fair-goers simply enjoy strolling the hay-strewn floors at a leisurely pace. There’s also an opportunity to observe milking take place in the modern, glass-enclosed parlor.

The sprawling structure becomes a temporary home to farm owners and families while their animals are exhibited. Keeping an eye on their animals makes dairy farmers available to field questions from curious visitors. People walking through the barn often stop to ask questions about the cows that make such a profound contribution to their lives or the industry. Common questions include “Do You have to milk them daily?” and “Is this cow pregnant?”

Although exhibitors may enjoy their time at the Fair, farming is their livelihood and business comes first. There are more than trophies and ribbons at stake when judging takes place. A cow’s value will actually increase if she wins in her class.

The primping that farmers do on their cows may make it seem like a beauty pageant, but the prettiest bossy isn’t necessarily most likely to take a blue ribbon. The judges are looking for a cow that will produce a lot of milk over a long period of time. A panel of experts scrutinizes the animals for several qualities that make it the most perfect example of the species in the ring that day.

Baby calves are very popular, both in the main barn and in the calf birthing tent, down past the Expo Center. Watching the actual births is not for everybody, but the newborns are irresistibly cute, photogenic and often within petting range. That adorable factor makes a visit worth the effort.

Just across from the main cow barn is the Dairy Products Building, home to the Fair’s signature artwork, the butter sculpture. About 800 pounds of real New York butter is carved into statuary with each year featuring a different theme and design.

A few feet away, customers flock to the milk bar where chocolate, white and sometimes strawberry milk are sold in 25-cent cups. Ice cream and cheese vendors and the popular Belgian waffle stand are building mainstays.

Young Hearts

Stage shows, science projects, artworks, journalism, dog training, livestock raising and lots more are featured by the bright minds from across New York that are featured daily in the Youth Building.

While participation presents great opportunities for the 4-H kids, they love to involve visitors in petting their dogs, trying out their projects, creating artwork and, most famously, holding baby chicks.

It’s a thrilling and delightful opportunity for the youngsters and their enthusiasm is contagious. Be sure to pay a visit–you’ll leave impressed.

On The Trail, Day 8–Country Cousins

By State Fair Hound

On August 29, 2023

In Blue ribbon exhibits, Concert critiques, On the trail

When Chevrolet Court passers-by at the New York State Fair catch the sound of gorgeous harmonies emanating from the stage on Aug. 30, they may recognize covers of classic country songs like Loretta Lynn’s “Don’t Come Home A’drinkin’ “or Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight.”

If those songs cause music fans to turn their heads toward the stage, they may be surprised to see three young, African-American women doing the singing. The Mississippi ladies performing will be two sisters and their cousin who call their act Chapel Hart.

The trio gained notice in 2022 on the TV talent show America’s Got Talent. While their emergence will no doubt be seen as breaking cultural barriers, they seem to have a bright future beautifully blending their voices with old-fashioned country spirit.

These country cousins respect tradition by covering ground that had been almost exclusively for white artists. Once you’ve heard them, it’s their sound that makes them special, not their appearance. Hall of Fame country singer Charley Pride was something of a novelty as an African American when he began, but he wouldn’t have become the legendary performer he surely was unless he flawlessly sang the notes while pouring his heart into the stories and emotions they captured.

Thus Chapel Hart seeks to follow the tradition of such country family acts as the Judds, the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, the Whites, the Forrester Sisters and even the Carter Family, acts carried by multiple women who were family. It isn’t often that you can say that a Chevy Court act features something we haven’t seen before, so Chapel Hart is a not-to-be-missed concert. Show time is 6 p.m.

The timing of this concert is perfect as Wednesday is Women’s Day at the New York State Fair. Home base for some of the observances is logically the Harriet May Mills Art and Home Center which will host various activities throughout the day. The classically-designed, pillar-enhanced structure, long known as the Women’s Building, hosts traditionally female-centric homemaking skills with artistic handicrafts, dresses, quilts, rugs and artworks prominently exhibited, while culinary masterpieces compete for ribbons.

This year marks the third New York State Fair under the administration of a woman governor, which boosts the significance of Women’s Day at the Fair.

While you’re in the Art and Home Center you can take a break at the Empire Theatre, located a few stairs above the ground floor, for a performance of magician Steve Trash. The dimly-lit auditorium offers comfortable chairs and air conditioning where you can relax and enjoy entertainment from local music, dance or acting troupes. Stage shows, often presented with youthful enthusiasm, are generally free of charge. The schedule of performances is listed on the Fair’s website and may be posted outside the building entrance nearest the Pan African Village.

Go upstairs to the musical instrument museum to enjoy some vintage pieces including several keyboard instruments. Follow the sound of music to the classic organs and a player piano. Downstairs, authentic model circuses and carnivals bring back historical memories of fairs past with colorful posters lining the surrounding walls.

If attending the New York State Fair means missing your favorite television cooking show, you can get a live chef lesson in the high-tech demonstration kitchen. The schedule is on the Fair website and posted outside the northern entrance to the building.

On The Trail, Day 6–Sweet Gallons and Sharp Talons

By State Fair Hound

On August 27, 2023

In Chowing down, On the trail

Among the many most-visited structures at the New York State Fair is the Horticulture Building, home to the sweet liquid gold called New York Maple syrup. The large corner stand always seems to have a steady stream of customers eager to take home a bottle of bronze liquid, a favorite maple candy or a specialty items from maple sugar, to granola, popcorn, cotton candy, and coated peanuts or cashews. Don’t forget the spreads, creams, popcorn, flavored coffee and frosted doughnuts.

You can celebrate Maple Day at the Fair Monday with it’s popular soft-serve maple ice cream, sold in a corner near the back door. You choose a cone or bowl, or maybe a milkshake.

The one product that for many tastes best captures the deliciousness of New York’s sharply contrasting seasons, the sweet velvet of maple syrup, does a booming business annually from its prime location among its Hort neighbors. The Empire State is the second largest maple-producing state in the US, following a tradition that dates back to the first maple gatherers, Native Americans.

New York Maple Producers have the biggest stand in the building–1200 square feet occupying one whole side of the wing–as well as one of the oldest stands on the grounds. Though nearly every New Yorker has drizzled their pancakes or waffles with gooey maple syrup, more than two dozen consignors produce an inspired variety of products to satisfy rabid maple lovers.

Containers of syrup ranging from 3.4 oz. bottles to gallon jugs, glass or plastic, including decorative containers that make better gifts than the tacky trinkets sold on the midway. In addition to the economic boost from sales to Fair customers, maple producers compete for bragging rights by entering their products for judging. A glass trophy case displays winners of ribbons in State Fair competition for syrup, candy, creams, condiments and treats.

Awards are issued strictly for Empire State products submitted to the Fair. Any New York state maple producer can bring products in to be judged. Champions are chosen in different categories, including light syrup, medium syrup, dark syrup, sugar candy, granulated sugar, creams among other various categories. Ribbons are awarded early in the Fair with winning products put on display. Overall scores determine a grand champion.

While product sales are important, consumer exposure and promotion of New York maple are as important as the bottom line. Year-after-year, State Fair customers come back for more.

Peak Performers

After getting your maple fix, step outside the Horticulture Building and circumnavigate the glistening reflecting pool to visit the amazing birds of prey presented by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.

These feathered superstars have become a favorite annual feature of the Fair, perhaps the only time you will get so close to these incredible flying predators. Their rescue stories are truly inspirational, their physical characteristics striking. Rescued and rehabilitated eagles, falcons, owls, vultures and, of course, hawks are on display in the tent. Knowledgeable staff present them daily at 11 a.m., 2:15 and 4:30 p.m., balancing fascinating talks with high-flying performances.

Visitors who make a modest contribution to this incredible wildlife rescue organization can even get to hold one of the birds for a souvenir photo. Don’t miss it.

On The Trail, Day 5–Flash and Dash

By State Fair Hound

On August 26, 2023

In Hound's view, On the trail

Every so often, State Fair Hound switches to a wide-angle lens to remind readers how much there is within the border of the New York State Fair. Each year brings some changes for better or worse, but it’s always an astounding and mind-blowing event.

Regular readers know very well that The Hound is a big believer in planning for your day at the Fair. If you put a focus on activities you enjoy most, you’re much more likely to great day on the grounds. It’s not a bad idea to unfold your Fair map and choose a route, at least informally, so you can save steps and energy while making sure you make it to all of your favorites.

The big picture is dazzling, for sure. Our Fair has just about anything you call entertainment. When you start making a list–as we did–it’s hard to stop.. There’s music, fine art, gardening, nature, livestock, cars, farming, antiques, cooking, Native American history and dance, wild animals, theater, trains, wine and beer, sports, science and medicine, a circus, African culture, crafts, hunting and fishing, food, food and more food from some of Central New York’s finest restaurants serving perennial culinary treats and exotic concoctions.

Not enough? Strolling acts like Hilby, Bandaloni and the Strolling Piano are hard to find anywhere else. The nearly-unique butter sculpture and the amazing sand sculpture are great fun. Free samples and prize drawings abound. And you already know about the midway, a world of entertainment in itself.

If you enjoy taking photos, you can spend the entire 13 days snapping pictures without repeating one. There’s no shortage of shopping, including many unusual items and those crazy things hyped on television infomercials. Even the sales pitches are entertaining.

Focus on the achievements and ideas of young New Yorkers in the Youth Building, the Talent Showcase, the FFA Exhibits Building and the animal barns. Hop on a tram and relax while enjoying a free tour of the grounds or view it all from above on the Broadway Skyliner.

Do you have questions or need information about state government services? Many are here. You can pay your respects to veterans and remember 9-11 victims, attend worship services, register to vote, sign up to be an organ donor, play the State Lottery, investigate educational or professional opportunities or plan your next vacation.

There are many patrons who love to just sit with a meal or a drink and watch people pass by. Pull up a picnic table and take it all in. There are food stands that have a neighborhood tavern or sports bar atmosphere, complete with televised games. The whole show ends with dazzling fireworks.

No event, not even the Great New York State Fair, is for everybody. But if you don’t enjoy it, it’s not because there’s not enough there. For more on the wealth of entertainment at the Fair, scroll through the posts here on statefairhound.com and review the Fair’s website, www.nysfair.ny.gov.

The great Indoors

It seems that every year we wonder what will be going on in the Exposition Center at this Fair. The answer is usually, “Not much.” But hooray–this year Expo will host Dinosaur Expedition featuring more than 60 true-to-life, prehistoric lizards from the Mesozoic Era.

The imposing dinosaurs will stick around for the entire 13-day run of the Fair and everyone will be admitted for no charge above regular admission. The big dino show features fearsome creatures that range in size from babies measuring three-feet or “fun-sized,” to full-grown massive creatures that stand as tall as 35 feet and span as long as 80 feet. Visitors will be able to walk through the indoor experience at their own pace, taking in the wonders of dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus.

“With moving heads, necks, tails and wings, mouths that open and close, blinking eyes and sounds that mimic breathing movements, these creations have such stunning, advanced animatronic features that visitors will feel like they are really walking among the dinosaurs,” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. While the exhibit has been to cities including Chicago, Dallas, and Las Vegas, this is the first time that Immersive Productions has brought the dinosaurs to a state fair. Typically, in other cities where it visits, attendees pay a minimum of $25 per person to experience the Dinosaur Expedition.

Finally, the programming in the Expo is commensurate with the potential of the still-shiny hall, hearkening back decades during which The Hound has covered the Fair as many immensely popular traveling exhibits drew crowds to one of the Fair’s buildings. Thinking back to the late 20th century, we remember terrific displays from the Baseball Hall of Fame and NASA, presidential memorabilia of Kennedy and Reagan and a phenomenally popular Elvis Presley collection. Corning Glass made numerous appearances with dazzling demonstrations of glass-blowing.

Such door-buster exhibits have been missing lately and that’s too bad. They were always Fair fan favorites and could be again. The dinos may be a beginning.

Also in Expo is an “I Love New York” tourism display and the return of the popular playground area.

On The Trail, Day 3–Boogaloo Down Broadway

By State Fair Hound

On August 24, 2023

In Around the grounds, On the trail

Among the variety of entertainment on the menu at the New York State Fair is the traditional parade, this year marching down Broadway on five of the Fair’s 13 days. While they aren’t exactly theme events, each of them occurs on a special day with honorees prominently represented among the marchers.

All parades with the exception of Labor Day kick off at 6 p.m.

The first parade rolls along on Friday, which is pride day. Some of the participants of festivities held earlier that day can be expected to be part of the procession.

Don’t panic if you hear a siren on Aug. 28, law enforcement day. Police officers and vehicles will catch the spotlight for the parade that day.

Fire and Rescue heroes get their recognition on Aug. 29. The sun will glisten off those brass buttons as they march in step.

Armed forces day, Aug. 31 will have military vehicles and marchers carrying flags throughout the parade route.

Union members will be chanting for the final parade, the traditional Labor Day event, on Sep. 4. The Labor Day march begins at the special time of 10:30 a.m.

The parade route is easy to locate as Broadway runs in the shadow of the Broadway SkyLiner. If you time it right, it may be fun to watch the procession as you soar over it on the Liner.

Old Times

After the parade has passed, you can go just off Broadway to enjoy displays of vintage items from hardware and tools to fabric, cookware and furniture in the Agricultural Museum. While there, you can take in talks and demonstrations by exhibitors who have solid expertise on the artifacts on display and are there to answer questions and chat with visitors. It doesn’t change much from year-to-year, but you always seem to notice something different.

Right next door is the the Carriage Museum, home to fascinating antique vehicles including wagons, buggies, carriages and sleighs. Last year we missed Cowboy Doug and his western chuck wagon exhibit, but we’re told he may return next year. The clanging of hammer on anvil shaping red-hot iron highlights a live blacksmithing demonstrations in the back of the building.

There’s often live entertainment on the front lawn, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

The Burbs

The new name announced this spring for the pond-side stage at the New York State Fair has eliminated the often-asked query from people wandering the grounds asking, “Where’s Chevy Park?”

This year, the better question is “Why should I go to Suburban Park?”

For local baby boomers, childhood trips to the original Suburban Park, a classic amusement park in Manlius, held magical appeal. The tacky fun house, the zesty pizza, the miniature train, the rock ‘n’ roll bands and the rickety roller coaster made the trip an indispensable part of every kid’s summer. Those former thrill-seeking youngsters are now senior citizens who would like to enjoy entertainment in front of the newly-christened Suburban Park stage.

But there’s precious little to attract them as shows booked there have skewed almost exclusively toward much younger fans, who will identify the new moniker with ear-shattering, pulsating beats of acts that feature drums as lead instruments. For seniors–really for many folks who love music and value actual singing and playing talent–there’s been little reason to spend a summer evening on the sloping lawn. As usual, that’s especially true for country music fans.

Meanwhile, transportation to Suburban Park continues to be challenging, as the daunting acreage of the Fairgrounds often requires fans entering for a concert on the big stage to hike a long way. Savvy concert fans can seek parking in the adjacent gray lot or park across State Fair Boulevard in the brown lot and enter gate four. But it seems that most patrons entering will also seek out tasty Fair meals and exhibits and entertainment far from the pond and arrive breathless.

While the lengthy trek on foot can take some of the fun out of the whole experience, again this year there’s not much fun to be had there anyway. If this pathetic lineup is the future of the stage, it will never live up to the name Suburban Park. Let’s call it “Hip Hop Heaven” or “A Load of Rap,” something that fits.

On The Trail, Day 2–We Have Liftoff

By State Fair Hound

On August 23, 2023

In Blue ribbon exhibits, On the trail

The 2023 New York State Fair opened on Wednesday, kicking off a baker’s dozen of sensational days of Empire State excitement.

A unusually large day one crowd crashed the gates as opening day weather was near-perfect.

While a reunion with old favorites is State Fair gold, new features and freshening make every year a little different from its predecessors.

Among the most visible new events are the premiere of the Asian Village, just outside the Youth Building and robotic dinosaurs in the Expo Center.

A 1,600 square foot concession stand opened behind the Eatery (International Building), the first new such stand built in decades. It’s home to Tully’s Good Times, a veteran regional restaurant and popular longtime Fair vendor.

Nearby, renovations outside the dairy cattle barn have eliminated longtime food stands in favor of temporary vendor shelters forming a street median as part of a beautification project. Restaurant Row is largely unchanged, but also brighter, with familiar names and enticing aromas tempting customers.

This year’s version of the famous butter sculpture was unveiled Tuesday in the Dairy Building with a whimsical depiction of a train being driven by a little cow, while the latest edition of the sand sculpture is under construction in the Center of Progress, this year touting the 10th anniversary of Taste NY as a theme.

Twelve great days remain, so head on out.

Pole Cats

Family fishing Day was a late addition to the special days lineup.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will hold the free fishing event on Friday, Aug. 25 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park.

No fishing license is required and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Game Time

Sports-minded visitors can enjoy some friendly competition every day of the New York State Fair with a visit to the Sports Activity Center, home to a variety of exciting events.

Girls and boys basketball tournaments, gymnastics, the New York State Fair Wrestling Challenge, roller derby, Moving Along Flyers Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, and even competition in the fast-growing sport of pickle ball.

Be sure to check out the schedule so you can grab a bleacher seat to watch your favorite sport.

The Sports Activity Center is located in front of the Coliseum, easily accessible by tram. All events are free to watch.

State Fair Hound

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Category: On the trail (Page 1 of 3)

On The Trail, Day 13–Last Call

On The Trail, Day 12–Brand New Chevy

On The Trail, Day 11–Equine Energy

On The trail, Day 10–Sacred Shelter

On The Trail, Day 9–Udder Fascination

On The Trail, Day 8–Country Cousins

On The Trail, Day 6–Sweet Gallons and Sharp Talons

On The Trail, Day 5–Flash and Dash

On The Trail, Day 3–Boogaloo Down Broadway

On The Trail, Day 2–We Have Liftoff

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