No Reservations Needed

While there are plenty of stands serving food at the New York State Fair, the line of joints known affectionately as Restaurant Row holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of veteran Fair patrons.

Part of the appeal is the varied menu boards that feature everything from sandwiches to pizza, seafood favorites to fried you-name-it. Then there’s the famous dishes that are synonymous with State Fair–the Potatoe O’Rielly, the London Broil, the kettle corn and, of course, the sausage smothered in peppers and onions.

Beyond the actual foods, there’s an ambience like no other, whether seated at a counter or gathering family around a picnic table. You eat your traditional Fair meal while watching a parade of walkers in the roadways that lead to the Coliseum and the livestock barns. Above the rooftops, rides whirl in the distance.

In past years, the destination for many hungry customers was Baker Chicken or Haddock Paddock, those departed classics now sadly missing with the stands demolished. But Basilio, P-Z-O’s, Bosco’s, Horan’s and several other stands remain, interspersed with temporary setups like Butcher Boys and Santillo’s.

The Danny D’s stand, historically the site of Tony’s Fine Food, also declined to return this year, its prime location at the beginning of the row now home to another favorite stand, Twin Trees.

Coast to Coast

Installation of the Broadway SkyLiner in 2017 has transformed the New York State Fair in several important ways.

First, it’s become one of the new trademark sights of the Fair. Along with the glorious rebuilt main gate, it takes its place among such iconic vistas as the colonnade and the Horticulture Building entrance as unmistakable State Fair landmarks. Every seasoned New Yorker thinks Fair when they see those sights.

Next, It’s become the centerpiece of the refreshed midway. Though it lacks the ornate artwork of the departed Wave Swinger, it has its own majestic beauty, especially at sunset. No matter where you walk on the midway, you’re never far from those sailing seats.

Not only is the SkyLiner an unmistakable symbol of the sprawling Fairgrounds, it provides a relaxing and inspiring way to go from end to end without the daunting hike. Concert patrons can enter  gates one or three, slide onto a ski lift-like seat and glide up to a show at the Experience Stage. Or, you can come in at the western entrance and take the overhead route back to Chevy Court.

Royal Treatment

You can meet actual royalty when you visit the New York State Fair Iroquois Village.

Though a blockhead like Rick Santorum may think there was nothing on this continent before his clueless ancestors arrived, ancient civilizations were thriving from coast to coast. Locally, the six-nation Haudenosaunee Confederacy had developed a sophisticated political system that set an example for the American system of representative government, though we’ve managed to screw it up pretty well.

The appearance of the Village Princess serves to remind us that the Iroquois still lead the way in their respect for women in leadership roles, clan mothers wielding significant authority among its people.

Diverse City

Salute the rainbow flag on Friday–Pride Day at the New York State Fair.

Special features and events are scheduled throughout the day. In previous years the culmination of Pride Day has been a diversity-themed parade, but not this year.

Also on day eight, 100 new Americans will be sworn in at Noon in the restaurant in the Art and Home Center.

Frankly Speaking

It takes a large team of engineers, mechanics, inspectors, operators and ticket sellers to make that show run day and night for 18 days. That Wades team is headed up by Frank Zaitshik, the personable owner/manager who oversees the entire operation.

If you see him on the grounds as you circulate, don’t hesitate to say hello. The bearded carny-master loves to meet fans of all ages.

Bow Flex

The archery range tucked into a corner of the Iroquois Village at the New York State Fair gives visitors a chance to learn the ancient skill of shooting arrows.

Friendly staff is on hand to provide tips (pun intended) and offer encouragement to all comers.

Though now it’s a sport, efficient use of a bow and arrow was a survival skill for Six Nations hunters dating back through centuries of the history of what is now New York.

The history of the Empire State’s dairy industry will be celebrated on Thursday at the New York State Fair. Dairy farming is the state’s leading agricultural enterprise and its maintains a ubiquitous presence at the Fair.

There are many ways to observe dairy day from petting a cow to licking an ice cream cone to visiting the milking parlor.

Those famous bovines are making their long-awaited arrival in the massive dairy barn, where traditionally they have produced the moo juice–white or chocolate, but alas, no strawberry– sold at the Milk Bar. Now the Fair has announced a trial run of that elusive strawberry milk over the next two weekends, so give it a try.

Pillar Talk

There are a lot of state and county Fairs held around the country, each with it’s own character and sense of community. You aren’t likely to find many that boast the architectural beauty of the New York State Fair.

Perhaps the most unusual feature of ours is the stately colonnade that stands between the Dairy Products Building and the Science and Industry Building.

The stone pillars, erected in the early 20th century, are as classic a landmark as our Fair has. There are actually two rows of columns, one just a few yards west of the other. You can overlook Chevrolet Court on one side and gaze far down the midway and Restaurant Row from the other.

In between, picnic tables and space for live music are surrounded by the wine court and a few food stands.

The area provides a convenient cut-through for walkers headed to a concert, one of the major buildings or going the opposite direction to the midway area.

As you cross the Chevy Court area, you face another row of columns, this one lining the wall of the Center of Progress, thus it’s safe to say that New York’s infrastructure can compete with any fair in the country.

Rolling Home

Among the leading benefactors of the remodel of the new York State Fairgrounds are those Fair patrons who drive a recreational vehicle through the gates to a parking space in the Empire RV Park.

It’s the best way to enjoy a multi-day trip to the Fair, using a fifth wheel, travel trailer, destination trailer or even a fold-out as home base for visits to all of the exhibits, concerts, animal barns and eateries without the stress of driving in and finding a parking spot every day.

Many campground residents come in for work as a vendor or exhibitor, but there are also many vacationers, who want to experience the Fair while having a home-away-from-home within walking distance of the midway, buildings and entertainment venues. It’s an unusual and exciting way to vacation.

Women’s Day, Wednesday at the New York state Fair, reminds us that upstate New York played a major role in the women’s rights movement.

Women’s Day at the New York State Fair reminds us that voting equality began in our state

New this year, the Highlight Pro Skydiving Team, which is comprised of 12 women, will jump one-by-one from an aircraft flying at 5000 feet to touch down on the Fairgrounds, beginning at Noon. Later in the day, team members will greet fairgoers at Chevy Park and Chevy Court concerts and will be available to talk to fairgoers at the booth of Fidelis Care, outside the Art & Home Center, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Other special events generally include a luncheon with a guest speaker or two.

 Fast Break

Excitement builds as the ticket taker processes you and you step onto the grounds of the New York State Fair. Now what?

There’s surely something you find enticing, no matter which way you turn. That glorious food smell makes you immediately hungry. You hear music, glimpse the tops of the midway rides, see color, lights and glitz in every direction.

There’s great stuff no matter which direction you walk, but you can increase your chance of having a truly terrific time if you come in with a plan.

Start compiling your agenda by prioritizing events that run on a schedule, like concerts, animal acts, parades and performances like Iroquois dances or Hilby shows. Make sure, as you you fit them into your plan, you consider what may be in the same locale that you also enjoy.

Get out your Fair map and look for ways to save steps by going from one attraction to another in an orderly fashion. For instance, if you want to see the flower display in the Horticulture Building, remember that just outside the door is the State Parks area with the inspiring Hawk Creek birds and camping and boating exhibits.

Next stop could be a tour of a major building or a Chevy Court Show.

If you time it so you get there at lunch time, you’re near the Eatery (International Building) not far from several popular food stands. If you’re a typical Fair devotee, you have a can’t-miss food favorite or two, so work that vendor into your itinerary.

You get the idea. Think before you start walking and you’ll have a better, less tiring Fair experience.

In It To Win It

It’s always fun to scout the variety of prizes being offered to gamers who are fortunate to win on the Wades Shows midway. Stuffed animals of all sizes and descriptions are the classic rewards for a ball well-tossed, a plate shattered or a balloon popped, but it seems that things change with the times.

Toys, framed photos, tableware, clothing and even live goldfish can also be won through skill and luck.

Even if the prize winds up in a closet or gets sold in a garage sale, you get to keep the memory of the proud moment that you beat the system.

If the prize matters to you, question the carny in charge before you play to be sure you know what it takes to win and what your reward will be.

Poolside Tunes

Growth continues in terms of the concert stage at the New York Experience area of the New York State Fair. It seems to have surpassed Chevrolet Court as the Fair’s musical focal point. Major acts judged to have higher attendance potential are being booked consistently on the shore of the manufactured pond at the grounds’ western end, while the rest will play the traditional Stan Colella Stage at Chevy Court.

The vibe is different in several ways with the grassy, sloping lawn wider than it is long, while overall much larger than Chevy Court. Seating is in place this year for the first time.

The wide open spaces present a different challenge for sound engineers than Chevy Court, where the echoes off those stone buildings have proven no match for modern technology. Food and drink vendors nearby will no doubt do a brisk business.

Picture Perfect

Moms and dads love to treat their kids to a visit to the New York State Fair–rightly so. It’s a youngster’s paradise of crazy rides, delightful animals, great junk food and non-stop stimulation from every corner.

Children and parents alike will treasure the memories for decades, especially if they document their trip with photos of their exciting day. Those do-it-yourself pics will be filled with smiles, action and tons of reminders of how great the Fair can be for family thrills.

Have your photo-taking device charged and ready to go when you guide your little ones through the gate.

Be sure to capture State Fair sights–from cows to ice cream stands to costumed characters to wild carnival rides–in the frame. Otherwise, it’s just another shot of your kid.

Club Circuit

If you think there’s entertainment everywhere at the New York State Fair, you’re right. Several food stand owners draw in hungry customers with live music, especially after dark.

Local musicians bring a nightclub feel playing for diners on Broadway, along Restaurant Row and in the colonnade area.

They’re great spots to get warmed up for a show on one of the big stages or to capture the party spirit while quaffing a few and chowing down on your favorite fried food.

Senior Class

The extension of the New York State Fair has led to modifications affecting seniors attending. In years past, this would have been the first dedicated senior day. Everyone 65-and-over is now admitted without charge every day.

That’s great news for those patrons, but the new plan leaves out the 60-to-64-year-olds, who had been eligible on previous senior days, which had been every two to four days per year. But, no complaining–three bucks isn’t much to pay for all you get at the Fair.

Special programming, especially the appearance of older performers at Chevy Court, once a cherished tradition, had been slipping the past few years and is essentially abandoned, although Jimmy Sturr and Herman’s Hermits will play on Mondays.

Watch for other special deals for older Fair fans.

Heroes and Legends

Monday is fire and rescue day as first responders are honored with free admission and special ceremonies at 11 a.m. in front of the Horticulture Building.

Antique emergency vehicles like the one pictured, will be missed as there will be no parade this year.

Out Standing in Their Fields

Farmers have been a part of the New York State Fair since the beginning. Really, agriculture is the reason the Fair was first held and it still plays a major role.

So, although your primary reason for coming out is to eat greasy food, get dizzy on rides or cheer a rock concert, you have to acknowledge that we wouldn’t recognize our Fair without the livestock and farm products.

Plus, those goats, cows, chickens–really all of the farm critters–are adorable and fascinating, so be sure to take a few barn tours and get to know the animals and the country folks who raise them.

Jam Sessions

When it comes to scheduling Lakeview Amphitheater shows, Live Nation may be starting to get the message as only two concerts are scheduled during the Fair’s 18-day run.

Visitors to the New York State Fair will have to compete with concert fans for driving lanes and parking spaces on Aug. 22 and Aug. 27, reminding us of the monumental mistake made by Andy Cuomo in erecting the concert stage where it will cause problems every Fair. The now-paved orange parking lot and newly-constructed access ramps won’t help enough when a popular act draws thousands of fans to the Fairgrounds-adjacent shell as Fair faithful are arriving.

If you’re not going to an amp show on those two dates, your best bet is to avoid the inevitable traffic jam by making it an early day at the Fair. It’s easy to do, but it takes some planning, especially now that opening time has been pushed back to 11 a.m. It may, however lead to a difficult choice if the showtime of an act you like on the Fairgrounds approximates the start time of an amp happening.

Be forewarned about these Lakeview conflicts and plan accordingly.

Go With Less Dough

Attending the New York State Fair on a tight budget is always a challenge, but you really don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great day, especially now that regular adult admission has been reduced to 3 dollars.

The expenses start before you get to the gate and there’s really not much opportunity to get there without paying either the five-dollar parking fee (pre-paid ticket, EZ Pass Plus or credit card required) or bus fare (mask mandatory). It’s a daunting hike from any free parking, but there is a little in Solvay and gate 11a makes it feasible.

Your best bet is probably to remember that the parking cost is applied per car, so share your ride and split the charge to save some cash.

Of course there are many free or reduced admission deals, so go on whichever day is cheapest for you, whether you’re a student, a vet, a firefighter or whatever gets you in.

Bringing in your own food and drinks is allowed within guidelines–no alcohol or glass bottles. But there are also some food bargains if you seek them out, starting with the classic baked potato. Lines can be long and are annoyingly slow, but you can buy as many as you want for one dollar each.

If you’re drinking water, you’re limited to buying bottled tap water for the mandated price of two dollars, but Six Nations vendors will sell you one for a buck in the Iroquois Village.

From there on, you have to shop around for food bargains. The Pan African Village has some good deals and others are scattered around.

Break Time

When you need to take a breather on a hectic New York State Fair day, the serene reflecting pool in front of the horticulture Building is a good choice.

It’s the focal point of the tree-shaded State Parks area,  offering plenty of benches and picnic tables where you can relax with a drink or snack while you review your day’s itinerary, study your Fairgrounds map or just enjoy the rippling water.

If break time finds you at the other end of the grounds, the New York Experience pond area and the Iroquois Village are also peaceful spots to relax before hitting the midway or visiting the livestock.

After a historic opening day, the New York State Fair moves into day two.

No Kidding

Saturday is Youth/Student Day with all kids 18 and under admitted free.

While every parent knows that the excitement on the faces of daughters and sons is one of the joys of attending the New York State Fair, it’s equally heartwarming to see the contributions of kids who are on the grounds as exhibitors, workers and competitors.

Most Fairs, many kids come accompanying livestock, showing their favorite animal in hopes of taking home a blue ribbon. Sadly, there will be few of them this year as participation of children has been drastically reduced as a health precaution. 4-H isn’t there. There will be no talent showcase competition and even the youth building is closed.

But some kids will be there with their farm families and quite a few teens work at various sites on the grounds. Of course, thousands come in to enjoy the concerts, midway and food. It’s a childhood rite of passage to be sure.

Remember the Vets

Every day is Veterans’ Day at the New York State Fair, where the memorial in front of the Horticulture Building stands in tribute to military men, women and even military dogs.

Fundraising projects include the sale of bottled water, while you can honor your favorite vet by purchasing a flag with which to adorn a brick.

If you haven’t had a brick engraved for vets in your family, applications are available.

Pull a Fast One

Unless you travel to Coney Island or some other seaside tourist destination, you may have to get your annual fix of salt water taffy at the New York State Fair.

It’s one of those special Fair treats that consistently attracts return customers, enticed by the noisy, rhythmic click-clack  of the taffy machines and the sweet burst of flavor unleashed by each chewy mouthful.

It may be tough to decide which colorfully-wrapped nuggets to buy, but you’ll have to choose. Incidentally, there’s no salt water in the candy. It got the name because of its popularity at beachfront locales.

The longest wait since the 1940s brings us to the longest-running New York State Fair in history as the gates open to an adoring throng of fans on Friday at 11 a.m. Our fabulous festival is expanding to 18 days this year, one year later than planned due to last year’s cancellation.

Opening day is also very weird as it’s normally Governor’s Day, but our lame duck chief executive, who called off the 2020 Fair, is not expected to attend. Incoming Governor Kathy Hochul may or may not be on hand, though she seems likely to visit sometime during the Fair.

Admission every day is $3 for the general public, while–for the first time this year–seniors, age 65 and up will be admitted free every day. Kids 12 and under also get free admission daily.

Mountain Climbers

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 after the first weekend, so stop in early. You don’t want to miss your chance to see them up close. Be sure to take your camera.

You can walk a llama on a leash on Sunday, but the wild and hilarious llama costume contest isn’t listed on the schedule.

On the Agenda

The ever-popular sand sculpture is under construction in the Exposition Center, having moved from the Center of Progress.

Also in Expo is the return of amazing muralist Arcy, who will paint a whole new fresco during the Fair. An earlier example of his talent hangs near Gate 8.

Circus Hollywood and the Sinbad High Dive show will provide thrilling performances on regular schedules.

The Mighty Mike weightlifting show will add some muscle to the Fair itinerary.

Canine fans will enjoy the return of the WaterBark dog show, which as the name implies, features dogs diving and swimming in a pool. The squeal appeal of pig races will return as well.

A strolling piano act joins perennial favorites Hilby and Bandoloni as wandering acts as will Rocket the Robot.

Check Fair schedules for days, times and locations of all acts.

Day one will climax with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

While it’s said that every dog has his day, State Fair Hound will have 18 of them this year, each providing our own perspective on everything Fair.

The Hound will be On The Trail with a new post every day of the Fair, tracking special days and events, while following all of the exhibits, activities, performances, vendors and news.

Our photos will be strategically placed throughout along with inside information, viewpoints and tips on how to get the most out of your Fair experience.

Additionally, State Fair Hound will cover the Fair as it unfolds to keep you informed on what’s happening throughout the grounds from opening day through Labor Day.

So follows us On The Trail at the historic 2021 New York State Fair. We’ll lead you to all of the best the Fair has to offer.