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.
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