State Fair Hound

Page 3 of 73

On The Trail, Day 8–Country Cousins

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.

State Fair Strikes Noone

By State Fair Hound

On August 29, 2023

In Around the grounds

With the annual concert by Herman’s Hermits featuring charismatic singer Peter Noone finished, the New York State Fair approaches the halfway point.

The first six days have gone smoothly with weather good and spirits high. The headlining appearance of the Dinosaur Expedition in the Exposition Center has been predictably popular, while traditional favorites from the Sea Lions Splash to the Iroquois dances, Hawk Creek birds and the Circus Hollywood have been filling bleachers.

Fair fans love a bargain, so buck-a-spud potato eaters are lining up as always, while quarters are being plunked down at the milk bar and dropped into Footsie-Wootsie slots. Parents are keeping costs down by guiding their kids to great free entertainment, starting with those dinosaurs and sea lions to adorable baby goats, gurgling tanks of fish in the DEC aquarium, a grassy playground in the Expo and a mini-golf course near the eatery.

Heading toward a collision with Labor Day weekend, patrons anticipate the arrival on Tuesday of beloved performer Hilby for three shows daily. While attendance is always affected by the weather, the upcoming weekend is usually the best-attended stretch of the Fair.

The 4-H kids will be showing their precious miniature horses throughout the day on Thursday at the outdoor show ring near the beef cattle barn and pigs have taken over half of the goat and swine barn.

Inside the Horticulture Building, the sweet aroma of flowers will fill the air as dahlias, gladiolus and roses take turns filling the center section of the building.

If you’re looking for a reason to attend, don’t bother with the uninspiring concert lineup, just focus on the great variety of entertainment and the fabulous food.

To avoid the Labor Day weekend crush, do a weekday if you can.

On The Trail, Day 7–Visit the Villages

By State Fair Hound

On August 28, 2023

In Blue ribbon exhibits, Chowing down

If you attend the New York State Fair to browse unusual treasures, eat terrific food and hear some soulful music, a a single stop at the Pan African Village puts all of that within your reach. The 27th edition of the colorful block party, situated between the Center of Progress and the Art and Home Center, features bands and dancers on the entertainment tent stage. Nearby stands serve a variety of delicious, non-traditional food alongside vendors displaying clothing, jewelry, rare handicrafts and collectibles.

In addition to opening opportunities for minority-owned businesses, Pan African adds a dimension of excitement and personality that reflects New York’s diverse culture. The festive Village has since become a mainstay for the Fair, a popular annual tradition beloved by visitors of all races and backgrounds.

This being our Fair, food is central to the area’s popularity as hungry customers try exotic offerings including Caribbean, soul food, barbecue and homemade desserts from local restaurants and vendors.

Visitors get into the spirit by taking a drumming lesson, viewing historic exhibits or dancing to the day’s featured musical acts. Shoppers browse the vendor tents for unusual gifts and keepsakes. It’s certainly one of those not-to-be-missed State Fair favorites, near Chevy Court and the State Parks area, easily accessible from tram stop 2, just inside gate 11A.

The State Fair Latino Village is gradually developing a similar vibe, one mile west of the Pan African, capitalizing on the availability of the Talent Showcase stage to ignite exotic rhythms. Tasty Mexican and Caribbean cuisine join with souvenir vendors under colorful flags. This year it shares space with the new Asian Village. Check the Fair website for event schedules.

Midway Points

It’s hard to believe, but 2023 is the ninth New York State Fair with Wades Shows providing the midway rides and games. Wades won the contract in 2014 to operate the midway, a role that had been filled for decades by the James E. Strates Shows. Every Fair visitor and certainly every local media outlet will make comparisons and decide whether this was a good decision.

Those crazy rides are, of course, the main focus of any midway. Wades’ rides are mostly similar to those you’ll find at any carnival. Let’s face it, there are only so many rides available and so many ways to design the midway game joints and vendors, so less attentive Fair visitors may not have even noticed the change.

Wade has announced sale prices of all-day ride wristbands ($25 advance, $35-$45 onsite) and a mega pass that will allow unlimited rides for all 12 days for $85. If there are exclusions or rides that are frequently unavailable, these deals aren’t so great.

Wade has come through on promises for more spots to relax and recharge for families who have spent hours dashing between rides. Shaded spots, out of the mainstream, offer welcome respite for pavement-tired feet and a place where folks can take a breath.

The overall cleanliness and freshness of the midway is important and the efficiency of the operation and the convenience of the setup matter. Wades has the advantage of the expended and modernized staging area, especially considering that its predecessor, the James E. Strates Shows had to overcome the old, outdated lot during its run.

Using the website to purchase tickets before loading up the kids surely makes for less hassle upon arrival.

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.

Squeezing the Orange

By State Fair Hound

On August 27, 2023

In Hound's view

The temporary closing of the orange parking lot midday on Aug. 25 should infuriate drivers who needed parking to attend the New York State Fair. The lot was closed to traffic for a few hours in order to assure that fans heading out to the amphitheater would be able to pull into one of the narrow spaces that evening.

Did you get that? People going to the Fair were inconvenienced, perhaps significantly, to accommodate the misplaced, ill-conceived concert venue. Thus the question of why there are amp shows held during the 13-day run of the Fair becomes more mystifying.

It’s bad enough that evening State Fair traffic is catastrophically impacted several times each year, now people can’t even plan on that huge parking lot being available for the Fair as intended when it was paved at great expense to taxpayers.

We know that it’s pointless to expect the promoter to hold off on shows. They care nothing about Fair patrons and not much more about their own concert ticket holders if there’s money to be made. But state and/or county government officials have to step in and demand suspension of concerts during that Fair. There will still be plenty of dates to book shows at the amp, so holding off for two weeks is the best plan for fans of both the concerts and the Fair.

Just do 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 4–Pen Pals

By State Fair Hound

On August 25, 2023

In Livestock news

Goats are always a favorite of of animal lovers at the New York State Fair as they’re often friendly and within reach as they stretch to peek above their stall fencing.

This year, animal enthusiasts are loving the newly-opened goat pavilion that was built just outside the main barn on Iroquois Street. The annex will host shows and judging and will frequently exhibit baby goats, under three months old.

Inside, photographers will find the back end of the barn, nearest the Expo Center, better for shooting with brighter lighting, less intrusive enclosures and multi-goat areas offering good opportunities for getting nice pictures.

The goat milking parlor, close to the western entrance is often active with young handlers hooking up the animals to milking machinery.

After four years without a permanent home on the Fairgrounds, sheep owners have to hold out for another year or two before getting a new barn in which to display their animals. You may recall that the covered-but-not-enclosed stalls that had stood for decades near restaurant row were demolished prior to the 2019 Fair after having been damaged by a storm. Plans for a replacement were announced for next year, but now The Hound has been told they may take until 2025.

Sheep will again be displayed in a tent as they have for the last three Fairs. Short-sided enclosures make them accessible to cautious petting and they are reputed to be gentle and friendly. The accommodations in their west-end tent may be different from their now-demolished barn, but there’s a common area used for judging in various categories and they usually supply bleachers for spectators, so stop by.

The nearby Wool Center will likewise hold on for another season or two before becoming part of the new sheep and wool center when it opens. Volunteers staff the center, educating the public about wool products and promoting their uses.

While rows of beautifully-attired animals in the sheep tent represent a New York state farm industry, the little shack at the end of Restaurant Row demonstrates the next steps of the wool industry. There you can witness the just-sheared raw material being processed and spun into wool fabric, ready to be knitted and crocheted into sweaters, hats or blankets and talk to the pros doing the handiwork.

Just as you can drink the milk produced in the dairy cattle barn and have an omelet at a stand near the poultry barn, feeling the soft, warm wool on exhibit completes another agricultural circle, all within the Empire State.

A cacophony of clucks, crows, quacks and squawks make the poultry barn the noisiest building at the New York State Fair. Most chickens, turkeys and pigeons are caged, but a small pond right in the center of the floor provides a lighthearted look a some aquatic fowl.

There’s also the quieter side, where the rabbits and cavies–also known as guinea pigs–sit huddled in their cages. The diminutive critters don’t seem to be having a great time, stuck in small cages in a strange environment, but people enjoy them anyway. The furry ones come in amazing variety of colors and shapes to fascinate visitors and delight the kids.

Sometimes they’re plucked from their confinement for a little maintenance or veterinary care, allowing those touring the barn to become spectators to the process. Stop by for a visit, but be careful about petting–they can bite.

After the llamas’ depart the Fair on Saturday, the pens in the eastern half of the barn the currently share with goats will be utilized to accommodate pigs.

That’s a big change for visitors as the woolly, mountain-dwelling llamas are popular for their exotic appearance and haughty image. But the hogs are not to be outdone, especially considering the squeal appeal of litters of piglets that always draws a crowd.

The little guys are adorable, whether scurrying around the pens, playing, snoozing or nursing. There always seems to be a crowd watching with delight. They’re particularly popular with kids, who can peer between the bars to get an eye-level, close-up look at the cute, chubby babies. Pigs will be around for the rest of the Fair, starting Sunday.

It’s always been the unspoken paradox at the New York State Fair–families delight in touring livestock barns where they love to get close to cattle, goats, sheep, chickens and all of the other animals brought in every year by New York farmers. Everyone loves seeing all of the fascinating and often lovable critters.

Minutes later, those same patrons belly up to the counter of a food stand to order up meals featuring meat from some of the same breeds of animals they just encountered alive in barn stalls. They probably don’t think about the process by which the animals go from cute and adorable to juicy and delicious.

But they should think about it because ultimately consumer demand determines how farm animals are raised and treated.

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.

On The Trail, Day One–Leapin’ Lizards

By State Fair Hound

On August 22, 2023

In On the trail

Wednesday is Opening Day of the 2023 New York State Fair. That annual first, fresh look at the shiny clean, bright Fairgrounds is always exhilarating and this year also comes with a new director, Sean Hennessey having been given the assignment on Monday.

We’re still trying to get back to what had been considered normal operation, though there are still vendor changes initially caused by pandemic restrictions and staffing shortfalls, while new wrinkles have come up that are attributable to increased fees and the rising cost of doing business.

Once again this year, you’ll be able to beat the traffic and the heat by passing through the gates as early as 9 a.m. each morning. It looks like this year buildings will be closing at 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, still 10 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.

You’ll need credit cards or prepaid credits at entrances, unfortunately. Same goes in parking lots, except where EZ Pass is scanned, while vendors almost universally welcome cash.

Entering early is a good way to start your day, to watch the set-up and feast on breakfast Fair-style until major buildings open at 10 a.m. Traditionally, the first day of the Fair is also Governor’s Day and this year Kathy Hochul is expected to arrive as the state’s first elected woman governor.

The perennially astonishing sand sculpture will be under construction in the Center of Progress, so if you enjoy watching the artists work, this is a good day to visit. Meanwhile, the heralded arrival of Dinosaur Expedition will bring animated, lifelike dinosaurs to terrorize Expo Center visitors.

The limited appearance of those amazing llamas will be in the goat and swine barn early in the Fair. Though the beautiful wool-bearers are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, New York farmers have found that they’re amazingly adaptable to local pastures. The llamas’ visit features competitions and special events before they’re herded out Saturday afternoon, so stop in early to see these stunning creatures up close. Don’t miss the wild and hilarious llama costume contest scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Dog lovers can also take in the 4-H dog obedience competition in the Coliseum, opening day only.

While visitors to the New York State Fair have their traditional favorite exhibits and events, every year the itinerary of special performers and entertainers staging shows around the grounds varies. Musical acts, stunt performers, talented animals and rib-tickling comedy provide a wide variety of free-of-charge shows sprinkled liberally throughout the day.

One marquee attraction this year will be the return of wet and wild performances by Sea Lion Splash in the Family Fun Zone. The chubby, mustached mammals returned in 2022 after several years away and drew huge crowds. Their encore hit the stage three times every weekday, four on weekends. Escape artist Lady Houdini will break out at 3 p.m and 7 p.m. daily in Central Park–the grassy area between the midway and the barns.

New this year is the debut of the Asian Village, which will run from Opening Day through the first Saturday, August 26 to recognize the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Festivities will include traditional Asian cuisines to sample and singing, drumming and the Lion Dance—a traditional dance performed at celebrations and festivals with performers working together in stylized lion costumes. Plans also call for a Fashion Show with models showcasing attire representing 20 different nations.

The Asian Village is located in the western end of the grounds, near the Youth Building. On the first day of the Fair, Asian Village will run from 9 am to 10 pm. Look for a complete schedule of events on the Fair website.

Several food stands along Broadway and Restaurant Row present bands and solo acts that are often surprisingly talented, adding an element of night club atmosphere to your Fair dinner.

Check the schedule and stay alert for appearances by such terrific wandering entertainers as Bandoloni, the Strolling Piano and Hilby who have become Fair regulars, something to which newcomer Groovy Guy may aspire.

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Page 3 of 73

On The Trail, Day 8–Country Cousins

State Fair Strikes Noone

On The Trail, Day 7–Visit the Villages

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

Squeezing the Orange

On The Trail, Day 5–Flash and Dash

On The Trail, Day 4–Pen Pals

On The Trail, Day 3–Boogaloo Down Broadway

On The Trail, Day 2–We Have Liftoff

On The Trail, Day One–Leapin’ Lizards

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