We got our first extended look at the newly-hired interim director of the New York State Fair when Sean Hennessey was interviewed by Andrew Donovan on Channel 9’s “Newsmakers” program on July 8. 
Hennessey came across as plenty chatty and candid, but the session left room for concerns that his last-minute appointment has thrown him into the deep end of the Experience Pond.
For instance, he admitted that he has come to the Fair “every so often” and said that much of his recent experience has been in presenting the Department of Transportation exhibit. When it comes to Fair features, nobody cares about the DOT exhibit.
His resume leans heavily on government building administration and the DOT. In terms of entertainment-related experience, he pointed to his work leading an Irish festival in Watertown which, compared to the State Fair is like preparing to manage in the World Series by coaching a Little League team. It was obvious that he’s been studying up on the Fair, quoting facts on Fairgrounds buildings, though he confused Chevy Court with Chevy Park and referred to the Center of Progress the “Center For Progress.”
On the positive side, Hennessey seemed genuinely excited about leading the Fair and enthusiastic about putting in the work necessary. If he’s as hardworking and dedicated as he came across, he could be a strong candidate for permanent director.
Hound sources confide that the Queens native is a nice guy, widely liked among his colleagues and his gregarious personality seems to lend itself to filling the vital role of the Face of The Fair. Already, he’s leaning into his role as a promoter of the Fair, raving about the disappointing concert lineup and making the disputable statement that “all the food items are back.”
The interview glossed over the departure of Troy Waffner as director, Donovan saying the he had “left the job,” while Hennessey called Waffner a friend and praised the work he had done as director. 
Maybe Channel 9 should get the governor as a “Newmakers” guest so they can ask her about Waffner’s likely firing, though she hasn’t yet given any straight answers and seems determined to keep New Yorkers in the dark.
In the course of the program, Hennessey revealed that a new sheep and goat barn is in the works, though he didn’t say whether it will be ready for 2022. A year-round greenhouse is also planned, consistent with the new guy’s professed goal of guiding the Fair toward more agricultural features.
While those of us who love the New York State Fair have good reason to be furious over Kathy Hochul’s mismanagement and secrecy, we also have to hope that the interim director she has hired can quickly get up to speed and pull things together to make 2022 another great year at the Fair.
You can watch the interview for yourself on localsyr.com.
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