One week to go until opening day, so it’s time to get excited. There will be a few new exhibits and performances to see, including a motorcycle stunt show, a bird tent and a comic hypnotist. The Hound is most excited about the new exhibit in the heretofore underutilized Grange Building. It documents the history of our favorite event with photos, memorabilia and, from what we’ve heard, replicas of icons from Fairs past including butter sculptures and that glorious old main gate arch.

The other major debut will be in the Center of Progress where there will be an interactive display on the resuscitation of Onondaga Lake. We promise it won’t include the odor our Camillus neighbors have to endure from the sludge they dredge from the lake and dump in their backyards.

Speaking of smells, we can’t wait for those glorious food odors that hit you before you can even make it through the gate. It’s time to get your tickets.

The Hound will be roaming the grounds and reporting back on all the hits and misses, highs and lows, so stay close.