State Fair Hound

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Category: Fair people (Page 1 of 3)

Thanks, Sean

You may have heard that Sean Hennessey has left the New York State Fair after two of strong years at the helm, first as interim director and then as director. Hennessey came in at a disadvantage in filling the role after Troy Waffner’s sudden departure, but rose to the occasion. SEAN IN DBHis relentlessly positive attitude, solid work ethic and enthusiasm for the job helped him produce a couple of dandy Fairs. It was great to hear him often express respect and appreciation for the terrific Fair team that supported his administration.

It’s been reported that Sean left for another New York government job opportunity but, as with his predecessor’s move in leaving the Fair, you always have to wonder if the Governor and her staff are giving us the straight story.

Coincidentally, it appears that Fair public relations woman Alice Maggiore has also left for another job. Her name is no longer in the Fair directory and she is employed by Strategic Communications. Maggiore accepted the impossible mission of trying to replace Dave Bullard as she demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and a good feel for that challenging job.

We know that our readers will want to join State Fair Hound in saying thanks and good luck to Sean and Alice.

Circle of Life

The observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 9 should remind those of us who love the New York State Fair of our annual visits to the festive and historic Iroquois village. SNAKE DANCE

The respectful habitation of this continent by our Haudenosaunee neighbors and other indigenous nations deserves recognition and celebration.

Unfortunately, the City of Syracuse is still grappling with the path toward removing a downtown statue that honors those responsible for the shameful and genocidal history that began in 1492. City administration has been embroiled in litigation started by ignorant and misguided citizens and wrongly upheld by an incompetent, biased and politicized judge.

It’s way past time to end the idolatry of Columbus to build a new circle that honors the People of the Longhouse and indigenous people from coast to coast.

Return Engagement

You never know what happy surprises you may encounter at the New York State Fair and several Fair fans got an unexpected treat when former Director Troy Waffner was spotted visiting restaurant row on Aug. 31. Troy looked relaxed and happy as he renewed acquaintances with well-wishers, including your State Fair Hound reporter. TROY INT 19He flashed the wit and warmth that made him very popular with State Fair staff, vendors and visitors alike during his run as director.

The Hound could have asked nosy questions about his unexplained departure for another job with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, but putting him on the spot isn’t how you treat a friend, so we didn’t.

And we don’t regret it.

It was reassuring to see Troy (pictured in a Nick LoPresti photo from 2019) looking well and content. The 2022 State Fair is going smoothly and winning back fans after a couple of very tough years, largely thanks to the development and guidance of Troy Waffner. It’s good that he’s there to enjoy it with us.

 

On The Trail, Day 8–Tribute to Women

Wednesday is Women’s Day at the New York State Fair. Headquarters 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, has long housed traditionally female-centric homemaking skills with artistic handicrafts, dresses, quilts, rugs and artworks prominently exhibited, while culinary masterpieces compete for ribbons.

DIVER 2But more current accomplishments are also part of the story. Last year’s daring skydivers demonstrated the courage and moxie of 21st century American women. A mini-fair is scheduled from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Chevy Court with many advocacy groups for women on hand.

This year marks the second New York State Fair under the administration of a woman governor, which boosts the significance of Women’s Day at the Fair, following Hochul’s first full year in the top job.   6 DANCERS

 

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.

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. PLAYER PIANO 18Follow the sound of music to the classic organs and a player piano.

You don’t have to be a model train enthusiast to be impressed with the massive, finely-detailed exhibit on display every year at the New York State Fair in the Art and Home Center.

MODEL TRAINS 19

Local collectors spend hours setting up tracks and scenery before switching on several trains to chug along. Railroad souvenirs and memorabilia are plentiful and train aficionados are on hand to answer questions and talk model train building. It’s one of the great indoor activities on the grounds.

Nearby, authentic model circuses and carnivals bring back historical memories of fairs past with colorful posters lining the surrounding walls.

When you attend the New York State Fair, you may miss your favorite television cooking show, but you can get a live chef lesson in the demonstration kitchen, which is back in action this year.

COOKING 18Several meals are prepared daily in the high-tech, air conditioned galley on the lower level of the Art and Home Center. Ceiling-mounted mirrors reflect the counter and cook top as the chef–often a local celebrity–creates the featured presentation. It’s a cool,comfortable spot to relax for a few minutes while enjoying some free entertainment. The schedule is on the Fair website and posted outside the northern entrance to the building.

 

Rookie of The Year

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 22Hennessey 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.”

BLDGSIDEOn 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. SKYLININGMaybe 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.

 

Who’s The Boss?

State Fair Hound recently sent an inquiry to the New York State Fair asking why it has been over a month since the most recent announcement of an act being added to the Fair lineup. We hadn’t received a reply when NewsChannel 9 on Wednesday reported the shocking news that Director Troy Waffner no longer holds that post. Channel 9 reported that Waffner had been on leave from his job as director for about eight weeks.

TROY WITH ANDREW 18No explanation has been revealed by the Governor’s office, though syracuse.com reported that “Several vendors and other sources familiar with the State Fair have told syracuse.com that Waffner has seemed to be under pressure to drive harder bargains on fees and related deals with vendors, especially those who book fairgrounds space outside the actual duration of the fair itself.”

So it sounds like Waffner was removed by the Governor due to policy changes and perhaps disagreement about how the Fair should conduct its business. But Gov. Hopeful clearly has a lot to learn about the New York State Fair, especially if she thinks that a replacement or interim director can slide into the job fewer than 100 days prior to opening day and have no problem. Waffner is a real pro with substantial experience and expertise that is essential to meet the substantial demands of the job.

For this year, Sean Hennessey, an assistant commissioner with the state Department of Transportation, will direct the Fair. Prior to his appointment to DOT in December of 2015, Hennessey had been a state regional building supervisor and a commissioner of elections for Jefferson County, but it doesn’t look like he has experience that would lend itself to managing the Fair.

Yikes.

Is the Gov going to provide any further information on why this change is being made and especially, why it’s being made now? If she was dissatisfied with Waffner, she could have replaced him months ago, but since she didn’t it seems only logical that she would keep him on for this year rather than bring in an unproven replacement. Troy isn’t in a position to disclose any grievance he may have since he will remain employed by Ag and Markets, but we strongly suspect that he’s not happy with the events.

Three months from now, the State Fair will be underway. Although Fair spokesman Dave Bullard gave Channel 9 a positive spin, we’re not buying it. CMON INThose of us who love our Fair have every reason to be apprehensive about how it will go. We hope that Hennessey will have the good sense to lean heavily on the unsung staff members who work diligently every year to make the Fair great.

But this change, at this time may indicate that he will instead be beholden to politicians and bureaucrats who try to manipulate the Fair from Albany. Gov. Hopeful has the authority to do that, but she has to be willing to accept the consequences for failures and problems it causes. She’s already given us reason to doubt her judgment and competence with this ill-advised, poorly-timed move.

State Fair Hound wishes Troy Waffner the best. He was a top-notch director and a class guy who deserves better than this.

We’re still waiting for more announcements on what we’ll see at the Fair while wondering what else hasn’t been done during this transition and how the Fair will be affected. It’s a scary time for Fair fans.

 

Ball of Fire

His clothes are hideous, his jokes old and corny, he frequently insults guests, but he’s likely the most beloved performer at the New York State Fair. FIERY HILBY 17

Master juggler Hilby returns Monday  and he’ll no doubt draw big crowds of laughing, cheering fans to each of his three performances every day through the end of the Fair.

The wisecracking native of Germany, now a resident of  New York, will probably be as happy to see his fans asHILBY HAT 19 they are to welcome him as this has been an annual event at the Fair for many years.

 

He’ll unpack his balls, torches and unicycle and start his music near the Lottery Pavilion for shows at 1 p.m., 3:30 and 5:45.

One Day to Go!

Last chance to get advance tickets. The Great New York State Fair opens Wednesday--one day earlier than the traditional opening day. Don't miss it!

The New York State Fair will begin its long-awaited, first time 18-day run tomorrow. Gates open later than ever at 11 a.m. The Fair is saying that early arrivals will not be admitted before 11.

Don’t miss it.

Pan African Farewell

The Post-Standard recently reported the passing of Judy Hanslip, the wife of Irvin “Bongo” Hanslip, who for many years ran the popular Jerk Hut food stand at the New York State Fair.

Judy was Bongo’s partner in his city restaurant of the same name.

Our condolences go out to Bongo, a founder of the Pan African Village.

Jerk Hut fires up a meal

 

 

 

Monday is Labor Day at the Fair

Labor organizations will be on the march Monday at the New York State Fair.

LABOR PARADE 18Unions are more powerful in our state than in most and they are an ever-present force at the Fair, manning many tables in the Center of Progress the entire 13 days to promote organized labor and pass out bags, pens and stickers. Since the Fair concludes on Labor Day annually, a parade around Chevy Court features marching union members with bands, banners and a few politicians.

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