Attractions & Experiences

Entertainment Application

There are many great shows and surprises spread out all over the fairgrounds for you to see! Laugh with Hilby the German Juggle Boy, dance to Bandaloni the One Man Band or thrill to the wonders of Circus Hollywood. You can also watch sea lions do amazing tricks, get up-close to some wild birds of prey, or squeal with delight watching the Hollywood Racing Pigs! Check out all the details below.

Visit our Daily Schedules page to help plan your trip to the Fair!

Most of the attractions & experiences provided below are listed in alphabetical order for your sorting convenience.

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 Agriculture Schedules, Events & Exhibits 3Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show

A pioneer in the thrill and stunt industry, Nerveless Nocks Productions has been captivating audiences worldwide for nearly 175 years. Nerveless Nocks debuted in the United States in 1954 after headlining The Greatest Show on Earth with their original Sway Pole extravaganza – a death-defying display of balance, courage, and mastery of gravity. Today, Nerveless Nocks has earned universal acclaim for their breathtaking aerial show that will leave audiences in awe. Be sure to check out their world-famous finale that features a free fall plunge to the ground below.  Look for Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show near Central Park with daily shows happening at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Camping World

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   Ally Walker Inks Chalk Artist

Ally Walker Inks Chalk Artist specializes in transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary through breathtaking designs transposed onto pavement. Experience the magic of vibrant hues and intricate designs as Ally Walker Inks showcases unparalleled talent at The Great New York State Fair. Watch is awe as pavement comes to life with whimsical creations and stunning masterpieces, each stroke adding a touch of wonder to The Fairs bustling atmosphere. Engage with the artist, witness the creative process up close, and capture the moment by taking selfies that can help make your visit even more memorable. Look for Ally Walker Inks’ designs being made from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. throughout The Fairgrounds.

Limited engagement • August 22-24 and August 26-28

Click here to view the list of locations she will be at each day

Sponsored by Metro Mattress

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Fair Attractions 44   Antique Tractor Exhibit

Daily hours 9:00am to 9:00pm

earn about New York’s agricultural heritage through this fascinating collection of antique farm tractors. Most of these machines have long retired from the field and were produced before 1960. Most have been restored; some to better-than-new condition. The tractors are on exhibit every day of the State Fair across from the Beef Barn on the corner of Broadway.

 

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Special Fair Days   Armed Forces Day - Thursday, August 29

Thursday, August 29 is Armed Forces Day and will, as always, honor the contributions of those who served and who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Make sure to attend the Armed Forces Day ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Join the State Fair community as we honor and give tribute to all members of our Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Day allows free admission to any active duty or veteran with military identification (Military ID Card, form DD-214 or NYS Driver License, Learner Permit or non-driver ID card with a veteran designation).

Sponsored by National Grid

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How to Enter 1   Art & Craft Exhibitions

Wegmans Art & Home Center daily hours 10:00am to 8:00pm

From fine arts and photography to homespun crafts like quilting, woodworking and needlepoint, work created by some of New York’s most talented artists will be on display and competing for ribbons and prize money. Located in the Wegmans Art & Home Center.

 

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Asian Village   Asian Village Weekend • August 21-25

Asian Village, new to The Fair in 2023, recognizes the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through music, dance, traditional food, and a number of special events. Entertainment offerings include singing, drumming and Lion Dance — a traditional dance performed at celebrations, business openings, and festivals with performers working together in a stylized lion costume. Fairgoers will find the Asian Village closest to the Gate 4 entrance, not far from the Youth Building.

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   Wegmans Art & Home Center

Daily hours 10:00am to 8:00pm

This is the home of culinary demonstrations, photography exhibits, arts and crafts, a variety of entertainment and much more. The Empire Theater is packed with historic, entertaining and family-friendly programming – including performances from Steve Trash, Eco-Magician – throughout the Fair. Click here to find a complete schedule.

You can also enjoy a beverage in air-conditioned comfort at Daniella’s Seafood & Pasta House (formerly the Empire Room).

 

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   Baby Care Cottages

Our air-conditioned and private Baby Care Cottages provide nursing mothers with a secure, convenient place to nurse infants and a separate area to change diapers and perform other simple care. Located in four areas: next to the Chevy Court Pavilion, outside The Eatery building near the State Parks pond, next to the restrooms across from the Beef Barn, and next to the Agriculture Museum.

Presented by NY 529 College Savings Program

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Fair Attractions 1   Bandaloni the One Man Band

Listen to the hits played from one man on his amazing all-encompassing machine, a custom-made guitar and drum rig.  A One Man Band? That means bass and rhythm guitar, harmonica, plus a kick drum, two high-hats, snare drum, cowbell, tambourine, and singing with live harmonies... all performed at the same time! Bandaloni incorporates audience interaction, humor, and astounding novelty tricks to produce great fun and entertainment for fans of all ages.

Shows daily at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 pm along the Restaurant Row area.

Sponsored by Camping World

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Fair Attractions 10   Beef Day - Tuesday, August 27

The Great New York State Fair will celebrate the beef industry in New York State and fairgoers are encouraged to join in on the special events and activities planned for Beef Day, Tuesday, August 29. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to interact with producers of New York’s high-quality beef and to learn more about this important industry for New York agriculture. Events being held throughout the day include a hay-throwing contest at 1 p.m. and opportunities to take selfies at the Beef Barn.

Activities in the Beef Barn will help attendees learn more about the beef industry, which is critically important to the agricultural economy.

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   Birds of Prey

Fly over to the State Park at The Fair (in front of the Horticulture Building) to see majestic birds up close! The Birds of Prey exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, with daily discussions and demonstrations taking place at 11:00 am, 2:15 pm & 4:30 pm daily.

Sponsored by Signature Spas

 

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   Broadway Skyliner

Fairgoers will get a graceful and unique view of the Great New York State Fair aboard the Broadway Skyliner. The Skyliner lifts riders approximately 34 feet in the air and takes them on a seven-minute, 1,400-foot ride from one end of the Midway to the other. Tickets for the ride can be purchased on The Midway for $6 for a one-way ride. Please note, the Broadway Skyliner is not affiliated with the Wade Shows Midway.

 

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   Butter Sculpture

Visit the Dairy Products Building to see the finished masterpiece as more than 800 pounds of pounds of butter were turned into art. The 2024 Fair marks the 56th anniversary of this State Fair tradition, and the 21th year that Jim Victor and Marie Pelton have been carving magic. The Dairy Products Building is also home to The Milk Bar, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

PS: Make sure to check out all the Dairy Day festivities planned for Thursday, August 29.

Sponsored by Wegmans

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Fair Attractions 16

   The Butterizer

See what you’d look like if you were a Butter Sculpture! Scan a QR code – which will be accessible on signage in the Dairy Products Building or by clicking right here using your smartphone – to cue up a “Butterizer” filter in Instagram. This will superimpose your face onto a Butter Bust. Share your Butterized Self on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags, #NYSFair and #ButterizeMe.

PS: The Butterizer feature will work anywhere – you don’t necessarily have to be on the Fairgrounds to participate in this fun!

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Chevy Court 1   Chevy Music Series at Chevy Court

Thirteen days of free entertainment with two shows daily is scheduled for the Stan Colella Stage at Chevy Court for the 2024 New York State Fair. The lineup provides a wide-ranging mix of musical talent from country to nostalgia to today's popular music. Concerts at Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet and are all free your Fair admission!

• Chevy Court Stage schedule

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   Chevy Music Series at Suburban Park

Thirteen days of entertainment will be featured on the Suburban Park stage, located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway. National touring acts will make up a diverse lineup of talent and entertainment - all sponsored by Chevrolet and are all free with your Fair admission!.

• Suburban Park Stage schedule

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Fair Attractions 70   Circus Hollywood

Come one, come all: Aerial acrobatics, juggling clowns, flying motorcycles and more amazing feats await under the Big Top. The Coronas family are 4th generation circus performers, and are still going strong after more than 60 years!

Daily Shows at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Look for Circus Hollywood in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center!

Plus, visit the Animal Encounters Petting Zoo from 11:00am to 9:00pm daily.

Sponsored by Chevrolet

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Fair Attractions 65   Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center

Daily hours 9:00am to 9:00pm

The Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center at The Fair is celebrating its 11th Anniversary at the Great New York State Fair and providing access to uddermiracles. The Fair welcomes the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition to help provide a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. The Fair is all about fun, farming, family, and food – and the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center weaves together all of these elements. This experience provides fairgoers with a place to witness the miracle of life, meet farmers and agriculture industry professionals, and learn about the dairy industry. More than 200 farmers, veterinarians, business representatives and agricultural students volunteer to assist with the births and explain the process to the public. The exhibit also offers calves for petting and educational exhibits about the dairy industry. This year, cows that represent the Birthing Center come from six different dairy farms: Locust Hill Dairy, Stein Farms, Pine Hollow Dairy, Patterson Farms, Twin Birth Dairy and Walnut Ridge Dairy. Click here for more information.

The Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center is positioned behind the Circus in the Family Fun Zone!

Can’t make it to The Fair, but want to check in on the Mamas to Be? Remember you can always tune into the live feed provided by the New Yok Animal Agriculture Coalition.

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Governor Cuomo Announces The Great New York State Fair Breaks All-Time Single-Day Attendance Record   Dairy Day - Thursday, August 29

Celebrate the dairy industry and the delicious dairy beverage and food products made here in New York! As you "moove" through the Fairgrounds, thank a dairy farmer by visiting the Dairy Cow Birthing Center to witness the "udder" miracle of calves being born and see how cows are milked at the Milking Parlor in the Dairy Cattle Barn. For a refreshing treat, stop by the Dairy Products Building for a 25¢ glass of New York milk and view the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture or check out who won the "Best NY Milk, Best NY Cheese and Best NY Ice Cream Awards." Join the fun at the Milkshake Contest at 10:30 a.m. and root for your favorite team as they compete to see who can create the tastiest milkshake. The day wraps up with the Dairy Day Parade at 6:00 p.m. at Chevy Court featuring representatives from New York's great dairy industry as well as milk trucks, tractors and more.

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Celebrate New York's Dairy Industry at The Great New York State Fair's 41st Annual Dairy Day, August 31   Dairy Products Building

A moo-moo here, a moo-moo there that's the only way to describe the home of everything milk and dairy at the Fair which is meant to highlight the importance of the dairy industry within New York's farm economy. While there you can check out the world famous butter sculpture made from 800 pounds of creamy New York butter, have a 25¢ glass of cold white or chocolate milk, sample delicious cheese and yogurt, or have a yummy in your tummy milk shake. The New York State Milk Bar is operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

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Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum 1   Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum

Daily hours 10:00am to 7:00pm

The history of agriculture in New York State is the history of the state itself. The Witter Agricultural Museum at the Fair is meant to underscore that history as it includes within its walls an actual, fully furnished log cabin from the area’s homespun days. More than that, the museum’s exhibits, coupled with demonstrations by local craftspeople, let you experience what New York farm life was like in the 18th century.

Click here for a full schedule of events in the Museum.

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Attractions & Experiences 1   DINOSAUR EXPEDITION

Go back in time to the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth as more than 60 true-to-life-size, prehistoric, life-like dinosaurs roar into the Exposition Center. This must-see exhibit features dinosaurs that range in size from babies (still 3-feet tall!) to 35-feet tall mammoths, spanning as long as 80-feet. With moving heads, necks, tails and wings, visitors will feel like they really are walking among the dinosaurs. There are interactive features including photo ops, selfie spots, and dinosaur dance parties. Educational components include a fossil dig, and Storytime every hour.

Look for the dinosaurs in the Exposition Center!
Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Storytime: 10-minute sessions every hour on the hour; sessions are open to 30 participants at a time on a first-come, first-served basis

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State Fair Food 2019: International Building to Be Renamed “The Eatery”   The Eatery

Use your taste buds to celebrate New York's traditional role as a gateway for immigrants and a melting pot of diverse cultures. The Eatery – formerly known as the International Pavilion – is home to specialties from around the world. Whether you crave Caribbean empanadas, German bratwurst, Japanese tempura, Greek baklava, vegan delicacies or another delicious dish, you'll find it here... Eat locally, internationally, fairly.

 

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   Fire, Rescue & EMS Day - Tuesday, August 27

We honor the brave men and women of fire and emergency services agencies with free admission to any active or retired member of a fire department or emergency services organization who has a picture ID from that department or organization.

Join us for our Fire, Rescue & EMS Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m.

Sponsored by National Grid

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Fair Attractions 50   Fireworks presented Majestic Fireworks

Majestic Fireworks from Clinton, NY has provided Fireworks at the New York State Fair for the last six years. With the trill of a truly spectacular fireworks display, they have lit up the skies for over 30 years and have created memorable firework shows that make ordinary events extraordinary. Seen over the Fairgrounds on opening day at approximately 9:00pm.

Sponsored by Tessy Plastics

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Attractions & Experiences 2   Flower & Produce Shows

Flower Shows are back! During The Fair, the Flower and Produce Show is a staple sight – and smell – at the center court area of the Horticulture Building. For the first time this year, there will be daily demonstrations and featured speakers, covering topics ranging from gardening tips and tricks, to tick education, to how to make a garden container or fill a vase. Fairgoers don’t have to be Master Gardeners to attend. These 15-minute presentations are geared toward anybody who enjoys being outside! We hope you’ll peruse the schedule to see what’s “growing on” and what might be of interest to you!

View the full schedule of State Fair Flower Shows.

View the full schedule of daily Flower Show Horticulture Talks & Demonstrations.

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Fair Attractions 25   Grange Building

Daily hours 10:00am to 9:00pm

Enjoy performances on the Grange Stage by old-country party bands, line dancers and lots of cloggers. In addition come in and see what programs the NYS Grange are involved with.

Click here for a full schedule of events in the Grange Building.

 

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The Groovy Guy   The Groovy Guy

“Groovy” Guy Collins started juggling as a teenager on the streets of Paris… Now he’s an international street performing sensation who’s been featured on The Travel Channel. Watch as he juggles, unicycles, and walks on ropes, while weaving in mischievous magic.  

Limited engagement • August 21 – August 26

Shows at 11:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. in front of the C&S Companies Science & Industry Building facing Chevy Court.

Sponsored by Cutco

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Hilby the German Juggle Boy    Hilby - The Skinny German Juggle Boy

Each show with Hilby is best described as one without boundaries! While being an expert in juggling all sorts of objects and subjects as well as countless circus and variety skills, he really gets his audience involved and creates magical and hilarious moments through their participation. Watch out for catapults, marshmallows, lots of velcro and the bowling-ball of terror. Hilby has training in modern dance and mime and his body is as expressive as the spoken words he speaks. Poetry in motion, a fusion of an epileptic fit, and... Yes all that and more... the long and short of it is that you will love this Skinny German Juggle Boy!

Limited engagement • Shows start on Tuesday, August 27

Shows at 11:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. in front of the C&S Companies Science & Industry Building facing Chevy Court.

Sponsored by Cutco

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Fair Attractions 19   Historic Train Exhibit

Daily hours 11:00am to 7:00pm

One of the most popular historic attractions at the State Fair is the Train-Railroad Exhibit behind the Horticulture Building. The exhibit is open and free throughout the Fair. Visitors can relax in seated comfort in the restored vintage 1920s era passenger cars or browse through the classic 1916 model restored wooden New York Central caboose. These hidden gems look as they did when they first went on line, with authentic, original colors. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions while visitors can view the restored historic equipment.

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   Hollywood Racing Pigs

Speaking of entertainers who like to “ham it up,” how can fairgoers not squeal with delight when they watch the Hollywood Racing Pigs face off in races three times a day? Porky performers stage a hilarious race daily at 12:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. & 4:45 p.m. in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Youth Building.

Sponsored by Toyota

 

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Your Visit   Horticulture Building

Experience the sights and smells of the spectacular arrangements of colorful plants and flowers. Visit the Taste NY Market where you can sample, purchase and learn about New York made products. Get up close and personal with a working bee colony, butterflies, and taste New York’s finest beverages. Check out the Great Potato Booth to score a large white or sweet potato – with all of the fixings - for just $1.00.

 

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Fair Attractions 33   Iroquois Indian Village

Daily hours 10:00am to 8:00pm

Come learn about, celebrate and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the original New Yorkers at the Iroquois Indian Village, located closest to the Gate 4 entrance. This section of the Fairgrounds has been dedicated to Six Nations programs since 1928. Every day, experience the traditional music, dance, crafts and customs of the Iroquois. Be sure to check out the new Turtle Mound, where traditional dances take place daily. The Turtle Mound was built to resemble the turtle, an animal sacred to the Iroquois. Visit the Cookhouse for great food.

 

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Latino Village Weekend   Latino Village Weekend • August 29 - September 2

The growing celebration of Latino food, music, and culture starts Thursday, August 29 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Highlights of the stage performances this year include a return visit from the Divas at the Fair Drag Show. A full list of entertainment is provided here.

 

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   Law Enforcement Day • Monday, August 26

We honor the men and women of law enforcement in New York State with free admission to any active or retired law enforcement or corrections personnel who presents a badge or picture ID from the department from which they are or were employed.

Join us for our Law Enforcement Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Horticulture Building. Ceremony starts at 12:00 p.m.

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Fair Attractions 23

   Milking Parlor

Daily hours 9:00am to 9:00pm

Be sure to visit the Dairy Cattle Barn's newly renovated milking parlor observation room where almost every day you can watch cows being milked and learn about milk's journey from moo to you! Closed on August 28 for the dairy cattle show change over.

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Fair Attractions 15

   New York State Energy & Environment Experience

From wind turbines to electric vehicles to smart homes, fairgoers will see the many ways that energy is enhancing our lives and helping the environment. Presented by various state agencies including The New York Power Authority, Energy Research and Development Authority, Public Service, Canal Corporation and the Department of Environmental Conservation, the exhibit is located in the Center of Progress Building.

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Fair Attractions 35

   New York State Fair History Exhibit

Daily hours 10:00am to 9:00pm

Maybe you’re attending the Fair for the first time, or maybe you’ve come here for decades. Either way, chances are, there’s a lot about the Great New York State Fair that you don’t know. Walk down Memory Lane and stop into the Grange Building, to view displays that tell the story of where the Fair began, where it traveled, who came to the Fair, who performed at the Fair and much more. The exhibit begins when the New York State Fair – the oldest State Fair in the country - was founded, in 1841, and takes attendees through the present day.

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Fair Attractions 21

   New York State Lottery Players’ Pavilion

The Lottery Players’ Pavilion houses the Lottery’s expanded retail and prize payment operations throughout the duration of the Fair. The space is also used to showcase various programs sponsored by the New York State Lottery as part of the agency’s mission to support education. Find the Players’ Pavilion in the southeast corner of the Toyota Coliseum, across from the Dairy Cattle Building.

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Fair Attractions 51

   The Pure New York Maple Center

Come enjoy the sweet tastes of maple syrup, maple cotton candy and other maple treats while learning about the fascinating and age old process that is used to make maple syrup. The Maple Center is located in the Horticulture Building.

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Fair Attractions 40

   New York State Police Exhibit

The New York State Police Exhibit, one of the most popular stops and live demonstrations at the Fair is located near the Horticulture Building, across from The Midway. The area includes two buildings and a steel tower that Troopers use for their daily demonstrations to showcase rappelling techniques. Inside one of the buildings, a log cabin, fairgoers can check out a simulator that puts the dangers of texting while driving into perspective, and peruse a forensic crime scene area. There, fairgoers will also find a Wall of Honor dedicated to fallen Troopers, and a place to sign-up for the Trooper exam.  A full schedule of demonstrations is provided here.

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New York Voice of the Farmer Garden

   New York Voice of the Farmer Garden

Daily hours 9:00am to 6:00pm

The garden, which is located across from the Expo Center near the Goat Pavilion, is a living, interactive learning space for visitors to see many of the major crops grown in New York, learn about important agricultural issues, and watch engaging videos of farmers and others in the food supply chain telling the story of agriculture.

The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden features over 35 varieties of vegetable crops, herbs, fruits and pollinator plants. Learn about New York State agriculture on a walking tour with QR codes that visitors can scan to watch videos on their mobile phones. Visitors can talk with CCE Master Gardener Volunteers and CCE Onondaga staff. CCE Master Gardener Volunteers planted and maintain this exhibit..

A full schedule of demonstrations is provided here.

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Pan-African Village

   The Van Robinson Pan-African Village

Located between the Center of Progress Building and the Wegmans Art & Home Center, the Van Robinson Pan-African Village is one of the Fair’s most popular destinations to eat, listen to music, and shop for crafts. Taste African and Caribbean inspired food, sip southern-style lemonade and browse booths filled with cultural items. The Pan-African Village Stage hosts performances every day. A full list of musical entertainment is provided here.

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Veteran of Stonewall Riots to Keynote Pride Day at The 2019 Great New York State Fair

   Pride Day - Friday, August 23

The first state fair in America to host an official Pride Day to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, the annual event includes a morning flag raising ceremony at the main gate at 10 a.m.

Come celebrate the culture, community and other special events that day!

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   Sea Lion Splash

The Sea Lion Splash Show is another highlight sure to be on everyone’s must-see list. Starring Californian and South American Sea Lions, the 45-minute Sea Lion Splash Show is educational and entertaining. From selfies, to balancing, handstands, performance tricks, and more – these smiling sea stars do it all! Three shows are scheduled each day at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. in the Family Fun Zone behind the Expo Center near the Talent Showcase.

Sponsored by Mattress Firm

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Science and Industry Building to Host New Skilled Trades & Manufacturers Exhibit During The Great New York State Fair

   Skilled Trades & Manufacturing Exhibit

Fairgoers may find their first or their next career at the Science and Industry Building, where companies will be looking for workers in the skilled trades and manufacturing industries. They’ll offer hands-on demonstrations showing fairgoers what it’s like to work in the fields of general, mechanical and electrical construction, industrial processing and manufacturing. Presented by C&S Companies, different companies will be represented every day during the Fair’s 13-day run.

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   Special Days Parades

On four of our Special Fair Days, be sure to line up at 6:00pm along our new parade route for our grandest parades yet! See marching bands, local organizations, and displays themed towards each special day. The parade route begins at the end of Broadway across from the Suburban Park area and goes up the road along the Wade Shows midway, it then winds in front of The Eatery, and then back down Iroquois Street ending next to the back of the Expo Center. Parades will be held on:

- Pride Day Parade - Friday, August 23

- Law Enforcement Day Parade - Monday, August 26

- Fire & Rescue Day / Beef Day Parade - Tuesday, August 27

- Armed Forces Day / Dairy Day Parade - Thursday, August 29

- Labor Day Parade - Monday, September 2 (starts at 10:00am)

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   State Park at the Fair

Visitor Center & Programs Daily hours 11:00am to 7:00pm

While visiting the New York State Fair this summer be sure to stop at the State Park at the Fair and sample some of our programs in an oasis-like park setting around the reflecting pool in front of the Horticulture Building. While the State Park at the Fair is the smallest park within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation agency, it offers fun for all ages. It highlights the many interpretive and recreational opportunities available throughout the 180 state parks and 35 state historic sites in New York. Come share hands-on activities and explore interesting demonstrations and exhibits. Our mini-golf course is an annual family favorite.

Learn more about New York's magnificent state parks and historic sites. Meet knowledgeable parks staff who can answer questions, offer trip suggestions, and provide insight for your next adventure.

The Birds of Prey exhibit features live eagles, hawks, and owls. Come to the Environmental Education exhibit and build a bird house.

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   Steve Trash, Eco-Magician

Rockin’ Eco-Hero, Magician and PBS series host, Steve Trash, is back for the second year in a row! His mix of comedy, music, and magic makes use of recycled or discarded items to weave a unique ecological message throughout his show. The Rockin’ Eco-Hero and host of the PBS series “Steve Trash Science,” will perform three times daily in the Empire Theater* of the Art & Home Center, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Strong Spas

*On August 23, Steve Trash will perform at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. along The Colonnade between the Science & Industry Building and the Dairy Products Building.

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   The Strolling Piano

Fairgoers can catch music on the move between the Poultry Building and along Restaurant Row around 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Can you keep up with The Strolling Piano as it plays your favorite tunes while rolling merrily along?

Sponsored by Beak & Skiff 1911

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Fair Attractions 53   Taste NY Marketplace

Explore Taste NY at The Great New York State Fair! Taste NY is the official eat-local, drink-local program for New York State offering food, beverages, and gifts at nearly 70 retail locations state-wide. Visit the Taste NY Marketplace inside the Horticulture Building where you can meet the producers and enjoy free samples while you shop. Featured vendors change daily throughout The Fair offering fairgoers an opportunity to try local products from over 40 New York State producers over the 13 days of The Fair!

Taste NY is also excited to announce the return of the Taste NY Pop-up Market, located near the Taste NY Marketplace in the Horticulture Building. Featuring more than 300 unique products from 80 producers, the Pop-up Market gives fairgoers an opportunity to shop for food, beverage, and gift items sourced from the Adirondacks, Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley | Catskills, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.

Fairgoers can also find Taste NY craft beverages each evening at the Tasting Yard in Suburban Park. A rotating selection of beer and cider will be available each night during the 8 p.m. concert.

Visit the Taste NY Marketplace inside the Horticulture Building from August 21 through September 2.

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Grounds Entertainment 1   Team Sandtastic Sand Sculpture

The amazing sand sculpture will front and center in the Micron Center of Progress Building. Watch as 180 tons of sand (that’s 360,000 pounds) is sculpted into a masterpiece by Team Sandtastic!

Sculpture will be completed by August 23.

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Fair Attractions 62   Veterans and 9/11 Memorial

Located in front of the Horticulture Building, the Veterans Memorial held its opening at the 1999 Fair and was expanded in 2001. It features an eternal flame, flag poles with bricks of all the wars at its base and stones for each branch of the service with individual bricks placed from the service branches. The 9/11 Memorial honors all those that lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Unveiled at the 2002 Fair, the Memorial is located between the two phases of the Veterans Memorial.

Make sure to attend Armed Forces Day ceremonies at 11:00am on Thursday, August 29 at the memorial. Join the State Fair community as we honor and give tribute to all our Veterans.

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Fair Attractions 18   Wool Center

Daily hours 10:00am to 9:00pm

The State Fair Wool Center is the home of statewide wool competitions and demonstrations. The center features old-fashioned wool-making, providing the fairgoer an opportunity to experience the proper preparation for market and/or hand spinning, and to show the various commercial grades as well as the best quality fleeces of the different breeds of sheep. See displays and demo’s on how other fibers can complement wool when blended and used... and make sure to play the "Guess the Fiber" game. Located on restaurant row between the Main Horse Barn and the Voice of The Farmer Garden.