From Apples to Zeiders and Everything Between: The Great New York State Fair from A to Z

It’s no secret that seeing everything taking place at The Great New York State Fair would require multiple days and a keen sense of planning. From must-see attractions, to concerts, transportation, and more - we’ve got you covered from A to Z.

A is for Agriculture (duh!) – Agriculture is the backbone of New York State’s economy and The Great New York State Fair is proud to showcase the very best of what the Empire State has to offer. With hundreds of agricultural competitions, dozens of different animals to interact with, and so many interactive educational components, The Fair is the perfect place to learn all about the products we use daily and the significant impact that our local farmers and agricultural workers have on our everyday lives.

B is for Beef Day – With nearly 13,000 cattle farms and close to 110,000 beef cows across the state, beef isn’t just what’s for dinner – it’s one of New York’s most important industries generating around $300 million each year. The Fair is proud to partner with the New York Beef Council to host Beef Day on Tuesday, August 27. As part of Beef Day, be sure to visit Chevy Court Pavilion beginning at 10:30 a.m. to witness the New York Beef Council Charcuterie Board Competition.

C is for Centro – Transportation is also something to consider when making your plans to visit The Fair. Centro’s Park-N-Ride direct shuttle service will provide passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to and from The Fairgrounds with drop-off and pick-up points to the left of the Main Gate. To ride the shuttle one way, the fee is $1.00 for adults, and $.50 for senior citizens, children 6 to 9 years old, and those who are living with disabilities. The last shuttle leaves The Fairgrounds each day at 11:15 p.m. and at 9:15 p.m. on September 2.

D is for Dairy Day – Did you know that New York’s dairy industry includes more than 3,000 dairy farms that produce some of the world’s best dairy products? In fact, New York  ranks as the fifth largest producer of milk and the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese in the United States. It’s true – the state’s dairy industry is something to showcase and The Fair plans to do just that on Thursday, August 29 – Dairy Day. Check out the annual milkshake contest in Chevy Court Pavilion at 10:30 a.m., stop by the Dairy Products Building for a cold glass of .25-cent milk, or admire 800 pounds of sculpted butter as part of the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture. You can even stop by the Dairy Cattle Barn and check out the milking parlor to learn more about how milk gets from the cow to your glass.

E is for Entertainment – From death-defying aerial acrobatics to strolling pianos, robots, and more – The Fair is proud to feature world-renowned performances throughout the grounds – all included with the price of admission. With highly anticipated newcomers, including Nerveless Nocks and Ally Walker Inks to long-time favorites like Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Bandaloni the One-Man Band, Birds of Prey, Dinosaur Expedition, Steve Trash, Hollywood Circus, and more. Check out the full entertainment schedule by visiting The Fair’s website.

F is for Food and Fair Finder – This one is a no-brainer. Whether you’re looking for fried alligator, blooming onions, deep-fried Oreos, or something healthier, The Fair features some of the most tantalizing culinary creations known to man. With hundreds of food vendors scattered throughout the grounds, you’re sure to find your favorites waiting around every corner. Be sure to check out the Fair Finder to learn more about different dining options and to browse menus.

G is for Goats – Goats are a mainstay at The Fair and you can visit them inside The Goat Pavilion, but this year, there’s a twist! These goats cuddle! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Cuddling has been shown to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve sleep, and that’s just for the goat. Imagine how it’ll make you feel? Stop by the Horticulture Building and make a goat’s day.

H is for Hay – and hay is for horses! Did you know that it takes about 1,800 bales of hay to feed all the horses at the State Fair over its 13-day run? From pulling to barrel racing to western dressage and more, be sure to check out all the horse competitions inside the Toyota Coliseum and the 4-H Horse Arena. You can also check out the hay bale throwing contest at noon inside the Beef Barn. For a complete rundown of all the agricultural shows, visit the daily schedules website or check out one of the interactive kiosks located throughout the Fairgrounds.

I is for Innovative – The Fair is so much more than entertainment, food, and competitions. Inside the Center of Progress and Science and Industry buildings, fairgoers can catch a glimpse of the initiatives, programs, and technology being developed that can potentially change the way we interact with the world around us. Micron, the New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Energy Research and Development, and other state agencies will be on hand to highlight the groundbreaking programs they’re developing with one goal in mind – to make a positive impact on the lives of every New Yorker through advancements in technology. Be sure to stop by and see what’s on the horizon.

J is for Juggle – We’re not talking about how Fair staff handles multiple events happening throughout the grounds at the same time. We’re talking about Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy. One of the most requested ground entertainment acts every year, Hilby is scheduled to perform August 27 – September 2 between the Dairy Products Building and the Eatery at 11:15 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m.

K is for Kids – Not only do children ages 12 and under get into The Fair for FREE, but once they’re inside the gates, there is a whole world for them to explore. Whether they’re interested in seeing one of The Fair’s family-friendly concerts like Kidz Bop or Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, stepping back in time at the Dinosaur Expedition and taking part in fossil digs, story time, and more, or having some fun on the Midway, The Fair has something to keep them entertained all day long.

L is for Lines – No one likes to wait in a line and with close to a million people set to visit The Fair this summer, you can do your best to avoid them by purchasing your ticket, parking, and Midway wristbands ahead of your visit. Avoid sitting in traffic as well by considering park-n-ride options. Learn more about these services or purchase your tickets today by visiting The Fair’s website.

M is for Music – You thought we’d go with Midway here, but that’ll come later. With 39 national recording artists on tap, The Fair is sure to have something for everyone. Whether you’re into hip-hop, country, rock, family entertainment, or the classics, The Chevrolet Music Series combines some of the biggest names in the music industry with those whose career is on the rise. Check out the full lineup featured in Chevy Court and Suburban Park by visiting The Fair’s website.

N is for Navy Week – Did you know that Syracuse is one of only 15 cities selected from across the United States to host Navy Week? As part of the celebration, The Fair is set to host the United States Navy Band and the U.S.S Nimitz Exhibit, which is an interactive experience that details one of the Navy’s largest aircraft carriers.  Additionally, The Fair is pleased to welcome Admiral Josh Jackson, a Syracuse native, to help commemorate Armed Services Day on August 29. It’s a big deal and The Fair is proud to be a part of Navy Week.

O is for Oswego – Fairgoers from The Port City and surrounding area will be happy to learn that the Oswego County Department of Mobility Management is offering free park-n-ride transportation to The Fair this year. Oswego County Public Transit buses will be available in Fulton and Oswego on Saturday, August 24 and in Central Square and Phoenix on Saturday, August 31. For a full schedule, please visit Oswego County’s website.

P is for Parking – Speaking of parking – if you’re not going to take advantage of any of the convenient park-n-ride options this year, it’s important to plan ahead.  Parking vouchers are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting The Fair’s website. Please note – EZPass Plus is no longer an option for parking. Disability tags must be clearly displayed before entering any parking lots. For more information, including hours, policies, locations, and other important information regarding parking, please visit The Great New York State Fair’s website.

Q is for Quilting – One of the many wonderful things about The Fair is the numerous competitions that take place daily. While all winners can proudly display their ribbons and rosettes, some take pleasure in knowing that their hard work will also benefit a noble cause. One such competition is the annual Baby Quilt and Blanket Contest inside The Wegmans Art and Home Building, where all entries are donated to a local charity to ensure that newborns and small children have something warm.

R is for Recreation – The Fair is excited to introduce a new area this year next to the Midway that will feature recreational competitions, including a two-day cornhole tournament and a co-ed volleyball tournament. The space had traditionally been an open grass area, but will be repurposed to provide local organizations with expanded opportunities to host various tournaments and activities. To learn more about, or register for, the upcoming cornhole tournament August 24-25, please visit the Syracuse Sports Association’s website. Those interested in signing up for the co-ed volleyball tournament on August 31 are encouraged to visit the Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association’s website.

S is for Sensory – While many fairgoers are captivated by the bright lights, loud sounds, and live music at The Great New York State Fair, others can find the environment to be a potential cause of stress and anxiety. To make The Fair more inclusive of all New Yorkers, The Great New York State Fair is proud to announce the addition of a dedicated sensory room and sensory friendly hours as part of its mission to improve programming and infrastructure with the goal of making one of summer’s most beloved traditions more accessible. The room is located inside The Wegmans Art and Home Building and will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

T is for Trains, Taxis, and Trailways – In addition to park-n-ride options, there are several comfortable alternatives to driving yourself to The Fair. Amtrak announced that it will have multiple routes running directly to The Fairgrounds while Trailways’ Regional Transportation Center is a quick hop, skip, and a jump from The Fair. Fairgoers can also take advantage of ride-sharing services or taxis that can drop passengers off in the Pink Lot, which is located between Gates 3 and 4. With so many comfortable and convenient options to get to and from The Fair, it’s true that all roads lead to The Great New York State Fair!

U is for Underserved – The Fair is more than just entertainment, agriculture, and food. It’s also a place where families and friends come together each summer and forge life-long memories and fun. The Fair is proud to partner with non-profits each year as part of its Adopt-A-Family Program, which has helped more than 2,500 families enjoy a fun-filled day by providing vouchers for free Fair admission, free parking, and free food for families who otherwise would not be able to afford a visit to The Fair. Furthermore, The Fair is pleased to offer a newly-minted initiative called the Reprize-A-Prize program, which allows fairgoers to donate back any prizes or stuffed animals won at the Midway. These donations will be distributed to a not-for-profit organization that serves families, children, and underserved members of the community.

V is for Voice of the Farmer Garden – A newer addition to the agricultural repertoire at The Fair, the Voice of the Farmer Garden has grown significantly this year (see what we did there?). This year, the garden will feature several added interactive components including guest speakers from numerous agricultural organizations, demonstrations, videos, activities, and more. The Garden features over 35 different vegetables, herbs, fruits, and pollinator plants and is located across from the Exposition Center near the Goat Pavilion. Learn more about the Voice of the Farmer Garden, including daily schedules, by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website.

W is for Wade – Wade Shows operates The Fair’s famous Midway and with several new attractions this year, along with some fan favorites, fairgoers of all ages are sure to enjoy countless hours of excitement. Wade Shows, the second-largest carnival operator in the United States, will bring more than 50 thrilling and immaculately maintained rides to The Great New York State Fair, along with dozens of fun games, and classic carnival food. From hair-raising rides, including Zero Gravity, Downdraft, Mega Drop, and the State Fair Slide to fun rides designed for children like Tea Cups and Crazy Cab, the Midway offers something for thrill-seekers (and fun-seekers) of any age. Learn more about Wade Shows and purchase your midway wristbands now by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website.

X is for…well…X – As in X marks the spot. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Fair Map for details on literally everything including entertainment schedules and locations, building hours, important information, and so much more. Find your way throughout the Fairgrounds with ease. Fair maps are free to fairgoers and can be picked up at any guest relations location. They’re also available digitally at The Fair’s website.

Y is for Youth – From 4H to Future Farmers of America, The Fair is always working to expand interest in agriculture through educational exhibits, ag career development programming, and by supporting various youth organizations that foster excitement around agriculture. The Fair highly encourages youths of all ages to visit the Voice of the Farmer Garden or the Maple Experience, take a stroll through any of the barns, talk with a farmer, and learn more about the role that agriculture plays in their day-to-day lives.

Z is for Zoo – Being able to see an animal up close and personal is always exciting, but being able to pet that animal is a life-long memory and The Fair is excited to welcome back Circus Hollywood’s Animal Encounters Petting Zoo for another year of family fun. Be sure to stop by and give a little love to some deserving animals from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. each day.

 

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Admission to The Great New York State Fair includes access to 39 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1), and a daily 8 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).

Admission tickets, parking, and passes for The Fair’s famous Midway are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website. Admission tickets are $8 (plus fees) for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older. Fairgoers can also purchase a Frequent Fairgoer pass for $25 (plus fees), which provides admission to all 13-days of The Fair’s run. Parking is $12 per vehicle, plus fees.

Updated concert schedules are available on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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