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Encourages Fairgoers to Subscribe to Fairgrounds Alert System Texts, Providing Critical Real Time Updates on Weather and Security Information Via Text Message
Text NYSF to 888777
Initiative Builds on the State Fair’s Many Security Policies and Health and Safety Measures to Ensure a Safe, Secure, and Family-Friendly Experience for Fairgoers, Vendors, and Visitors
The Great New York State Fair today announced it is launching a Fairgrounds Alert System at the 2025 Fair. Fairgoers are encouraged to text NYSF to 888777 to subscribe to the system, which provides critical, real-time updates on weather, security, and other important information via text message. The Fairgrounds Alert System, which will be active for the 13-day Fair and during year-round events, is just one of the many initiatives and policies The Fair has implemented to ensure a safe, secure, and family-friendly environment for all fairgoers, vendors, and visitors.
“The safety and well-being of everyone who visits the Fairgrounds is our top priority,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “Our team works tirelessly to implement comprehensive safety and security measures and collaborate with our dedicated public safety partners to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment for all. Our commitment to safety is ongoing, and we remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in safeguarding everyone who joins us each year.”
Enhanced Safety Measures and Infrastructure
The Fairgrounds Alert System is further supported by integration with the National Weather Service, providing advanced warnings of dangerous weather conditions. In addition to the debut of the Fairgrounds Alert System this year, The Fair is also banning, out of an abundance of caution, non-official vehicles as part of its parades and has installed additional physical security measures.
Over the years, The Fair has invested significantly in advanced security infrastructure, ongoing emergency planning, and robust partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a positive experience during The Fair and throughout the year.
This includes the installation of highly sensitive magnetometers and metal detection devices at all public entry points and high-resolution surveillance cameras across the grounds, as well as the use of drone technology and The Fair’s advanced public address systems.
These measures are a part of a comprehensive public safety and emergency management strategy that is guided by an Emergency Operations Protocol. In addition, public safety agencies staff the Fairgrounds 24/7, monitoring activities, maintaining a physical presence, and coordinating rapid responses to any concerns.
The State Fair’s safety framework is strengthened through those partnerships with law enforcement agencies such as the New York State Police, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and numerous other public safety organizations who meet and train together throughout the year.
Enhanced Emergency and Medical Support
In addition to its critical security policies and initiatives, The Fair maintains several health and safety measures, including ensuring a comprehensive Emergency Medical Service (EMS) presence provided by American Medical Response (AMR) of Central New York, featuring ambulances, bike teams, foot patrols, and utility task vehicle (UTV) units. The onsite Infirmary, staffed daily by Upstate Medical University’s physicians and registered nurses, offers immediate medical assistance if needed. Additionally, Solvay Fire Department operates a 24/7 volunteer-staffed fire station on the grounds, ready to respond to fire emergencies at a moment’s notice.
Misting stations will be available throughout The Fair to provide a cool spray of water for fairgoers. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to bring water bottles from home and refill them for free at water filling stations located in most fairgrounds buildings.
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. The Fair continues to be one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, with admission remaining free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under.
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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