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Fairgoers Encouraged to Tour the Beef Barn and Learn More about this Important Industry for New York State Agriculture
Special Events Taking Place Throughout the Day to Promote and Celebrate New York’s Beef Industry
The Great New York State Fair is encouraging fairgoers to celebrate the beef industry in New York State and join in on the many special events and activities planned for Beef Day, Tuesday, August 28. Beef Day allows fairgoers a unique opportunity to interact with the producers of New York high-quality beef and to learn more about this important industry for New York agriculture. Events being held throughout the day include cook-offs and contests at Chevy Court.
Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said, “The New York State Fair is proud to highlight our agricultural producers, and Beef Day is a great opportunity to spotlight our cattle farmers. We encourage all fairgoers to jump in on the fun during Beef Day, whether it’s participating in the hay bale throwing contest or getting involved in the Pound Out Hunger campaign.”
State Agricultural Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Beef Day is a fun way to educate fairgoers about where their food comes from and to appreciate the great industry we have here in New York. From the tours in the Beef Barn to the annual challenge to create the perfect burger, Beef Day is all about getting the public involved and instilling a new appreciation of our beef producers.”
New York Beef Council Executive Director Jean O’Toole said, “Beef Day is a perfect way to celebrate and spotlight our 31,500 beef and dairy farmers in New York State that work hard to ensure your steaks on the grill, burgers at your tailgate party or chili in your crockpot are safe and delicious! We encourage fairgoers to cheer on our Beef Day burger contestants and head down to the Beef Barn to learn about the NYS beef industry.”
The Beef Barn will host activities open to everyone starting at 9 a.m., including a scavenger hunt, a hay bale throwing contest, and an interactive beef cut display. People who visit the Beef Barn can get to know New York beef farmers face-to-face, and see award-winning beef cattle. Activities in the Beef Barn will help attendees learn more about the beef industry, which is critically important to the agricultural economy.
For the second year in a row, the New York Beef Council and Beef Producers Association are partnering with the Food Bank of CNY to collect beef donations for those in need. Fairgoers can also participate in the “Pound Out Hunger” campaign, being held in the Beef Barn, where they can swing a sledgehammer to pound a vehicle donated by Ben Weitsman & Son of Syracuse. Participants can pay $2 for one swing or $5 for three swings. Proceeds from the event will go toward beef purchases for New Yorkers in need.
Commissioner Ball will kick off the Beef Day festivities at 10 a.m. in the Chevy Court Pavilion by reading a proclamation that celebrates the beef industry.
Beef Day continues with the 22nd Annual media grill-off, called “Branding Iron Chef,” in the Chevy Court Pavilion at 10:15 a.m. This competition challenges local television and radio members as well as New York-based food bloggers to create a burger masterpiece in one hour.
The 11th Annual “Create the Perfect Burger” Contest will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Chevy Court Pavilion, as 10 Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters will compete for the title of “Perfect Burger,” to be determined by a panel of judges. Three winners will also receive $875 in prizes for their chapters.
This year, Beef Day falls on the same day as Fire & Rescue Day, where free admission is offered to any active or retired members of a fire department or emergency services organization, and the second Senior Citizen’s Day, where free admission is offered to all seniors 60 and older.
About the Great New York State Fair
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 22 to September 3, 2018. The Fair's mission, reflected in its theme, "FIND YOUR GREAT," is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.
The home of the Great New York State Fair is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website. Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, on Snapchat at nysfair and enjoy photos from the Fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.
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