When the gates swing open Wednesday for opening day of the 2024 New York State Fair, that exhilarating first tour of the grounds will find some vendors scrambling to be ready and patrons energized to enjoy old favorites while seeking out new features. This year is the first under the stewardship of new Director Julie LaFave.
One long-established food stand will be serving from a brand new building as the old Basilio Sausage stand (pictured) has been replaced in its traditional location on Restaurant Row. Meanwhile, Toss & Fire Pizza moves into its new location in front of the Dairy Building. It’s good to see the Fair show faith in popular vendors.
Once again this year, you’ll be able to beat the traffic and the heat by passing through the gates as early as 9 a.m. each morning. Most buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except Labor Day, when they close at 8 p.m.
Unfortunately, you’ll need credit cards or prepaid credits at entrances. Same goes in parking lots, as EZ Pass scanners will be conspicuously missing, so expect slower processing as cars enter. Vendors almost universally welcome cash.
Entering early is a good way to start your day, to watch the set-up and feast on breakfast Fair-style until major buildings open. 
Traditionally, the first day of the Fair is also Governor’s Day, so she may attend.
The perennially astonishing sand sculpture will be under construction in the Center of Progress, so if you enjoy watching the artists work, this is a good day to visit.
Meanwhile, the heralded return of Dinosaur Expedition will bring animated, lifelike dinosaurs back to terrorize Expo Center visitors every day starting at 10 a.m. They were a huge hit last year, so the return engagement is an obvious decision. Story times and fossil digs will add to the fun.
The limited appearance of those amazing llamas will be in the goat and swine barn early in the Fair. Though the beautiful wool-bearers are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, New York farmers have found that they’re amazingly adaptable to local pastures. 
The llamas’ visit features competitions and special events before they’re herded out Saturday afternoon, so stop in early to see these stunning creatures up close. Don’t miss the wild and hilarious costume contest, scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.
4-H will welcome you for an intimate visit with a variety of horses in the compact stable near the Iroquois Village. Dog lovers can also take in the 4-H dog obedience competition in the Coliseum, opening day only.
There aren’t many new acts on the agenda this year, but most of the traditional favorite exhibits and events are back. Musicians, stunt performers, talented animals and wacky comedy provide a wide variety of free-of-charge shows sprinkled liberally throughout the day.
Sea Lion Splash is back in the Family Fun Zone. The chubby, whiskered mammals have drawn huge crowds the past two years. The show itself is pretty dull and it’s troubling to see wild animals compromised for entertainment. But the stars are adored by Fair audiences. They’ll take the stage three times every day.
2024 is the sophomore year of the Asian Village, which will run from Opening Day through the first weekend from 9 am to 10 pm., recognizing the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The Latino Village will take over the same spot–at the far western end of the grounds, near the Youth Building–for the last five days.
Several food stands along Broadway and Restaurant Row present bands and solo acts that are often terrific, adding an element of night club atmosphere to your Fair dinner. 
Check the schedule and stay alert for appearances by such terrific wandering entertainers as rock star Bandaloni, the Strolling Piano and Hilby who have become Fair regulars, something to which returning Groovy Guy may aspire.
New this year is an acrobatic act called the Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show. It takes flight daily at Noon, 3 and 5 p.m. in the Central Park area.
Family fishing day is back, hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The free fishing event runs from Noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required, and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Opening day will close with fireworks exploding over the grounds at about 9 p.m.
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