A toast to one of the Fair’s new attractions, the Taste NY Wine, Beer and Spirits Village at the Colonnade. It would be a mistake to say that the wine tent is back. The new setup is far beyond what it was, much larger, a better atmosphere and, as the name indicates, selling beer, cider and liquor, though it’s still mostly wine.
There are now about 20 vendors pouring drinks among the columns and more space has been opened up, particularly on the side of the Dairy Building where the Anthony’s stand had been located for many years. More area is covered by tents and there’s space to walk around and tables for both sitting and standing. And now, unlike the old wine court days, patrons are free to take their drinks along as they roam the grounds.
A helpful Fair employee at the Agriculture Museum today explained Nick Nichols absence from the tree-shaded spot he has been using to stage his antique tool demonstrations. She said that Nick had intended to be at the Fair this year, but is recovering from surgery that prevented his return. She said he was planning to make this his last year with us as he is cutting back his work schedule. But his health prevented him from making his farewell appearance, so we won’t have a chance to say so long.
Nick is one-of-a-kind, a master of his craft, who delighted in showing it to Fairgoers and did so with humor as he taught us with expertise and unbridled enthusiasm. Many of the woodworking tools his skilled hands manipulated have been replaced by modern technology, but Nick himself is irreplaceable. We miss him already.
The poultry building houses row upon row of domesticated birds (like the beauties shown here in Nick LoPresti photos) making it a mandatory Fair stop for something city folks would never see otherwise. It’s loud and smelly, but fascinating. Rabbits and cavies are also displayed there and the duck pond is great stop for some splashing fun.
As the Wade Shows brought in some thrilling–or maybe terrifying–new rides, sometimes old favorites had to move out to make space. The only one worth missing is the beautiful and iconic wave swinger, the focal point in Strates Shows’ midway. It’s strange to stroll a midway without it, but it’s memory has been preserved with countless photos, including the one in the State Fair Hound masthead. We think we’ll keep it, at least for now.
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