The 2018 New York State Fair opened under overcast skies Wednesday with unusually high expectations. As always, the well-prepared operation got an excitement boost as the first patrons surged through the gates and onto the vast landscape packed with perennial favorites and first-time surprises.
The sparkling new $62 million Exposition Center was the marquee attraction as the hulking exhibit hall changed the skyline, welcoming its first visitors. For year one, the Expo Center is dominated by an ice rink that is being used for various sports and the Fair’s first-ever wedding on ice.
The non-frozen areas of the massive EC feature two exhibits relocated from the Center of Progress Building, 
the sand sculpture, a longstanding perennial favorite, and the I Love New York tourism area which debuted in 2017 with photo backdrops of popular vacation spots around the state.
Just outside the Expo Center, the New York Experience grounds is ready for its breakout year with the picturesque pond surrounded by landscaping. The enlarged stage will host several national acts and the observation tower ride will give fair riders a birds-eye view of the whole area. Watch State Fair Hound over the new few days for more on what’s new this year and everything that’s happening at the Fair.
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