Yikes! There’s less than two months until the turnstiles start rotating for the 2014 New York State Fair. Time to get busy looking ahead—but first a final look back at last year.The Hound promised 10 things we liked about New York State Fair 2013 and we deliver.

The last three things we liked:

At number eight–The presence of farm animals goes back to the origins of the Fair. Initially, that’s what it was all about, farmers bringing their wares, including livestock, to town for judging and promotional purposes. So yeah, they’ve always been there, but the way in which they’re presented is changing, making for a better experience for Fair visitors.
The cow birthing center was a tremendous success in its first season and is being expanded for next year. Year two of the Agriculture Extravaganza brought into the Coliseum on Labor Day is also a rare treat. Suggestion—an exhibit explaining and promoting organic farming and making the case that farms that emphasize humane treatment of livestock make for better products would be a nice addition.

002

Our ninth thing we liked–The Midway Music Series has evolved into yet another spot with free entertainment and its popularity is growing as it presents niche acts. What a great idea to get some evening use out of the Talent Showcase stage, which had been idle after the daytime events wrapped up.

Number 10 is different for each fairgoer, but we think it’s a bonus to be able to renew acquaintances with people we see every August on the grounds, some true friends, others familiar faces that make the Fair feel like home to annual visitors. The Hound, for instance, likes to stop by the Pan African tent to get a warm Jamaican welcome from Irwin “Bongo” Hanslip. We also exchange gracious greetings with Nadir Hatem at King David’s. Regulars from ticket takers to product demonstrators, Iroquois exhibitors to performers and various crafters remind us of our long history as Fair maniacs and we love it.

029

Funny how it feels as if something is missing when one of those essential people isn’t there. Last year we missed Walt Thomas, the broom maker who had passed away after SF 2012 and vendor Bob Hamley who didn’t return after many years popping corn and peddling roses. This year, it will take some getting used to with the new midway company, but it sure will be interesting to see how the new vendor works out.