The 2024 New York State Fair opened on Wednesday, kicking off a baker’s dozen of sensational days of Empire State excitement. 
An enthusiastic crowd of customers negotiated intermittent rain while roaming the colorful and thrilling landscape.
While a reunion with old favorites is State Fair gold, new features and freshening make every year a little different from its predecessors. While first-time events are few this year, we always seem to notice something different.
Popular longtime Fair vendor Basilio Sausage welcomed faithful customers to its newly-constructed food stand as Restaurant Row updates continue. Nearby, there are some new wrinkles outside the dairy cattle barn where temporary vendor shelters form a street median. Down near Chevy Court, Toss & Fire was smoking creative pizzas in their new, high-traffic location.
This year’s version of the famous butter sculpture was unveiled Tuesday in the Dairy Building with a nature and conservation theme, while the 2024 edition of the sand sculpture is under construction in the Center of Progress. 
Game Time
Sports-minded visitors can enjoy some friendly competition every day of the New York State Fair with a visit to the Sports Activity Center, home to a variety of athletic events.
Girls and boys basketball tournaments, gymnastics, the New York State Fair Wrestling Challenge, roller derby, 
Wheelchair Basketball, boxing and even competition in the fast-growing sport of pickle ball (Aug. 28) are on this year’s itinerary.
Be sure to check out the schedule so you can grab a bleacher seat to watch your favorite sport.
The Sports Activity Center is located in front of the Coliseum, easily accessible by tram. All events are free to watch.
Travel Advisory
Remember to plan your Fair visit Friday and Saturday while keeping in mind that there are concerts both evenings at the amphitheater, which will add to traffic issues entering later in the day. There is also an amp show on Aug. 29.
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