State Fair Hound’s wacky idea of the day is inspired by photos published in Empire Showcase, Henry W. Schramm’s 1985 biography of our Fair. The pictures, taken by Al Edison, show a Bell Aerosystems test pilot firing up a jet pack and soaring over the main gate.

Schramm’s book doesn’t date the photos, but we believe they’re from the 70s. One of them was displayed in the Fair history exhibit in the Grange Building. This photo shows a more modern version of a jet pack.

It seems to us that if a pilot could use a jet pack to fly over the Fairgrounds 40 years ago, one could do it now. Wouldn’t that be wild?

Famed daredevil Nik Wallenda walked a wire over the midway of this year’s Erie County Fair, so that’s another idea for the kind of dazzling spectacle that could add to the excitement of the Fair.

Less sensational ideas, such as this year’s very successful Labor Day-Dollar Day promotion are also important, so let’s keep brainstorming to come up with ways to boost our favorite event . We’ve got almost a year to work on it.

State Fair Hound knows that Fair executives and staffers are already thinking about the 2015 version. They have a little extra planning time this off season as the 169th New York State Fair opens on Aug. 27, the latest date the Fair can open under its current configuration.

Acting Director Troy Waffner has assured us that suggestions from the public are taken seriously and we saw evidence this year with more places to sit and eat, midway improvements and the wine court’s return to the colonnade as the Taste NY Wine, Beer and Spirits Village. So, keep ‘em coming by logging onto nysfair.org to submit your ideas. Meanwhile, we’ll propose a few of our own.

For starters, we’re going to go out on a limb here and propose a change for next year some Fair fans will think is crazy. We think that ticket prices, both full price and reduced advance-sale admission prices should be raised. Here’s why.

The Hound has never been a fan of attractions that require a separate admission after patrons have pushed through the turnstiles. This year Discover the Dinosaurs charged $5, even for kids. The Ice Museum grabbed people for $8 opening day and, interestingly, it was quickly reduced to $6. There was also a charge for the Monarch Butterfly Garden, though only a buck.

It seems to us that a convincing claim to fame for the Fair has always been that you pay for admission, but virtually all of the inside attractions are free. This year the Wolves of the World, the Hawk Creek birds of prey, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, the Harlem Wizards, Shipwrecks of the “Great” Great Lakes and Tractor Town were among the great free features. Then, of course, there’s the Chevrolet Court shows, the History of the
Fair exhibit and grounds performers like Bandolini, the Living Statues and, one of the best free acts the Fair has, Hilby.

We’re sure you can name a few more shows and exhibits that are free, but you get the idea. We don’t know the details that go into the inclusion of the paid-admission attractions, but we wonder if the Fair could make those free if gate admission was a bit higher.

Here’s our reasoning—A family could really run up its cost by paying charges beyond admission. A couple with two youngsters, for instance would have increased their one-day cost by $40 if they went to both the Dinosaurs and the Ice Museum (the ice sculptors had a family-of-four charge of $20). Some parents would find it aggravating having to take out the wallet repeatedly after having purchased admission and midway wristbands.

But if the Fair charged everyone a little more for admission by increasing ticket charges from $10, $6 advance sale to, say $12, $8 advance, maybe they could eliminate extra admission charges. Then they could renew the very popular concept of paying essentially one charge and getting all of these acts free.

Is this a good idea? Your opinion is as good as ours. We recognize that some people would howl, but day-of-Fair admission prices haven’t gone up since 2003. Advance prices have gone up $1 since then, we’re not sure what year.

Maybe it’s a lousy idea. Maybe a $2 increase wouldn’t be enough to cover costs. Or maybe, for other reasons, it doesn’t add up logistically for the Fair. But come on, compare it to a movie or sports event, then consider all you would be getting for free. Then you may agree this is worth considering.

Here are a few more bits of new and notes on the 2014 New York State Fair from State Fair Hound:

One Chevy Court show that was a favorite among Hound readers was the Aug. 25 appearance of Herman’s Hermits, featuring Peter Noone. Sure Noone and his mates maintain a generational popularity with the baby boomers set and those fun pop ditties are easy to like. But Noone’s charisma and quick wit gave the show an extra sparkle and his affection for fans was proven by him spending about two hours signing autographs after the show.

Speaking of Chevy Court, the Hound endorses an idea raised by one Syracuse.com reader who suggested that more space for concert fans could be opened up by moving the cars and trucks from the prime turf they occupy behind the benches. It’s not as simple as it sounds as Chevrolet is surely entitled under the sponsorship agreement to promotional consideration that includes product placement. But if there’s a way to put those cars elsewhere while still giving them a high-visibility spot, that would be a plus for fans.

Over 55,000 baked potatoes were sold in the Horticulture Building over the 12 days, continuing the spud’s traditional spot among Fair favorites. We found long lines there at every pass and, while many people are willing to endure a lengthy wait, we can’t help but wonder if the sales figure would be even higher if they could speed up the process. That’s another tough nut for the Fair, so if you have an idea, pass it along.

Nearby, maple products, honey and apples occupy a wing full of products brought to you by nature in cooperation with New York producers. It’s both an exhibit and a chance to buy yummy stuff that’s a bit healthier than fried dough. We’d like to see the award-winning wines given a more prominent spot, as they were off the beaten path near the back of the building.

The sand sculpture may be the most photographed exhibit on the grounds. This year was no exception as the sensational tribute to children’s author Dr. Seuss drew a steady stream of visitors to the Center of Progress, where cameras frequently flashed.

Hot tubs and spas again occupied a large share of prime space, especially in the Chevy Court area. Acting Director Troy Waffner pointed out that the companies showing the vessels pay a hefty fee for the privilege of marketing to Fairgoers. Such sponsorship helps keep costs to visitors down, so if you’re so inclined, consider buying a hot tub at the Fair.

Can you think of anywhere other than the Fair that you’ve used a footsie-wootsie machine? They always seem to be there, they feel great and they’re still a quarter. Ahhh.
Photos by Nick LoPresti.

It’s been nearly a week since we last tasted New York State Fair food and you probably miss it. We sure we do. The good news is, of course, that your cholesterol may have returned to normal levels and you may have lost a pound or two.

But what a great time it was to binge, like no other, really, here in our hometown. There are other great food events, but the variety, the ubiquity and the volume are incredible. And it lasts for 12 days.

You should be in the midst of your annual Fair review, including a look back at what foods were your favorites, which ones disappointed and how to approach it next year. It’s a real amateur move to head out to Geddes without a well-planned itinerary, which must include at least a tentative idea of what to eat, where to buy it, where to sit while gorging and how to get as much as possible without running out of money.

Even so, you have to be open to trying new meals because we’d bet there are some great ones you’ve never eaten. You’ve got almost a year to survey your friends and ask what they’ve eaten there and what sounds like something to add to your 2015 list.

It might be a lobster roll, a portabella wrap, a chocolate banana or a gator kabob. You may be on a quest to find the best of the big sellers from sausage sandwiches to French fries to funnel cakes. Whatever it is, this is research time, while the tastes and aromas are still fresh in your memory.

State Fair Hound offers a few pics to get you salivating while you think. It’s sure to be something we talk about again over the off-season. Or maybe dream about.

One week after a record-breaking mob of 120,617 descended on the New York State Fair, the Hound continues to look back, today contemplating the Fair’s role as a life transition for many of us. Not only is it the bridge between summer and early fall, leaving behind school or job vacations for business-as-usual, it marks the passage of a special season, one that is like no other. Until, that is, next year’s State Fair.

State Fair Hound worked hard to greatly increase our photo file this year and, thanks largely to the extraordinary talents of award-winning photographer Nick LoPresti, we can now review them and relive some of those people, places and events we enjoyed this year, including many yearly traditions. (Nick shot the first two photos here as well as the last.)

We offer this collection of photos as proof that there are sights, feelings, thrills and pleasures at our Fair that aren’t seen anywhere else, at least not at the same place, not within 12 days.

The State Fair website reminds us that these photos and the memories they evoke will have to hold us for 355 days, until the gates open for the 2015 edition.

Did you notice that this year there were no complaints about the New York State Fair restrooms? No complaints means the job was done well and our experience confirms that. It’s one of those things that seems minor until it’s not being handled well.

There’s a lot about the Fair that fits that description. Thus, we’re impressed with the attention to detail and overall management. About the only problem we can think of, is that the Rainbow Milk Bar couldn’t pour chocolate milk on Labor Day morning. If that’s your biggest complaint, you’re doing great.

We noted in an earlier post that past directors have always said that they place more significance on producing a great Fair and pleasing those who come than on being focused on numbers. Fortunately, this year they succeeded with a well-done, crowd-pleasing Fair as well as a sizable attendance figure, 965,147.

There have been some articles from the Post-Standard/Syracuse.com over the past few days about State Fair attendance numbers and how they are counted. While State Fair Hound appreciates the importance of accuracy and transparency, this is one subject that can be overrated and misunderstood.

So why were numbers inflated with various gimmicks over the years before recent efforts to be more precise? There are several possible reasons. One is creating a successful image to please the public or governmental and political leaders. Another may be marketing the Fair to vendors and sponsors, who want to make their presentation to as many potential customers as possible. In any event, we know that manipulation of attendance counts was standard practice over many years under many different directors.

Keep in mind that State Fair attendance may be compared to other events with varying degrees of accuracy in their counts, including New York State’s other big fair, the Erie County Fair. We’d be curious to get a closer look at the attendance numbers they publicize. If there is to be a legitimate comparison, we should make sure both fairs count by the same rules. Speaking from experience in attending Erie, it’s a very nice event that absolutely does not reach the heights of the State Fair, aside from their questionable attendance figures.

In terms of the Post’s obsession with free tickets, passes for media members and others who work at the Fair and the counting of Fair employees in attendance counts, we try to view it as a vendor would. If I’m a vendor, whether I’m selling hot dogs, lemonade, jewelry or hot tubs, if I have a line of customers spending money at my stand, I’m happy. I don’t care how much they paid to get in or if they paid at all. That would be especially true of the midway operator, this year Wade Shows, who needs a high volume of traffic to boost ridership and game patronage and they reportedly did big business this year.

That’s why the Labor Day dollar admission was brilliant, although everyone who paid to get in paid $5 to $9 less than they would have at normal advance sale or at-the-gate prices. It created higher volume, not only eclipsing the previous day 12 record by 14,654, but definitely gave a huge boost to vendor business, allowing them to show increased profits. Successful vendors and exhibitors make for a stronger and more profitable Fair as the rent and sales percentages they pay bring in the most money for the Fair.

So, we say celebrate high attendance numbers and look for ways to take them even higher, but don’t use them as the only, or even the primary measure of a successful Fair.

Today we spotlight two agriculture-related events, initiated within the past few years, that have become very popular with Fair visitors. The Cow Birthing Center was expanded this year after drawing crowds of curious visitors when initiated in 2013. It occupied a big top on the western end of the grounds with bleachers and video screens.

Not much was happening when we visited. You can’t tell a cow when to give birth, you have to time your visit right or check in via a webcam. One clever idea had some yearlings born at the Fair last year making cameo appearances and city folks were likely amazed at how big they had grown.

We reported in an earlier post about the Agriculture Extravaganza, held in the Coliseum on Labor Day. Many types of agriculture are represented, from honey production to vegetable farming to various kinds of livestock. They held the rooster crowing contest there as well.

The animals on hand, from rabbits to llamas, are friendly and easy to pet and there is staff at every station, eager to answer questions. We’d like to see the extravaganza made into a daily event, though it obviously would need to move out of the Coliseum which is used for horse shows and other events. Maybe they could use a tent as they did for the birthing center, circuses and other exhibits.

It’s encouraging that ingenious people on the Fair staff keep coming up with great ideas like these budding classics to brighten the future of the Fair.

Another hands-on animal favorite takes place at the State Police area where their canine unit always draws a crowd with their police dog meet-and-greets. Some of these working hounds seem to enjoy taking a break from sniffing out drugs, detecting explosives or doing rescue work to soak up the petting and attention of Fairgoers. Handlers in uniform supervise and answer questions about their charges as fans, young and old, pay a visit.

There’s plenty more to review and the Hound has a few comments about Fair attendance, so check back often.

We’ll begin our review of the 2014 New York State Fair today with a look at things that were new this year. Our favorite change wasn’t an exhibit or performance, but the terrific redesign on the wine court concept of years passed, the Taste NY Wine, Beer and Spirits Village at the Colonnade. Of course for fans of the original, the “at the Colonnade” part was big. But the layout, the variety, the comfortable feel made it a blue ribbon success. Makes you wonder why they moved it in the first place, but let’s not go back there.

We liked the Wolves of the World, though the performance wasn’t impressive. To be honest though, we didn’t really want to see these beautiful native New York predators doing tricks like a poodle for a Snausage. The stars were just that, gorgeous, powerful animals rarely seen up close. That made it worth the visit.

We reviewed Discover the Dinosaurs extensively (Aug.22, Thunderous Opening) and don’t have much to add to that. We have to note that with the $5 admission charge and many ways to spend more on the inside, it could get pricey. More on that in a later post.

That later post will also mention the Ice Museum, a new exhibit that we confess to skipping, along with another admission charge. Maybe next year. The carving demonstrations, free outside the tent, were pretty cool, reminding us of snowy log carving.

We caught a glimpse of the Xpogo Stunt Team. It was a fun quick diversion. Not every act can be a blockbuster, you need some lighter fare as well and this one was a portable, moderately exciting show.

The Tractor Town was just a fleet of peddle toys, but the Sesame Street set loved them and they were free. Nearby there was a playground-type tower, also free. It gave parents a break and amused the little ones, as did new mascots, Pop and Candy. Good enough.

We regret not catching the demonstration of the unmanned vehicle navigating the reflecting pool, but we did enjoy the antique relics of the Great Lakes Shipwreck exhibit. It was special because it was so unlike anything else we see at the Fair. If it comes back, we’d love to see some growth, maybe some bigger pieces salvaged from the lakes.

The big change, of course, was Strates Shows out, Wade Shows in. It created the kind of sensation any annual fair needs, along with a buzz of anticipation to get it up to speed. This change did more than that, it changed the midway landscape with a colorful new look, new attractions and, best of all, a new attitude. We found staff friendly, like the guy shown here, blowing up balloons for his game joint.

Even if you loved Strates and hated to see them replaced, the freshness and excitement was definitely there, especially for thrill-seekers who flocked to the new rides.

Overall, you would have been hard pressed to take in all of the new features in one day, and that’s good. Also, not every act is appealing to every patron. Family friendly shouldn’t denote an event for children, but rather something that can be enjoyed by various ages and accommodate various interests. The Fair scored big here.

Rain showered the New York State Fairgrounds early this morning, getting a jump on the year-long task of renewal, nurturing the worn-down lawns of Chevy Court and the Iroquois Village, rinsing dirt off the streets and getting those green roofs glistening. Sorry kids, but today you take a less thrilling ride, on one of those lumbering yellow jobs that aren’t nearly as much fun as the ones Wade Shows gave you yesterday.

If it’ll make you feel better, the Hound also got back to work this morning, firing off an email to our state’s governor. Here’s why:

As we look back at this fabulous, record-setting Fair, we marvel at its success. Most directors with whom we’ve spoken over the years have told us that they don’t measure success by attendance numbers, but rather by how the Fair does at pleasing those who do attend and by how well the Fair does at putting on a great show with as few problems as possible. There’s no perfect Fair—How can a 12-day event that occupies 375 acres and draws over 900,000 people be perfect?

This year, about the only big complaint you could have is that there were traffic jams and long lines of cars on days 10 and 12. It’s hard to avoid such issues when more than 120,000 people, driving over 23,000 cars enter the parking lots on one day. Let’s keep trying to come up with ideas on how to improve here, but some limitations are unavoidable.

Otherwise, we’ve heard of no major issues. How do you suppose the Fair ran so smoothly in a year when there were significant changes in so many areas. There can only be one answer, although it comes in two parts. It’s excellent leadership directing a talented, hardworking staff. Acting Director Troy Waffner (at left in the photo below) did an superb job and he’d be the first to share credit with staff at the Fair and at the Department of Agriculture and Markets, headed by Commissioner Richard Ball (right).

We can give them all a round of applause, but that’s hardly enough. What we should give Troy is the job of permanent director. We can’t do that, but the governor can.

The decision on the appointed position of State Fair Director comes from the governor, currently Andrew Cuomo, pending November elections. So that’s why this morning your State Fair Hound editor emailed Gov. Cuomo. We asked him to appoint Troy Waffner New York State Fair Director.

He proved himself more than capable this year after earning that opportunity with his work as assistant director. We urge our readers to also go to the Governor’s website and send a message urging him to appoint Troy Waffner.

In the meantime, congratulations Troy, Commissioner Ball and staff. Great job.

And thanks to all, particularly State Fair Public Information Officer Dave Bullard, for the courtesy and professionalism in working with the media, particularly State Fair Hound.

Please check back for daily updates as we discuss and analyze the Fair just past and look ahead to the future of the fair, a future we hope includes Troy Waffner as director.

The clock has struck midnight on the 2014 New York State Fair. As always, there were highs and lows, but the highs were mountains and the lows merely blips.

We’re waiting for the final attendance figures, but busting the one-day record on day 10 is a monumental achievement and the overall customer response has been excellent. We’ll have a lot more to say over the next few days, but for now the Hound is tired and exhilarated by this Fair, even as the last few patrons straggle out and the workers begin to take it apart.

Nick LoPresti worked the late shift to bring us these lovely photos.