Following every great football game comes the inevitable analysis. Likewise, with the New York State Fair, the day after brings review, at least here at State Fair Hound. 
In considering the respectable attendance total of 908,147, it’s impressive that the Fair overcame several big handicaps to get to that number. First, having fewer Grandstand shows meant that concert attendance didn’t boost gate totals as it has in some years past. Then there was competition from the amphitheater on Sep. 3, which, despite denial from some leaders, didn’t help. That’s not surprising, but it is something that needs to be ironed out before next year.
Then, after starting 2015 with three lovely late-summer days, each with higher attendance than last year, hot weather played a major role in discouraging people from going, especially those who were on the fence to begin with. 
They need some of those undecideds, but likely got very few. Not only was the brutal heat rare for that late in the summer, it just kept coming, actually peaking on Labor Day.
Late cancellation of two highly-anticipated Chevy Court acts could have been disastrous, but Waffner and company pulled off a nearly miraculous recovery, replacing Meghan Trainor, who cancelled three weeks before her show and Snoop Dog, who strayed on the eve of his performance, with two acts, Jason Derulo and Nas, respectively, both of whom drew very well. If they hadn’t been able to book popular acts on those two days, we’d be seeing attendance below the 900,000 threshold.
No need to make excuses for attendance totals that were lower than 2014. Directors with whom the Hound has discussed that issue over the past three decades are united in the belief that their job is to put together the best Fair they can and to concentrate on pleasing those who attend.
The Hound would add that it’s important to avoid major incidents, such as safety problems, legal issues or significant inconvenience. As with last year, the Fair gets high grades here.
What more could they do to draw fans? Two days with $3 admission and one with $1 dollar sure make it affordable. A welcoming atmosphere highlighted by a spirit of inclusion and special events to recognize large constituencies projects a positive image. From start to finish, there was great food and great fun.
Before departing the grounds on Labor Day, the Hound took in one last view of the grounds and realized all over again what a miracle it is. The Fair is comprised of a 375-acre facility that hosted over 900,000 people for 12 days with 600 vendors, thousands of animals and 69 midway rides. Millions of details have to come together to get to opening day, not to mention Labor Day.
There’s much to review, analyze and plan and only 50 weeks in which to do it. State Fair Hound won’t be wasting any time before digging in to sniff out every story and every angle. Come along.
