We’ve officially hit the halfway point between last year’s New York State Fair and this year’s Aug. 25 opening day. There’s always tremendous anticipation as news about the coming Fair starts to trickle out, the first Chevy Court announcement, having come with the naming of the classic soul band the Commodores as the headliners for Aug. 30.

As Fair fans know, this year is especially exciting as major construction is underway to make improvements on the grounds. But before the bigger, state-of-the-art campground, the expanded, modernized midway and the automated, accessible main gate can be debuted, builders have to make a mess and that they have done. A recent visit to the grounds was somewhat stunning as demolition and excavation have rendered parts of our beloved Fairgrounds unrecognizable.

The entire infield and midway areas are leveled and fenced off. Surprisingly, even the Lottery Pavilion, formerly the Paisano stand, is gone. So far, the Chevy Court stage building is still standing. Looking at these exclusive State Fair Hound photos, it’s hard to believe that the new stage, along with all of the other first-phase projects will be completed for Syracuse Nationals, now less than five months away.