The post-game talk and ruminations continue following the record-smashing 2016 New York State Fair. Opinions, in this case, are somewhat like fried dough in that everybody has one.

There have been complaints from drivers caught in traffic, (Bumper-to-Bumper Cars, Sep. 8, 2016) vendors with sagging sales, patrons who couldn’t find their favorite features and country music fans who felt snubbed.

OK, there were issues. There’s plenty of time to work on them. But the first point to make is that this State Fair, the first ever to average more than 90,000 people per day, was an unmitigated success. The final attendance total, a stunning 1,117,630, is all the evidence needed. As much as the Fair is about fun, it’s primarily a business and there’s no doubt, a lot of people made a lot of money.

Incredibly, it can get even bigger. Consider, for example, the western end of the grounds, where there was what one State Fair Hound reader called “the great open nothingness.” Plans for use of the space out past the barns, near the racing stables, aren’t firm, but that opportunity is truly exciting in terms of potential use.

Acting Director Troy Waffner has offered a glimpse into what may be coming, as have long-range ideas advanced by the Governor. The key has to be to make things fit together. More attractions down there mean more patrons, thus more opportunity for restaurants and other vendors. Remember, the Paw Patrol show was placed in that area and drew enormous throngs, so we know that if they build it, people will come.

Some critics have looked at what didn’t work so well in totally negative terms, as racing fans did with demolition of the Grandstand and track. But this year represents more progress and exciting prospects than anything else. Doubters need only take another look at that number–1,117,630.

It seems logical that before the traffic flow problems that plagued the 2016 New York State Fair can be remedied, there has to be an analysis of what caused them. Sure, it’s too many cars headed to the same places at the same time. It was especially horrific on Sep. 2, the day of the Florida-Georgia Line concert at the amphitheater, as concert fans headed for the orange lot at the same time fairgoers poured into the area to enjoy a lovely Friday afternoon on the grounds.

Fair officials and television commercials heavily lobbied for the use of Centro’s park-and-ride system, suggesting that people heading for Geddes would have an easier trip if they bussed in from lots in Camillus, Dewitt, downtown, Long Branch Park and other spots. But many reports suggested that mobs of concert fans and Fair patrons stood in long lines and found their own headaches using that system.

Meanwhile, as parking lots neared capacity and entrance ramps were occasionally closed, traffic was diverted or stalled altogether.

Apparent causes of the traffic issues include:

Fewer parking spaces due to reconfiguration of the Fairgrounds.

Not enough driveways into and out of lots, especially when entrances were closed.

Amphitheater shows adding to congestion as more people converged on the area at the same time.

Use of lots was at times inefficient as they were closed or cars were directed to long lines for distant spaces when there were open spaces nearby.

Record crowds approaching from all directions encouraged by nice weather and curiosity to see the changed venue, not to mention the Paw Patrol effect.

Possible ways to improve the system:

Get Live Nation to avoid scheduling concerts at the amp during the Fair. Grandstand shows helped draw customers—the new venue just makes it more difficult to attend.

If people are to be convinced that bussing in from satellite locations is easier, it has to actually be made easier, perhaps by adding locations and certainly by adding busses.

Do whatever can be done to open up space on or near Fair property that could be used for additional parking.

There are only so many roads and highways, but maybe more ramps and entrances could be opened to get cars off the roads quicker.

Use cameras to monitor lots for open spaces and keep accurate track of parking spaces.

Use trams to bring patrons through the park area from Long Branch Park.

To be honest, trying to figure this out is headache-inducing. It’s not fun as the Fair should be. But it is important to get this straight. A repeat of this mess next year is not acceptable and could actually cause people to avoid attending the Fair.

Be assured we haven’t heard the last of this discussion.

Prior to the 2016 New York State Fair, State Fair Hound made an obvious prediction–this year would be like no other. Judging by the record-shattering attendance alone, that proved to be true.

But this Fair distinguished itself in so many ways, some positive, others less so. The coming days will bring reflection and evaluation, criticism and praise. But let’s wait for the dust to settle, both literally and figuratively, before going that route. For now, suffice to say, it’s a Fair that won’t be forgotten.

Just by attending, you are part of history, a number that organizers could only have hoped to achieve. If you feel a little let down that it’s over, look ahead as this sign near the Christmas tree display encourages, and follow State Fair Hound for much more analysis, commentary, deliberation and many photos of what has miraculously transpired. Farewell New York State Fair until next year.

Monday is your last chance to be part of Fair history as the attendance record is all but assured to fall this year. It’s been a sensational Fair, highlighted by the stunning makeover of the grounds and punctuated by the masses of kids and parents tolerating long lines for the mindboggling popularity of the Paw Patrol show.

There have also been plenty of colorful characters to meet, including those pictured below.