Major changes continue at the western end of the New York State Fairgrounds, at the far end from the main gate. This year, visitors are getting their first looks at the Exposition Center, a state-of-the-art venue for indoor shows, conventions and performances. 
Just outside its doors, the New York Experience area takes a step toward prominence with national acts on the outdoor stage, festivals on the grassy grounds, lighted drone performances and exhibitions on the pond.
The balance of entertainment presented in that area strengthens the character of a Fair that truly has something for everyone, especially when you consider that just a short walk from these two new features, traditional favorites in the form of livestock barns and midway rides attract large crowds as they always have.
While Chevrolet Court hogs most of the attention as a concert venue, the second year of music on the Experience Stage is catching fire. 
The stage has moved slightly from last year, but it remains a focus of western attention, standing prominently on the grassy ground between the midway, the RV park and the racing stables. It’s location near the New York Experience pond gives it a beachfront feel.
The Experience Stage will be front and center for the Latino Festival and the Pride Day festivities and will host four national acts. It’s a big year there for classic rock with shows by Steppenwolf, Foghat and Eddie Money.Each evening show will close with the new drone light show taking flight over the area.
The new development spreads out the crowds and creates better traffic and increased opportunity for vendors far from Chevy Court, contributing to the New York Experience/Expo Center area taking a giant step forward. It still faces an issue that doomed programming in the old infield area, back before the 2016 makeover. It was hard to get people there because it was seen as too remote and difficult to access.
But the current western end has more appeal, new and different features and–this is big–it isn’t separated from the midway by fencing as the infield was. The trams stop there or you could glide in on the Broadway Skyliner, but more dependable and easier transportation would close the deal.
Lathes, saws, and chisels, when held in skilled hands, turn out some beautiful, as well as functional items.
