Devotees of the New York State Fair were troubled this week to hear our illustrious governor express doubt that the Fair can open this year because of the pandemic. Come on Andy, the classic, traditional State Fair may be a long shot, but there are provisions that could be made to allow some form of the Fair to open and we deserve your best effort to make sure it does. In terms of ideas, the Hound, as always, has some.

First, a limit on attendance could be set by selling tickets that are date-specific, capping the number sold for any given day. That way, you would never have 100,000 people attending on one day. The maximum attendance number would be regulated by the number of tickets sold or distributed for each day of the Fair, thus reducing person-to-person contact to lessen possible virus spread.

Next, take advantage of the outdoor space on the grounds. There is data that shows that outdoor transmission of the virus is much less common than indoor. Thus, limiting or even eliminating much of the indoor activity significantly reduces risk. Some of the indoor exhibits and attractions could be moved outdoors, perhaps under tents. That could include Center of Progress vendors, Horticulture Building displays, Science and Industry Building health agencies, Youth Building exhibitors and others.

What about the enormously popular sand sculpture and butter sculpture? You couldn’t do those outdoors, but how about the wide-open spaces of the Expo Center? Construct the statues in the middle of the building and route one-way traffic lines around them.

Speaking of lines, there could be traffic control set up throughout the grounds to reduces face-to-face contact. That includes outdoor food vendors. Dining alfresco is allowed in restaurants, so why not the Fair?

Livestock barns would need to be spaced out, with walkers limited to one-way lines around the stalls or cages.

Wades Shows would have a big job to keep rides sanitized, but you have to believe they could do it in order to keep their operation going and make a few bucks.

If absolutely necessary, the Fair could be delayed and held later, say September. But that’s about it, cold weather will be arriving, regardless of everything else changing.

No doubt, we would miss some of our favorite Fair features, but with planning, and modifications the Fair can be held. It’s worth the effort and sacrifices to make it happen. So save the depressing television interviews and get to work, Gov. There’s a State Fair to run.

The days are counting down to opening day–58 days away–and the ticking is growing louder. Still no word has come as to the fate of the 2020 New York State Fair. Does that mean there’s actually been no final decision on what will happen when Aug. 21 arrives? 

It certainly seems that if the Governor were planning to pull the plug–a major mistake, but possible–the time has come to say so. But the fact that he hasn’t cancelled would lead one to believe that he won’t. He can’t say that the situation is getting worse. To the credit of the hardworking public officials at various levels, medical pros and the cooperation of our citizens, Central New York has shown impressive progress in holding off the pandemic that many states see worsening.

If we saw more illnesses and more danger, there may be reason to take a drastic step. But if there hasn’t yet been reason to kill the dream, it doesn’t seem to be heading our way.

The Onondaga County Executive is even expressing optimism that the reopening will soon be expanded in our region.

Let’s stop avoiding the question and confirm that it’s time to get ready for another great Fair.

The days are ticking toward the scheduled opening of the 2020 New York State Fair. The Governor hasn’t said whether the State is planning to go forward, even as many county fairs, the Syracuse Nationals and countless other festivals have cancelled due to the health crisis.

Current data suggests that there’s a good chance that the Fair, slated to open on Aug. 21, can go on with minimal risk.

Consider this: Onondaga County, with a population of over 460,000 residents, has confirmed fewer than 2200 cases of coronavirus. That’s a very small number of cases for a county this size.

Of course, part of the reason for the low count is the tight restrictions that have helped to minimize the spread. On the other hand, those most vulnerable, especially nursing home patients, make up a disproportionately high number of the total count. The number on the streets is significantly lower.

With the entire region essentially shut down, the Fair hasn’t made any announcements in the past few weeks of acts booked for the Fair, especially at the major concert venues. Meanwhile, most concerts scheduled at other venues are postponed or canceled.

Some events have decided to hold “virtual” versions of themselves, though sometimes it’s completely ridiculous. Certainly some traditional Fair entertainment could be streamed on the website, while other events–a fireworks show, for instance–could be held live with people spaced far apart.

But a virtual Fair wouldn’t work. If you can’t stuff your face with fried food, pet a cow, watch the Iroquois dance or put your kids on rides, it’s not the State Fair.

The reaction of citizens to the phased reopening has been enthusiastic and it seems to be going well. People need to get out and enjoy life if it can be done in relative safety. That’s what the State Fair is all about and why it’s so important to let the show go on.

Analysis continues, but from The Hound’s perspective the New York State Fair, perhaps with modifications, is vital to the psyche of our community. Cancellation would be overly cautious and a devastating blow to the spirit of New York.