Root for your favorite farm animal at the New York State Fair in eight weeks.
Month: June 2021
There’s something fishy about the withdrawal of four major food vendors from the 2021 New York State Fair. News broke on Channel 9 Wednesday that Gianelli, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Haddock’s Paddock and Baker’s Chicken Coop will not open this year.
The only explanation so far is that Gianelli wants to concentrate on its core business–making sausage, while Dino sticks to running restaurants and selling bottled sauces.
But it would seem that there’s something we don’t yet know. Four of the most famous, popular and presumably profitable eating spots on the grounds have all decided to forgo this year a business venture they haven’t missed for many years, in some cases for decades. For Baker this would have been its 71st year at the Fair.
If one or two had pulled out, maybe they could shrug off questions with the vague answers given. But four such major players in one year? Come on–what’s up?
It’s possible that the extension of the Fair to 18 days this year, up from their previous high-water mark of 13 days in 2019, was too much for some vendors. Syracuse.com reported that some business owners cited the strain the Fair would put on limited staff. But the Hound is guessing there’s more to it. 
It could be contractual or regulatory changes, higher fees to open or other cost-related issues. We’ve seen New York State interfere with business in the past, the worst example being the mandating of sources and prices on bottled water.
Whatever is happening, it’s just tough to buy the exit of four favorite vendors in one year unless there’s more to this shocking news. The Hound would like to know more. And on behalf of devoted Fair foodies, something should be done to retain such popular businesses.
That wacky cuisine awaits at the New York State Fair in 9 weeks.
That loud cheering you heard on Monday was from New York State Fair enthusiasts thrilled to finally hear that our favorite event will go on at full attendance capacity.
The Governor, no doubt happy to flee Albany for a day, made the announcement at the Fairgrounds. Low COVID infection rates and strong vaccination data have inspired the bold step to welcome more patrons and open the buildings to essentially normal function.
There were several puzzling caveats including controlled capacity in buildings and a recommendation that people eat while seated rather than while walking.
The importance of such actions isn’t clear. How would they make the Fair safer or better, especially since the decision to go Fairgrounds-wide full capacity makes the statement that progress on controlling the pandemic warrants eliminating restrictions?
Maybe they were watching an interview with Dr. Stephen Thomas of Upstate that aired on Channel 9, in which his first statement was that the risk of going to the Fair “isn’t zero.” 
Well guess what, doc, it never is. The risk of slipping on a discarded snow cone, being kicked by cow, choking on a corn dog or getting bonked with one of Hilby’s juggling pins isn’t zero. If you want zero risk, stay home.
One concession we must grant is that many of those nitwits who refuse vaccination will be the first to ignore taking any action that would mitigate transmission of infection. They’re the first ones who will be walking around maskless, wherever they choose, without regard for anyone but themselves. But they’re easy to spot–they’re the ones wearing a MAGA cap or maybe a tinfoil hat.
Cuomo says that they won’t check the vaccination status of those entering the Fair. That would be a monumental job, but certainly more effective than these half-assed measures to control conduct for people who have already passed through the gates.
The Hound stands by our earlier recommendation (Shot and a Fair, 6/7/21), but we’re moving in the right direction.
There’s plenty of time to get your shots and your State Fair tickets. It’s going to be a great year.
Holler “I got it!” to win on the Wades Shows midway at the New York State Fair. Gates open on Aug. 20, just 10 weeks away.
Every year it’s a massive job to put together the plan for staging the New York State Fair. Our 375-acre blank canvas is transformed into a masterpiece by late August to welcome over a million visitors for an event that may be similar to other states’ fairs, but is singularly ours.
The 2021 edition will also be different from any previous New York event for several reasons. It will be the first Fair we’ve had extend beyond 13 days, the new 18-day format beginning a year later than anticipated.
The reason for the delay–you know what that is–adds another layer of complications on top of all of the usual challenges faced by Waffner and Company. It sure seems that the most difficult obstacle to a smooth-running festival is that decisions have to be made several weeks prior to opening day despite the constantly moving target of what can go on as usual and what needs to be significantly modified.
A little straight talk is in order regarding health precautions that may limit or eliminate some Fair activities. To summarize the view from here, State Fair Hound humbly suggests a slogan for this year–“Come to the Fair. It you catch COVID, it’s your own damn fault.”
Really, by Aug. 20 there’s no reason everyone can’t be vaccinated, with the possible exception of the very rare few folks who have a medical reason to avoid it. So let’s not let those lunkheads who refuse to take a simple and safe precaution screw it up for those of who are behaving responsibly. Look around–everything is being normalized as infection rates fall. Recently schools have been approved to admit students with few or no restrictions, so it’s time to give the Fair the green light to go full speed. 
One change that seems set is the shift of major concerts from Chevrolet Court to the Chevrolet Music Festival Stage, formerly know as the Experience Stage. No big deal there–it’s been headed that way for a few years now, though there isn’t a logical reason why vaccinated fans can’t sit shoulder-to-shoulder wherever the show is staged. Not vaccinated? See the new slogan.
There’s been talk of moving toward a mostly outdoor event, keeping most buildings closed. Patrons who had their shots should have no worries going indoors to get a baked potato, gawk at the sand sculpture or line up for chocolate milk. Didn’t get yours? See the new slogan.
Attending indoor entertainment like the horse shows in the Coliseum, Agriculture Museum exhibits, youth projects, calf births, cooking demos, gardening shows or the ever-popular gadget vendors should likewise be no problem. You’re vaccinated, aren’t you? If not, see the new slogan.
You get the idea. Hey, if you want to wear a mask, go for it. But it’s time for those in control of government, business and entertainment venues to stop playing meddlesome mother to a population that has made its own decisions regarding what should be an obvious choice.
Let’s hope the powers in state government give our Fair planners approval for the show to go on as usual. Then, let’s all go to the Fair prepared to have a great time. The new slogan speaks for itself.