History Comes Alive

The People of the Longhouse are honored on Friday at the New York State Fair. Their colorful and culturally-significant dances are one of the Fair’s beloved traditions.

The agricultural displays, handmade artwork and vintage artifacts make the Iroquois Village sacred ground at the Fair. Enjoy a meal while there as authentic Haudenosaunee cuisine and home-cooked specialties are served daily in the village cookhouse.

Horse Show-offs

Though there have been many program changes in livestock competitions at the New York State Fair, there are beautiful and athletic horses competing for honors in the Coliseum from now through Sunday.

While taking a seat on the metal bleachers lets you enjoy the shows, usually free-of-charge, alert Fair wanderers can get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care and preparation for the equine events at several other locations. The exercise ring next to the horse barn is a great spot to marvel at the graceful movement of these amazing creatures as they get a workout.

Nearby, there’s a concrete pad where horse owners frequently bathe their steeds.

Night Magic

After sunset, the New York State Fair glows brightly, from the stage lights of Chevy Court to the flash and fire of midway rides large and small.

There are widely-scattered pockets of darkness, notably the State Parks region and some of the other grassy areas, but you’re never far from bright spots, at least until you cross over to parking lots.

There’s something magical and exciting about the sea of colors and blinding neon glow illuminating the grounds. Partiers populate the midway taverns and the wine court, live bands crank it up and swarms of teens line up for the most popular rides.

Conversely, the kiddie ride area winds down around sunset, changing the character of the Fairgrounds, especially the midway, into a rowdier environment where beer outsells cotton candy and cool night air beckons people leaving buildings into a wilder landscape.

Attention!

Thursday is Armed Forces Day at the Fair with active and retired military women and men enjoying free admission and a featured role in special events.

Mango Mussolini says they’re losers, but the American people, including those here in New York, know better.

One For the Books

Thursday may seem like any other terrific day at the New York State Fair, but it holds historical significance as the first time that the Fair has opened for a 14th consecutive day.

That’s because this year it expands to an 18-day event. That was the plan for 2020, but–well, you know.

So this year we make the leap to the longest Fair in our state’s history, with Thursday being the first time we’ve exceeded 13 days. Of course, the last four days will also hold the distinction of being the first 15th day, 16th day, 17th day and 18th day, respectively.

Go out for more memorable State Fair days Thursday through Monday and while you’re having a great time, you–along with tens of thousands of other patrons–will also be making history.

Empire State of Mind

While great-tasting food beckons from every corner of the New York State Fair, one locale best demonstrates the characteristic tastes of the Empire State—the Horticulture Building.

As you enter beneath glorious facade, you’ll find diverse displays of New York products including maple products, honey, apples, beer and a small grocery store of packaged sauces, snacks, drinks and meals, all produced within New York.

Nearby vendors offer samples and stage demonstrations.

The eastern end of the building is where you can buy the famous one-buck-spud, perfectly baked white or sweet potatoes. It’s a Fair fav that always attracts long, slow-moving lines.