Opening day of the 2024 New York State Fair is a long way off–200 days from Friday to be exact. That’s plenty of time, but there’s much to be done.
As always, State Fair Hound has some ideas that could serve as a blueprint for a better Fair this year and beyond. 
While we’re happy to respect many of the traditions that have made the Fair great over the years, suggestions for improvement, especially from outside the fences of the Fairgrounds or government offices of Albany, are essential to pleasing patrons and boosting chances for a successful 13 days.
The Hound has already promoted some ideas in recent posts. Those include more productive and respectful engagement with vendors and exhibitors (Sticky Red Tape, 9/23/23), humane and responsible treatment of animals in exhibits and performances (Breeding doubt, 9/13/23), continuation of the trend to improve food vendor structures and increase menu variety (Feeding Frenzy, 9/8/23) and revival of senior days with enhancements (Silver Surfers 10/19/23).
Music fans also deserve a better variety of acts, documented here many times, 
including Black Listed, 6/20/23, Hip Hopping to Conclusions, 9/21/22 and Triangulation, 7/15/19. Performance venue improvements, especially at Suburban Park, would be appreciated as would more courteous treatment of customers by security staff, who should view their duty to maximize fan comfort and enjoyment while keeping interventions friendly and helpful.
The no-cash policy for admission and parking remains a flawed idea. Director Sean Hennessey patiently explained to The Hound why he feels that practice is necessary for the Fair, but it remains a burden and a security risk for patrons. Perhaps there’s a compromise to be made there. It should be considered.
The bottled water monopoly granted to Pepsi’s Aquafina brand back in 2018 still rankles customers and handicaps vendors. The market should determine what products are sold on the grounds and at what price.
Transportation and parking issues carry over from year to year and there’s no indication that any effective changes or creative ideas have been considered. Why not? It’s a huge issue, especially on dates when there’s a concert being staged on the other side of I-690–something that should not be happening.
We’d also like to see a more efficient process at the baked potato stand, where lines can be way too slow-moving.
The Hound will pass along more ideas as opening day approaches. We hope that our readers will send theirs to Fair management. In fact, we think that a committee of ordinary folks who love the Fair should be convened on a regular basis–a kind of advisory board. It could pay off.
Right now, there are 200 days to work on making this year’s Fair great. Let’s get to work.
His relentlessly positive attitude, solid work ethic and enthusiasm for the job helped him produce a couple of dandy Fairs. It was great to hear him often express respect and appreciation for the terrific Fair team that supported his administration.
