The grassy expanse known as Chevrolet Court is the quintessential New York State Fair locale. Despite the emergence of the Suburban Park–formerly Chevrolet Park–stage as a concert venue over the past few years, the landscaped Chevy Court lawn surrounded by those stoic buildings, all approaching 100 years old, has ambience and character that’s hard to match.

The sprawling courtyard is bordered by those six main buildings, forming a rectangle running south of the main gate, past the reflecting pool to the majestic Horticulture Building. The Fairgrounds’ original design, created by Buffalo architects Green and Wicks in 1907, started with completion of what is currently known as the Center of Progress Building the following year.

That design and construction of those major buildings reflects styles of the turn of the century, developing trends of the early 20th century and strong local influences.The first phase of construction took about 20 years to complete, culminating with the erection of the major buildings by the late 1930s.

While there are definite similarities to the buildings–a number of them are crowned by a cupola–each has its own character, particularly in terms of decorative touches. A stroll around the court reveals the varied look of the buildings at the Fair’s core.

The two most similar buildings face each other bordering Cole Muffler Court to the east and west. The Center of Progress Building is the sister building of the Science and Technology and Dairy complex, stylistically and relative to the original design plan as both are bordered by full-length columns.

One important similarity from building to building is the combination of a functional interior disguised by a more aesthetically appealing exterior. There’s no denying that the look of today’s Fair is sharply different than some of its predecessors. No surprise there, given the ages of the buildings. But the sturdy structures have survived, including the stint during World War II, when the Fairgrounds were used as a  military base and today they are the very foundation of the New York State Fair, both beautiful and functional.

At one time, there were plans to replace the Chevy Court stage and the adjoining building, moving them back to increase space in front of the stage, deceasing overcrowding at the court that made it nearly impossible for many fans to derive maximum enjoyment. But that now seems to be unnecessary as placement of acts can be managed to steer the biggest crowds to Suburban Park, leaving moderately-sized audiences in Chevy Court.

Some acts still draw tens of thousands of fans to that area, but you don’t generally see the massive overflow of years past. In order to create space in that area, vendor tents were moved out of surrounding streets several years ago, likely sacrificing some revenue. Large projection screens now flank the stage to offer a view from afar.

Fair planners use an established method for estimating crowd size, based upon a grid system that looks at defined areas with previously-determined capacities and adding up the occupied areas. It’s still an approximation, but when you come down to it, the actual numbers aren’t as important as other essential questions with an enormous crowd performing there.

Regulating the crowd has proven difficult. Attempts to control the spacing and movement of that many fans with temporary fencing has been largely unsuccessful, in some cases making the situation worse by creating barriers to people spreading out or moving out of overcrowded areas. The rule prohibiting smoking at Chevy Court, heartily endorsed by The Hound, is now being stringently enforced, with staff encouraging compliance with posted rules.

They even moved the Chevrolet display out of the venue named for it. In addition to creating a nice concert space, preserving Chevy Court  kept intact a Fair locale that is both prominent and pretty. The sprawling Suburban Park can’t match Chevy Court’s charming character. The grassy, tree-lined court area benefits from being surrounded by those handsome buildings and close to the wine court, restrooms and food stands.

There’s no feeling that says New York State Fair more than sitting on a metal bench guarded by those familiar buildings. If only the Fair would give us some acts worth seeing.

The marquee attractions of New York livestock–dairy cattle–return to the New York State Fair, taking up every inch of the 92,000-square-foot Exhibit Center. Farmers bring their cows in every summer for judging and competition, allowing visitors to stroll past these bovine superstars, maybe taking a photo or two or reaching out to pat their furry shoulders.

Both youth and adult exhibitors come in from all over the Empire state to display thousands of animals including such breeds as Guernsey, Holstein, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Ayrshire and Shorthorn in barns on the grounds. The tradition goes back to the earliest fairs when farmers brought animals to market for sale. The cows were compared to each other, eventually leading to the more formalized judging done today.

The judging and competitions are open to the public, but most fair-goers simply enjoy strolling the hay-strewn floors at a leisurely pace. There’s also an opportunity to observe milking take place in the modern, glass-enclosed parlor.

The sprawling structure becomes a temporary home to farm owners and families while their animals are exhibited. Keeping an eye on their animals makes dairy farmers available to field questions from curious visitors. People walking through the barn often stop to ask questions about the cows that make such a profound contribution to their lives or the industry. Common questions include “Do You have to milk them daily?” and “Is this cow pregnant?”

Although exhibitors may enjoy their time at the Fair, farming is their livelihood and business comes first. There are more than trophies and ribbons at stake when judging takes place. A cow’s value will actually increase if she wins in her class.

The primping that farmers do on their cows may make it seem like a beauty pageant, but the prettiest bossy isn’t necessarily most likely to take a blue ribbon. The judges are looking for a cow that will produce a lot of milk over a long period of time. A panel of experts scrutinizes the animals for several qualities that make it the most perfect example of the species in the ring that day.

Baby calves are very popular, both in the main barn and in the calf birthing tent, down past the Expo Center. Watching the actual births is not for everybody, but the newborns are irresistibly cute, photogenic and often within petting range. That adorable factor makes a visit worth the effort.

Just across from the main cow barn is the Dairy Products Building, home to the Fair’s signature artwork, the butter sculpture. About 800 pounds of real New York butter is carved into statuary with each year featuring a different theme and design.

A few feet away, customers flock to the milk bar where chocolate, white and sometimes strawberry milk are sold in 25-cent cups. Ice cream and cheese vendors and the popular Belgian waffle stand are building mainstays.

Young Hearts

Stage shows, science projects, artworks, journalism, dog training, livestock raising and lots more are featured by the bright minds from across New York that are featured daily in the Youth Building.

While participation presents great opportunities for the 4-H kids, they love to involve visitors in petting their dogs, trying out their projects, creating artwork and, most famously, holding baby chicks.

It’s a thrilling and delightful opportunity for the youngsters and their enthusiasm is contagious. Be sure to pay a visit–you’ll leave impressed.

Women’s Day is Wednesday at the New York State Fair. Home base for some of the observances is logically the Harriet May Mills Art and Home Center which will host various activities throughout the day. The classically-designed, pillar-enhanced structure, long known as the Women’s Building, hosts traditionally female-centric homemaking skills with artistic handicrafts, dresses, quilts, rugs and artworks prominently exhibited, while culinary masterpieces compete for ribbons.

While you’re in the Art and Home Center you can take a break at the Empire Theatre, located a few stairs above the ground floor, for a stage show. The dimly-lit auditorium offers comfortable chairs and air conditioning where you can relax and enjoy entertainment from local music, dance or acting troupes. The variety of acts, often presented with youthful enthusiasm, are generally free of charge. Eco-magician Steve Trash performs daily at 11 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m. The schedule of acts is listed on the Fair’s website and may be posted outside the building entrance nearest the Pan African Village.

Go upstairs to the musical instrument museum to enjoy some vintage pieces including several keyboard instruments. Follow the sound of music to the classic organs and a player piano. Downstairs, authentic model circuses and carnivals bring back historical memories of fairs past with colorful posters lining the surrounding walls.

If attending the New York State Fair means missing your favorite television cooking show, you can get a live chef lesson in the high-tech demonstration kitchen. The schedule is on the Fair website and posted outside the northern entrance to the building.

Hip Hop Heaven

Baby boom-generation visitors fondly recall childhood trips to the original Suburban Park, a classic amusement park in Manlius that held magical appeal to kids. The tacky fun house, the zesty pizza, the miniature train, the rock ‘n’ roll bands and the rickety roller coaster made the trip an indispensable part of every kid’s summer. Those former thrill-seeking youngsters are now senior citizens who would like to enjoy entertainment in front of the big stage at the western end of the New York State Fair now known as Suburban Park.

But there’s precious little to attract them as shows booked there have skewed almost exclusively toward much younger fans, who will identify the new moniker with ear-shattering, pulsating beats of acts that feature drums as lead instruments. For seniors–really for many folks who love music and value actual singing and playing talent–there’s been little reason to spend a summer evening on the sloping lawn. As usual, that’s especially true for country music fans.

Meanwhile, transportation to Suburban Park continues to be challenging, as the daunting acreage of the Fairgrounds often requires fans entering for a concert on the big stage to hike a long way. Savvy concert fans can seek parking in the adjacent gray lot or park across State Fair Boulevard in the brown lot and enter gate four. But it seems that most patrons entering will also seek out tasty Fair meals and exhibits and entertainment far from the pond and arrive breathless.

While the lengthy trek on foot can take some of the fun out of the whole experience, again this year there’s not much fun to be had there anyway. If this pathetic lineup is the future of the stage, it will never live up to the name Suburban Park.

Among the most-visited structures at the New York State Fair is the Horticulture Building, home to vendors and displays of many of the best flavors of New York. The one product that for many tastes best captures the deliciousness of the Empire State’s sharply contrasting seasons, the sweet velvet of maple syrup, does a booming business annually from its prime location among its Hort neighbors. Our home state is the second largest maple-producer in the US, following a tradition that dates back to the first maple gatherers, Native Americans.

The large corner stand always seems to have a steady stream of customers eager to take home a bottle of bronze liquid, a favorite maple candy or a specialty items from maple sugar, to granola, popcorn, cotton candy and coated peanuts or cashews. Don’t forget the spreads, creams, popcorn, flavored coffee and frosted doughnuts.

Maple Day comes up Monday this year, but you can you can celebrate every day of the Fair by topping off your visit with a smooth, soft-serve maple ice cream, sold in a corner near the back door. You choose a cone or bowl, or maybe a milkshake.

New York Maple Producers have the biggest stand in the building–1200 square feet occupying one whole side of the wing–as well as one of the oldest stands on the grounds. Though nearly every New Yorker has drizzled their pancakes or waffles with gooey maple syrup, more than two dozen consignors produce an inspired variety of products to satisfy rabid maple lovers.

Containers of syrup ranging from 3.4 oz. bottles to gallon jugs, including decorative containers that make better gifts than the tacky trinkets sold around the grounds. In addition to the economic boost from sales to Fair customers, maple producers compete for bragging rights by entering their products for judging. A glass trophy case displays winners of ribbons in State Fair competition for syrup, candy, creams, condiments and treats.

Awards are issued strictly for Empire State products submitted to the Fair. Any New York state maple producer can bring products in to be judged. Champions are chosen in different categories, including light syrup, medium syrup, dark syrup, sugar candy, granulated sugar and creams among other various categories. Ribbons are awarded early in the Fair with winning products put on display. Overall scores determine a grand champion.

While product sales are important, consumer exposure and promotion of New York maple are as important as the bottom line. Year-after-year, State Fair customers come back for more.

Talon-ted Performers

After getting your maple fix, step outside the Horticulture Building and circumnavigate the glistening reflecting pool to visit the amazing birds of prey presented by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.

These feathered superstars have become a favorite annual feature of the Fair, perhaps the only time you will get so close to these incredible flying predators. Their survival stories are truly inspirational, their physical characteristics striking. Rescued and rehabilitated eagles, falcons, owls, vultures and, of course, hawks are on display in the tent.

Knowledgeable staff present them daily at 11 a.m., 2:15 and 4:30 p.m., balancing fascinating talks with high-flying performances.

Visitors who make a modest contribution to this incredible wildlife rescue organization can even get to hold one of the birds for a souvenir photo.

Don’t miss it.