The increased level of activity at the Chevrolet Festival stage and the territory surrounding the New York Experience pond, combined with established features near the Youth Building have significantly increased foot traffic in the western end of the New York State Fair in recent years.
Vendors and exhibitors in that area are predictably reaping the benefits of having more customers and spectators within range. While it would be a terrific improvement to see the old racing stables buildings developed for programming use, there are already several underappreciated attractions nearby.
Last year saw an increase in mobile food vendors in the area, some with unusual menu items and the return of the popular Alviero’s food stand.
The youth riding and exhibit rings and the adjoining barns give visitors a rare opportunity to get close to beautiful horses and the dedicated kids who care for them. 
It’s relatively quiet corner of the grounds equipped with bleachers and hosted by friendly horse women and men.
The Talent Showcase was scheduled to return this year, but the coordinator retired and the Fair wasn’t able to find a replacement in time. It’s a disappointing situation for singing and dancing kids like this cute little girl. 
The Latino Village occupies the same neighborhood for the last four days of the Fair, taking a turn on the sizable stage in front of the Youth Building to fire up the lively beat of Caribbean music. Vendors and food stands reinforce the theme with special events scheduled sporadically. Check the Fair website for Latino Village entertainment.
The west end area also hosts the Circus Hollywood and sporadically-scheduled performances on small stages in the nearby Family Fun Zone, this year featuring the phenomenally popular Sea Lion splash.
It’s unclear whether you can go to the nearby New York Experience area for a chance to hook a whopper this year. Family fishing at the Fair was growing in popularity in 2019 with plenty of shore space around the man-made Pond. We’re hoping that the pond is stocked and the poles strung, so be alert for an opportunity.
If so, it’s free for anglers of all ages to drop a line.
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