Attendance at the 2022 New York Sate Fair was mediocre with the first few days averaging around 52,000 people. but the vibe is more positive and vendors are enthusiastically looking forward to the next 10 days.
Down on Restaurant Row, early arrivals were munching freshly-fried doughnuts at one to the Fair’s oldest stands, P-Z-O’s. 
Each day, before manager Mark Stachurski’s crew starts cooking up the sausage and steak sandwiches for which they’re famous, they cut out and fry the precursor of the fried dough that is a favorite State Fair treat. The pastries are served hot–with cinnamon sugar optional–for just a dollar.
Right across the street, Bob Tarbell and his niece Annie have a stand bulging with caps, shirts and all things Yankees for local baseball fans. 
While there is plenty of variety of colors and styles at AJ’s Hot Corner, there is no gear for fans of any other team–it’s Yanks or nothing. But given the popularity of the Pinstripers around here, business is good.
Meanwhile, Fair organizers have to be hoping that attendance heats up as good weather continues into the weekend. With ticket prices historically low and the public feeling relief from the pandemic, you would expect bigger numbers.
But one major factor could be holding down gate counts. The concert lineup may be the weakest in Fair history and knowledgeable insiders will tell you that concert attendance is one of the top factors driving big crowd numbers on the grounds.
Fair management should put the task of replacing the concert promoter at the top of their to-do list for next year. This won’t be The Hound’s final word on this topic, so watch future posts for more thoughts about concert bookings.
Mark Stachurski
Thank you sir. The Fair ask everyone to come up with a $2 special this year. Our special is a meatball slider! Check it out when you come by. It has become a huge seller for us!! Be interesting to see what others are offering. Stay safe Kev.