That loud cheering you heard on Monday was from New York State Fair enthusiasts thrilled to finally hear that our favorite event will go on at full attendance capacity.
The Governor, no doubt happy to flee Albany for a day, made the announcement at the Fairgrounds. Low COVID infection rates and strong vaccination data have inspired the bold step to welcome more patrons and open the buildings to essentially normal function.
There were several puzzling caveats including controlled capacity in buildings and a recommendation that people eat while seated rather than while walking.
The importance of such actions isn’t clear. How would they make the Fair safer or better, especially since the decision to go Fairgrounds-wide full capacity makes the statement that progress on controlling the pandemic warrants eliminating restrictions?
Maybe they were watching an interview with Dr. Stephen Thomas of Upstate that aired on Channel 9, in which his first statement was that the risk of going to the Fair “isn’t zero.” 
Well guess what, doc, it never is. The risk of slipping on a discarded snow cone, being kicked by cow, choking on a corn dog or getting bonked with one of Hilby’s juggling pins isn’t zero. If you want zero risk, stay home.
One concession we must grant is that many of those nitwits who refuse vaccination will be the first to ignore taking any action that would mitigate transmission of infection. They’re the first ones who will be walking around maskless, wherever they choose, without regard for anyone but themselves. But they’re easy to spot–they’re the ones wearing a MAGA cap or maybe a tinfoil hat.
Cuomo says that they won’t check the vaccination status of those entering the Fair. That would be a monumental job, but certainly more effective than these half-assed measures to control conduct for people who have already passed through the gates.
The Hound stands by our earlier recommendation (Shot and a Fair, 6/7/21), but we’re moving in the right direction.
There’s plenty of time to get your shots and your State Fair tickets. It’s going to be a great year.
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