The 2022 New York State Fair features the festive Pan African Village now firmly established as a major attraction, having celebrated its 25th anniversary during the scaled-down 2021 edition.

The colorful block party, situated between the Center of Progress and the Art and Home Center buildings, features bands and dancers on the entertainment tent stage, and stands serving a variety of delicious non-traditional food alongside vendors displaying clothing, jewelry, rare handicrafts and collectibles.

Although today it’s hard to imagine the Fair without it, the founding of the Pan African Village came in 1996 when first-year director Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. brought in community leaders to help make the Fair more culturally inclusive. That year, some grumbling about the lack of minority participation had grown louder. Cappuccilli showed true vision in partnering with many Pan African Village pioneers including Ken Jackson and Bongo Hanslip to create the village.

The resulting concept not only opened opportunities for minority-owned businesses, it added a dimension of excitement and personality that reflects New York’s diverse culture. The Pan African Village has since become a mainstay for the Fair, a popular annual tradition beloved by visitors of all races and backgrounds.

This being our Fair, food is central to the area’s popularity as hungry customers try exotic offerings including Caribbean, soul food, barbecue and homemade desserts from local restaurants and vendors.

Visitors get into the spirit by taking a drumming lesson, viewing historic exhibits or dancing to the day’s featured musical act. Shoppers browse the vendor tents for unusual gifts and keepsakes.

25 Fairs ago, there wasn’t much happening on that block.   But today it’s become one of those not-to-be-missed State Fair favorites. The Pan African Village is near Chevy Court and the State Parks area, easily accessible from tram stop 2, just inside the recently-opened gate 11A.

Not far from the village is the State Parks area, home to several terrific exhibits surrounding the lovely reflecting pool. The feathered predators of Hawk Creek Wildlife Center are truly inspirational and have become a Fair favorite. Rescued and rehabilitated eagles, falcons, owls, vultures and, of course, hawks are on display in the tent and knowledgeable staff present them daily at 11 a.m., 2:15 and 4:30 p.m., balancing fascinating talks with high-flying performances. Don’t miss it.  

When Mom and Dad are ready for a break, but the kids are too excited to sit down, the perfect answer may be a visit to the State Parks putting green near the Eatery (International Pavilion).

While parents relax nearby on a tree-shaded bench or picnic table, the kids can knock a ball around the turf, guided by adult staff.

It will take most youngsters a few minutes to complete the course and while there aren’t prizes to win, the youngsters seem to love it and the whole deal is free of charge.

Friday at the New York State Fair will be a day to recognize new Americans as about 100 people become citizens at an 11 a.m. ceremony in the Daniella’s restaurant in the Art and Home Center.

What would you do if you were hosting a new American or anyone from outside New York in late August or on Labor Day weekend? Taking your visiting friend to the New York State Fair would be an obvious way to provide some first-rate entertainment but, presuming your had only one day, what would you do?

In other words, what are the most impressive, most characteristic, most entertaining exhibits and activities of the Fair?

What best exemplifies the New York State Fair?

Every fair in the country has rides and games of skill, don’t they? The smooth blacktop of the Fairgrounds is the staging area for a massive midway provided by Wade Shows. If rides are a passion, you could go there, but with one day, and presumably limited money and energy to expend, there are better ways to capture the spirit of the oldest state fair in the nation.

You could enter gate four and head straight for the Iroquois Village. The Six Nations citizens are true ambassadors of our home state. Other states may have Native American exhibits, but they probably don’t have the proud People of the Longhouse hosting the consummate Empire State experience.

From there, if you have an interest in farm animals, there is a row of barns nearby where you can visit livestock of many species and breeds, from cows to chickens, raised in New York. If your interest in animals is low, you will surely encounter some in your travels as they’re always nearby on the Fairgrounds.

At some point, you have to hop a tram for a free tour of the Fair perimeter and a view of how enormous the Fair really is. Stop number two let’s you off at the Pan African Village, another characteristic New York locality that pays tribute to our diverse culture.

You will then find yourself near the main buildings, the iconic landmarks that provide the architectural framework of the Fair. Although you may decline to visit all of them, standing on the Chevy Court lawn, you will be surrounded by sights that, like the Statue of Liberty, can be seen only in New York. Make no mistake, the solid foundation of our town square is classic New York.

To get a real taste of New York, figuratively and literally, you have to peruse the indigenous products in the Horticulture Building. Our homegrown apples, maple syrup, beer, flowers, wine and honey form our agricultural identity.

Speaking of buildings, you have to step inside the Exposition Center to marvel at the cavernous multi-use building that for many promoters and exhibitors has put Syracuse on the map with off-season events. Upon exiting Expo, you’ll be a short stroll from the agriculture museum, a loving look at how farming has evolved in New York and nationwide.

When it’s time to eat, treat your friend to the taste of our Fair. Try a local restaurant–Twin Trees, King David, Bosco’s or Las Delicias, for instance–or head to a longtime Fair favorite food stand like Basilio, P-Z-O’s or Butcher Boys.

From Restaurant Row, you could duck into the Coliseum, known at times to host hockey, boxing and basketball, but during the Fair, host to the International Horse Show. That’s not just a name, there really are equestrians and breeds from all over, so it’s a surefire hit with horse lovers.

Cap off your evening with a free concert at Chevrolet court or the Experience stage or sit down with a Fair meal at one of many sites where local musicians entertain. That’s a full day and an unforgettable New York State Fair adventure.

In addition to New Americans, Friday will also be Pride Day at the Fair with events to celebrate diversity and inclusion beginning with a 9:30 a.m. flag raising at the main gate. There’s also a 6 p.m. parade down Broadway.