While the New York State Fair has in recent years expanded to 12, then 13, then 18 days, one scheduling tradition has carried through. The finale always falls on Labor Day. That’s Monday, of course.

Unions march, rally and celebrate their special day while everybody tries to squeeze all the fair fun possible into the last day.

The painful cancellation of 2020 makes this last chance day even more special.

Fade to Black

When the major buildings close at 9 p.m.– one hour earlier than usual–the 2021 Fair will begin to shut down.

It’s a good day to look for bargains being offered by vendors with surplus product.

Concert times for the Chevy Park shows have been moved up to 1 pm. and 6 p.m., respectively.

With the final curtain falling on the Fairgrounds, you have to admit, the 2021 New York State Fair was one for the books.

It had to be after the heartbreak that left Fair fans out in the cold last year.

The cows are headed home to their familiar barns, carnies are preparing to dismantle the rides and vendors have one or two last exhausting days to close up, tear down and pack up.

While the big story this year is certainly the Fair’s comeback, there were many highlights and newsworthy stories from the longest New York State Fair in history. State Fair Hound will take a closer look in coming days.

Those of us who love the New York State Fair hold vivid memories of all of the times spent between Chevrolet Court and the New York Experience Grounds, but especially in this year-like-no-other with the joyful, though weird, return of a beloved event.

Cock-a-doodling

Rooster crowing competition will continue Sunday and Monday with finals in the poultry building.

Those feathered alarm clocks will strut their stuff at 4 p.m. both days in one of the noisiest events at the New York State Fair.

Late Entries

It pays to enter the New York State Fairgrounds with a plan of how  to enjoy your odyssey inside as the last few hours tick down.

If you need some ideas you may have left off your checklist, these tried-and-true activities are worthy of your consideration.

Play a game of I Got It.

Lick a maple ice cream cone while relaxing on a bench in front of the Horticulture Building.

Watch a modern dance performance on the Pan African Village stage.

Try a food you’ve never tasted.

Test out a mattress in the Center of Progress.

Watch the Orbiter gyrate at night.

Visit the authentic longhouse in the Iroquois Village.

Let a beautiful butterfly land on your nectar stick in the Horticulture Building.

Shake hands with a vet at the UAW’s Veteran’s Memorial tent.

Catch a show in the Latino Village.

Gobble some freshly-fried doughnuts at P-Z-O’s or Bosco’s.

Get a caricature drawn as a Fair souvenir.

Pet a newborn calf in the dairy cow birthing tent.

Sample New York State wine from a local vendor.

Tap your feet to the rockin’ sounds of Bandoloni.

Watch goats being milked.

Cheer on the enthusiastic kids at the Sports Activity Center.

You can enjoy these Fair specials without spending a lot of money as most of them are free.

Grab’n’go

Speaking of free, if you search around, you’ll find quite a few giveaways available at the New York State Fair.

This government employee was giving away tote bags, one of the most common items up for grabs at a recent Fair. But you can also get pens, shirts, campaign-style pins, bumper stickers, high-tech gizmos and cooking gadgets, among other things.

The Center of Progress is ground zero for giveaways, but the sharp-eyed Fair fan can load up at many locations around the Grounds, so be alert for free stuff.

Just Fur Fun

Many visitors to the livestock barns at the New York state Fair want to enhance their experience by going beyond looking at the animals to actually touching the critters. Sometimes that’s OK and sometimes it’s not.

Exhibitors have advised over the years that certain animals are better candidates than others for stroking and it pays to be aware which ones are friendly and which may nip. A good rule to observe is to keep your hands in your pockets while touring the poultry barn. Though the answer to a traditional riddle is “No, chickens don’t have teeth,” they may clamp their beaks onto a finger, providing a painful souvenir. The rabbits, who are usually housed in the same building, may look cuddly, but they are also known to bite.

Conversely, sheep don’t generally bite and have soft wool to pet. Unfortunately, sheep are generally absent from the Fair this year, but you may run into one or two curly tops around the grounds. Goats may also be good candidates for a quick touch.

The last word is it’s always a good idea to target specialized exhibits where the animal is offered for close encounters or, at the very least, to ask the owner before touching.

Chain Gang

Art is on display at the New York State Fair, with sculptures of sand, butter and cheese. There’s none wilder, though than chain saw sculpting.

It’s really pretty incredible to watch the men and women artists guide their roaring tools through blocks of wood, sending chips flying in all directions. The final results, often animals, turn into modern totem poles, especially after they’re painted. It’s the type of show you only see at the Fair, unless you attend a lumberjack show.

Creation of the saw statues is among the dozens of free shows, but those in attendances may be tempted to purchase a completed artwork to take home. They would certainly liven up your yard or deck.

Tanks a Lot

There are many reasons that fish interest people. They’re eaten, caught for sport, kept as pets and studied for their biological significance.

That must be why the small building in the colonnade, home the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, attracts crowds to gape at aquariums filled with various species of fish. Bearded catfish, glistening rainbow trout, lanky bass and many other fish breeds swim in endless circles, allowing Fair visitors to get a rare close-up look. There are also other aquatic critters in the tanks.

For some reason, young kids are often so mesmerized by the sea life that they actually stand still for a few minutes.

History Comes Alive

The People of the Longhouse are honored on Friday at the New York State Fair. Their colorful and culturally-significant dances are one of the Fair’s beloved traditions.

The agricultural displays, handmade artwork and vintage artifacts make the Iroquois Village sacred ground at the Fair. Enjoy a meal while there as authentic Haudenosaunee cuisine and home-cooked specialties are served daily in the village cookhouse.

Horse Show-offs

Though there have been many program changes in livestock competitions at the New York State Fair, there are beautiful and athletic horses competing for honors in the Coliseum from now through Sunday.

While taking a seat on the metal bleachers lets you enjoy the shows, usually free-of-charge, alert Fair wanderers can get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care and preparation for the equine events at several other locations. The exercise ring next to the horse barn is a great spot to marvel at the graceful movement of these amazing creatures as they get a workout.

Nearby, there’s a concrete pad where horse owners frequently bathe their steeds.

Night Magic

After sunset, the New York State Fair glows brightly, from the stage lights of Chevy Court to the flash and fire of midway rides large and small.

There are widely-scattered pockets of darkness, notably the State Parks region and some of the other grassy areas, but you’re never far from bright spots, at least until you cross over to parking lots.

There’s something magical and exciting about the sea of colors and blinding neon glow illuminating the grounds. Partiers populate the midway taverns and the wine court, live bands crank it up and swarms of teens line up for the most popular rides.

Conversely, the kiddie ride area winds down around sunset, changing the character of the Fairgrounds, especially the midway, into a rowdier environment where beer outsells cotton candy and cool night air beckons people leaving buildings into a wilder landscape.

Attention!

Thursday is Armed Forces Day at the Fair with active and retired military women and men enjoying free admission and a featured role in special events.

Mango Mussolini says they’re losers, but the American people, including those here in New York, know better.

One For the Books

Thursday may seem like any other terrific day at the New York State Fair, but it holds historical significance as the first time that the Fair has opened for a 14th consecutive day.

That’s because this year it expands to an 18-day event. That was the plan for 2020, but–well, you know.

So this year we make the leap to the longest Fair in our state’s history, with Thursday being the first time we’ve exceeded 13 days. Of course, the last four days will also hold the distinction of being the first 15th day, 16th day, 17th day and 18th day, respectively.

Go out for more memorable State Fair days Thursday through Monday and while you’re having a great time, you–along with tens of thousands of other patrons–will also be making history.

Empire State of Mind

While great-tasting food beckons from every corner of the New York State Fair, one locale best demonstrates the characteristic tastes of the Empire State—the Horticulture Building.

As you enter beneath glorious facade, you’ll find diverse displays of New York products including maple products, honey, apples, beer and a small grocery store of packaged sauces, snacks, drinks and meals, all produced within New York.

Nearby vendors offer samples and stage demonstrations.

The eastern end of the building is where you can buy the famous one-buck-spud, perfectly baked white or sweet potatoes. It’s a Fair fav that always attracts long, slow-moving lines.