The one factor that made the 2024 New York State Fair unusual is that it was, for the most part, the usual. When the most-hyped new features prior to the Fair are an act with guys scaling poles, a dimly-lit, quiet room and an artist drawing on the pavement, you have to expect low enthusiasm. There just wasn’t much buzz around opening day. The last-minute addition of a small stable of friendly and charismatic horses turned out to be the best of the newbies on the grounds.

That no doubt contributed to the below-average attendance, especially on some days. There were a couple of mostly rainy days and one very hot one, but you can’t blame weather for not-great total attendance numbers, which fell far short of last year despite a rally on the last two days.

There were some new food vendor offerings worth tasting–particularly exotic and delicious dishes in the nicely-expanded Asian Village and the surprisingly popular first-year trailer hawking grilled cheese sandwiches. And there were culinary disappointments, like really bad, over-priced Italian food in the Eatery. Of course, Fair visitors did what they always do–go back to Horan’s, Bosco’s P-Z-O’s, West End, Omanii’s, Butcher Boys, Basilo, Alivero’s, King David’s, the Shamrock, the Iroquois Souphouse and all of the other classic stands that have been satisfying their carnival food cravings for so many Fairs.

An unpredictable mixture of late-summer weather is never a surprise at the Fair, but this year’s rain emphasized the need for improvements in both the grounds and parking lots. While the brown lot quickly transformed from a dust-bowl to a swamp, lack of drainage made paved areas inside the gates into lakes, especially along restaurant row. Even when the rain wasn’t torrential, the result was problematic, so there’s certainly work to be done. When you’re charged 12 bucks to park, you deserve decent surface conditions.

Weather aside, the Fair was mostly problem-free, though traffic backed up disastrously on Aug. 24. Later that night, there was a knife fight near the Expo Center, the combatants reportedly importing a feud that started off-grounds. Anti-social media fueled rumors of violence the night of Sep.1, causing some tense moments and reminding us how much impact one or two morons can have these days.

When you have that many people over a 13-day stretch, there are always a few who can’t behave. Still, good will and harmony dominated, not getting as much attention but making for an overall positive atmosphere throughout the Fair’s run.

It’s certainly noteworthy that the culturally and socially-inclusive character of the State Fair seems to bring out the best in customers, vendors, exhibitors and employees. The Fair warmly embraces and celebrates diversity from the Haudenosaunee reservation to the Pan African, Latino and Asian villages. There were pride day, Labor Day and women’s day events, while throngs of seniors came out as they have for a lifetime, forming lines for hot baked potatoes and cold milk. Notably, the brilliance of spunky kids in many areas deserves a round of applause.

With new features few and largely unimpressive, the old favorites stood tall with Hilby, sea lions, raptors and dinosaurs drawing big crowds. Sculptures of sand and of butter were, as always, surrounded by Fair art enthusiasts. The midway spun its traditional magic for young riders and ubiquitous music inspired one big dance party. Incredibly, much of the excitement was lost on people who couldn’t look away from their cell phones.

There were a few massive concert crowds at Suburban Park, while benches missing from Chevy Court may have turned up there. No doubt, both venues could use more seating, something else needing off-season planning.

A team of mostly-young workers in bright green shirts seemed to be everywhere and cleanliness of the grounds was impressive from one end to the other. Great job, Ninjas.

For some reason, the Broadway SkyLiner never seems to live up to its potential. It looks great and adds to the midway mystique for sure, but ridership seems pretty light, at least some days. The steel posts that support the moving cables will soon be chilled by fall air, as will Fair aficionados, who will savor memories of this year as they look forward to Aug. 20, 2025, next year’s opening day.

The New York State Fair opens Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Daily admission admission ticket prices have increased to eight bucks for teens over 12 and adults under age 65. The youngest and oldest Fair visitors get in free.

The infuriating no-cash policy remains in effect, so plan ahead for how you will pay for admission and parking.

Eight dollars is still a bargain price considering all you get at no additional charge once you hit the grounds. It would be an even better bargain if there was quality musical entertainment at Chevrolet Court and Suburban Park, but once again this year that’s very rarely the case.

Also increasing, though with little justification, is the cost of parking a car in Fair lots. It would seem that the second increase in consecutive years, now hitting $12, would mean that we can expect improvements in surface conditions where needed, smoother processing efficiency when entering and better controlled flow into lots. We hope that’s the case.

Customers who complain that the Fair is the same every year are closer to right about that as this year is essentially a rerun of 2023. But it’s a sensational show, so buy your tickets, make your plans and get set for another great New York State Fair.

Though kids of all ages are often considered the most reliable customers of the New York State Fair, there are droves of baby boomers who never miss it. That’s why The Hound is disappointed that officially-designated senior citizen days have been discontinued from the agenda.

Although it’s laudable that everyone over the age of 65 is admitted free every day, the Fair needs to do more to cater to senior customers. In years past, senior days were perennially-popular events, starting with hand-picked entertainment on the Chevy Court stage. This year, Herman’s Hermits and Tommy James and the Shondells performed on the first Monday and Tuesday–traditionally senior days–not bad choices but lacking in imagination. Staging some big bands, American songbook singers, bluegrass pickers, romantic crooners and classic country acts could spice up the soundtracks of  designated senior days

In addition to music and entertainment, gray-hairs also love targeted giveaways, vendor specials, scheduled retro events and health-related presentations designed for them. More of those features would be well-received and much-appreciated.

Another benefit that makes for a better Fair experience for older patrons is the motorized scooters for those who find walking difficult. They’re always there and quite popular, but rather expensive at $50 to $65 and limited in availability. Improvements in scooter service certainly seem to be in order.

Of course, numerous favorite food stands are greatly missed by senior diners, but we don’t anticipate the return of the Grange Ox Roast, Gianelli and Baker’s Chicken Coop. Savvy vendors should come up with creative ideas to attract seniors. The whole-meal specials once sold at the Grange stand were popular and led to loyal customer response.

It wouldn’t add much expense for the Fair to get back to scheduling official senior days and it would seem to be a can’t miss hit. We love the kids who swarm the midway, but let’s not forget grandma and grandpa.

Several of the Hound’s contacts among Fair insiders have this year expressed frustration with the State Fair administration. The most commonly heard complaints center around poor communication, unwillingness to listen and lack of collaboration. The ugly clash prior to opening day that led to the absence of the Carol Baldwin Fund (Pink Out, Aug. 15, 2023) was well-documented and very disturbing, but not unique.

Apparently, bureaucratic paralysis is taking hold and making life difficult for vendors and exhibitors across the Fairgrounds. Fair administrators, from Director Sean Hennessey’s staff to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, right up to and including Gov. Hochul have to do better.

Some complaints have been heard from stakeholders over the years, but they seem to be louder now. Some of the Fair insiders said that they may not return due to their frustration with Fair brass,coupled with increased fees and expenses that are cutting into their profits. That’s bad news for Fair patrons.

You can bet that state politicians and bureaucrats are behind the problems. They should back off and let Hennessey’s staff handle things. While Hennessey just completed his first Fair at the top, he’s a classy guy and he has a lot of experienced and capable people on board who know the ropes when it comes to running the Fair. They can do the job, so state big shots should–but probably won’t–get out of the way and let them handle things.