There’s a large body of water at either end of the New York State Fair and some very creative planning had both of them getting use by this year’s Fair patrons.

The venerable reflecting pool in front of the Horticulture Building looks pretty, but has been mostly wasted space in recent years.

This year paddleboard yoga classes were held on the pond with an instructor leading small classes of health enthusiasts though a workout routine. It may have seemed like an outlandish idea for an festival famed for food, livestock, concerts and a massive midway, but people came out to try it. And early-arriving visitors came over to watch the rare spectacle.

Down at the opposite end of the grounds, the man-made Experience Pond–sometimes called a lagoon–became a venue for rowing a skiff brought in by the coalition of agencies that annually presents maritime exhibits and activities just off Broadway at water’s edge.

It’s a picturesque locale for staying afloat while gently paddling the waterway, getting a restful and unusual perspective from which to view the stage, stables, midway and Expo Center.

The 2019 New York State Fair provided a great balance of entertainment from the traditional and historic dance performances of the Iroquois to the relaxing pace of family fishing on the Experience pond.

Both activities were free to enjoy.

Your admission price discount for Saturday’s New York State Fair is in your closet or dresser drawer.

Just dress in Syracuse University Orange clothing and you get in for just a dollar.

For most local folks, chances are good that you have something to wear that will qualify.

If you don’t have official SU apparel, just put on an orange-colored shirt or cap and that will probably work.

If you’re really a Cornell, Colgate or (gasp) Duke fan, no one will know.

Before heading out to the Fair on Saturday, log in to change.org and sign the petition imploring the greedy bureaucrats who run the university to back off demands that local business Lock 1 Distilling stop using the name Cuse Juice. This community is certainly supportive of SU, so for once they should return the favor.

Two peaceful, outdoor resting spots at the New York State Fair require you to go indoors to get there.

The underappreciated Horticulture Building courtyards are walled in on all sides while open air beckons above like skylights.

Trees and shrubbery provide beauty and shade, while benches and retaining walls provide seating, making it a perfect place to rest and snack on treats from nearby food vendors.

The Bob Case Memorial Garden and its twin courtyard flank the center space of the 53,000-suqare-foot Hort, large doors open to allow access.

The courtyards are among the special Fair retreats, known to many  regulars visitors, but unnoticed by others.

While Chevy Court and the Experience Stage hog most of the attention of music fans at the New York State Fair, There are plenty of stops around the grounds alive with live entertainment.

Local and regional acts play regularly in the Pan African Village, in several buildings, in the colonnade area  and at various food stands.

Schedules can be hard to pin down for some of these venues, but check the Fair website and keep your ears open as you traverse the grounds. They may not be big names, but a smokin’ local act may be just right for a hot night at the Fair.

The annual Women’s luncheon will highlight an all-day observance of Women’s Day at the New York State Fair on Wednesday.

Special activities will be concentrated around the Art and Home Center–once known as the “Women’s Building”–and Chevy Court.

Make reservations for the luncheon by calling 487-7711, ext. 1265.