You may have heard that Sean Hennessey has left the New York State Fair after two of strong years at the helm, first as interim director and then as director. Hennessey came in at a disadvantage in filling the role after Troy Waffner’s sudden departure, but rose to the occasion. His relentlessly positive attitude, solid work ethic and enthusiasm for the job helped him produce a couple of dandy Fairs. It was great to hear him often express respect and appreciation for the terrific Fair team that supported his administration.

It’s been reported that Sean left for another New York government job opportunity but, as with his predecessor’s move in leaving the Fair, you always have to wonder if the Governor and her staff are giving us the straight story.

Coincidentally, it appears that Fair public relations woman Alice Maggiore has also left for another job. Her name is no longer in the Fair directory and she is employed by Strategic Communications. Maggiore accepted the impossible mission of trying to replace Dave Bullard as she demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and a good feel for that challenging job.

We know that our readers will want to join State Fair Hound in saying thanks and good luck to Sean and Alice.

The observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 9 should remind those of us who love the New York State Fair of our annual visits to the festive and historic Iroquois village.

The respectful habitation of this continent by our Haudenosaunee neighbors and other indigenous nations deserves recognition and celebration.

Unfortunately, the City of Syracuse is still grappling with the path toward removing a downtown statue that honors those responsible for the shameful and genocidal history that began in 1492. City administration has been embroiled in litigation started by ignorant and misguided citizens and wrongly upheld by an incompetent, biased and politicized judge.

It’s way past time to end the idolatry of Columbus to build a new circle that honors the People of the Longhouse and indigenous people from coast to coast.

You never know what happy surprises you may encounter at the New York State Fair and several Fair fans got an unexpected treat when former Director Troy Waffner was spotted visiting restaurant row on Aug. 31. Troy looked relaxed and happy as he renewed acquaintances with well-wishers, including your State Fair Hound reporter. He flashed the wit and warmth that made him very popular with State Fair staff, vendors and visitors alike during his run as director.

The Hound could have asked nosy questions about his unexplained departure for another job with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, but putting him on the spot isn’t how you treat a friend, so we didn’t.

And we don’t regret it.

It was reassuring to see Troy (pictured in a Nick LoPresti photo from 2019) looking well and content. The 2022 State Fair is going smoothly and winning back fans after a couple of very tough years, largely thanks to the development and guidance of Troy Waffner. It’s good that he’s there to enjoy it with us.

Wednesday is Women’s Day at the New York State Fair. Headquarters for some of the observances is logically the Harriet May Mills Art and Home Center which will host various activities throughout the day. The classically-designed, pillar-enhanced structure, long known as the Women’s Building, has long housed traditionally female-centric homemaking skills with artistic handicrafts, dresses, quilts, rugs and artworks prominently exhibited, while culinary masterpieces compete for ribbons.

But more current accomplishments are also part of the story. Last year’s daring skydivers demonstrated the courage and moxie of 21st century American women. A mini-fair is scheduled from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Chevy Court with many advocacy groups for women on hand.

This year marks the second New York State Fair under the administration of a woman governor, which boosts the significance of Women’s Day at the Fair, following Hochul’s first full year in the top job.  

While you’re in the Art and Home Center you can take a break at the Empire Theatre, located a few stairs above the ground floor.

The dimly-lit auditorium offers comfortable chairs and air conditioning where you can relax and enjoy entertainment from local music, dance or acting troupes. Stage shows, often presented with youthful enthusiasm, are generally free of charge.

The schedule of performances is listed on the Fair’s website and may be posted outside the building entrance nearest the Pan African Village.

Go upstairs to the musical instrument museum to enjoy some vintage pieces including several keyboard instruments. Follow the sound of music to the classic organs and a player piano.

You don’t have to be a model train enthusiast to be impressed with the massive, finely-detailed exhibit on display every year at the New York State Fair in the Art and Home Center.

Local collectors spend hours setting up tracks and scenery before switching on several trains to chug along. Railroad souvenirs and memorabilia are plentiful and train aficionados are on hand to answer questions and talk model train building. It’s one of the great indoor activities on the grounds.

Nearby, authentic model circuses and carnivals bring back historical memories of fairs past with colorful posters lining the surrounding walls.

When you attend the New York State Fair, you may miss your favorite television cooking show, but you can get a live chef lesson in the demonstration kitchen, which is back in action this year.

Several meals are prepared daily in the high-tech, air conditioned galley on the lower level of the Art and Home Center. Ceiling-mounted mirrors reflect the counter and cook top as the chef–often a local celebrity–creates the featured presentation. It’s a cool,comfortable spot to relax for a few minutes while enjoying some free entertainment. The schedule is on the Fair website and posted outside the northern entrance to the building.

We got our first extended look at the newly-hired interim director of the New York State Fair when Sean Hennessey was interviewed by Andrew Donovan on Channel 9’s “Newsmakers” program on July 8. Hennessey came across as plenty chatty and candid, but the session left room for concerns that his last-minute appointment has thrown him into the deep end of the Experience Pond.

For instance, he admitted that he has come to the Fair “every so often” and said that much of his recent experience has been in presenting the Department of Transportation exhibit. When it comes to Fair features, nobody cares about the DOT exhibit.

His resume leans heavily on government building administration and the DOT. In terms of entertainment-related experience, he pointed to his work leading an Irish festival in Watertown which, compared to the State Fair is like preparing to manage in the World Series by coaching a Little League team. It was obvious that he’s been studying up on the Fair, quoting facts on Fairgrounds buildings, though he confused Chevy Court with Chevy Park and referred to the Center of Progress the “Center For Progress.”

On the positive side, Hennessey seemed genuinely excited about leading the Fair and enthusiastic about putting in the work necessary. If he’s as hardworking and dedicated as he came across, he could be a strong candidate for permanent director.

Hound sources confide that the Queens native is a nice guy, widely liked among  his colleagues and his gregarious personality seems to lend itself to filling the vital role of the Face of The Fair. Already, he’s leaning into his role as a promoter of the Fair, raving about the disappointing concert lineup and making the disputable statement that “all the food items are back.”

The interview glossed over the departure of Troy Waffner as director, Donovan saying the he had “left the job,” while Hennessey called Waffner a friend and praised the work he had done as director. Maybe Channel 9 should get the governor as a “Newmakers” guest so they can ask her about Waffner’s likely firing, though she hasn’t yet given any straight answers and seems determined to keep New Yorkers in the dark.

In the course of the program, Hennessey revealed that a new sheep and goat barn is in the works, though he didn’t say whether it will be ready for 2022. A year-round greenhouse is also planned, consistent with the new guy’s professed goal of guiding the Fair toward more agricultural features.

While those of us who love the New York State Fair have good reason to be furious over Kathy Hochul’s mismanagement and secrecy, we also have to hope that the interim director she has hired can quickly get up to speed and pull things together to make 2022 another great year at the Fair.

You can watch the interview for yourself on localsyr.com.

His clothes are hideous, his jokes old and corny, he frequently insults guests, but he’s likely the most beloved performer at the New York State Fair.

Master juggler Hilby returns Monday  and he’ll no doubt draw big crowds of laughing, cheering fans to each of his three performances every day through the end of the Fair.

The wisecracking native of Germany, now a resident of  New York, will probably be as happy to see his fans as they are to welcome him as this has been an annual event at the Fair for many years.

He’ll unpack his balls, torches and unicycle and start his music near the Lottery Pavilion for shows at 1 p.m., 3:30 and 5:45.

The New York State Fair will begin its long-awaited, first time 18-day run tomorrow. Gates open later than ever at 11 a.m. The Fair is saying that early arrivals will not be admitted before 11.

Don’t miss it.

The Post-Standard recently reported the passing of Judy Hanslip, the wife of Irvin “Bongo” Hanslip, who for many years ran the popular Jerk Hut food stand at the New York State Fair.

Judy was Bongo’s partner in his city restaurant of the same name.

Our condolences go out to Bongo, a founder of the Pan African Village.

Labor organizations will be on the march Monday at the New York State Fair.

Unions are more powerful in our state than in most and they are an ever-present force at the Fair, manning many tables in the Center of Progress the entire 13 days to promote organized labor and pass out bags, pens and stickers. Since the Fair concludes on Labor Day annually, a parade around Chevy Court features marching union members with bands, banners and a few politicians.