With six days of the 2016 New York State Fair down and six to go, State Fair Hound offers these mid-point hits and misses.

Starting with the hits, Kiddieland—or as Wade Shows call it, Lil Partner Land—is fabulous. Don’t believe those complaints published in our illustrious daily newspaper, most of the area is wide and grassy, with pathways and shaded seating. If you don’t like gravel underfoot, it’s easily avoided. This is a four-star upgrade.

The extra space created at Chevy Court by eliminating vendors and relocating the Chevy exhibit space has made a significant difference. There appears to be more seating and there’s certainly more standing space. With the addition of a large projection screen—now there is one on each side of the stage—it’s a much better fan experience and a big step in the right direction.

Beautification of the Iroquois Village continues with more archways over entrances and stunning landscaping. It was already one of the most appealing spots on the grounds and it’s getting better every year.

As for the misses, campers can’t be happy with the gravelly ground under their RVs. But it’s just this year as grass will be in place next Fair.

It doesn’t seem like our Fair without a country act or two playing Chevy Court. You can usually count on country performers, at least the mature ones, to avoid embarrassing the Fair and infuriating fans with the kind of childish outburst unleashed by Kesha. Live Nation deserves boos for this inexplicable omission.

The new entrance gate near the Pan African Village adds convenience for folks entering from that side, but the nearby observation deck is a puzzler. The deck is sturdy enough, but there’s nothing to observe. All you can see of the Fairgrounds is the backs of some buildings, a few rooftops and some parking lots. Maybe there are some plans for the future, but for now, it seems like a waste of money.

Overall, it’s an unforgettable year at the Fair, worth a visit, even several visits.

The gates open Thursday for the 2016 New York State Fair, with its radically changed landscape, fresh, open look and glorious main gate.

That’s not all that’s new as you’ll find shiny, new rides, including one of the biggest traveling roller coasters in the country and a 70-foot Ferris Wheel. Gather round for first-time animals acts including wild cats and stingrays. Try out one of the 14 new food vendors, including the Fair’s first all-kosher stand, watch a kids sports competition and marvel at Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol show. Chevy Court improvements will make attending a concert a better experience and a new home for the famous New York baked potato brings that tradition into the 21^st century. Line the route for the rejuvenated parade, take a free tram ride and inspect infrastructure updates, including better lighting, a new side entrance and the beautification of the Iroquois Village.

There’s never been a State Fair like this year’s. Don’t miss it!

The complete Chevrolet Court line-up was released on Monday and it’s a shocking list to say the least. It’s not surprising for the acts that are included, but for what’s not on the bill.

“Our goal was to present the greatest and most diverse lineup of talent in Chevy Court history and I believe we’ve done it,” Acting Director Troy Waffner said in a statement. “We’ve invested more than ever in our lineup and I know this will be a year of shows people will remember for a long, long time.”

That may be true, but it’s hard to believe that a Chevy Court line-up of 23 concerts over a 12-day run of the Fair could be considered complete when there’s not a single country music act among the shows booked. The last time that happened depends on your definition of country, but safe to say it’s been about 30 years, though a few years were lightly represented.

You may recall that the Fair granted concert Goliath Live Nation the Chevy Court booking contract for this year. If you’re wondering if they were influenced by having scheduled numerous country acts, albeit mostly dismal ones, at the amphitheater and not wanting to compete with themselves, The Hound is wondering that too.

In any event, this enormous omission, disappointing fans who have consistently supported Fair concerts over the years, is an example of what we get with privatizing at the Fair, allowing some outside business to put corporate profits over the interests of Fair patrons. It’s a mistake we should be certain to avoid in the future.

Poultry, like this handsome fellow photographed by Hound photog Nick LoPresti in 2014, will return after missing last Fair as part of a precautionary policy to prevent illness.

Speaking of bird-brained ideas, our illustrious Governor is currently seeking bids from companies proposing to manage the New York State Fair. State Fair Hound has a few questions for the Gov:

What evidence exists that private operators could or would do a better job?

What financial terms could be contracted that would provide an advantage of state taxpayers?

Would longtime, experienced, expert Fair employees be retained or replaced by staff totally unfamiliar with the specific characteristics, needs, traditions and history of our Fair?

Chevrolet Court concerts are already being booked by an outside firm, Live Nation. Has that created a better line-up and a more satisfying experience for Fair patrons?

Specifically, what decisions and operations would fall within the authority of the outside contractor? Which would be handled by state or Fair employees?

The Hound tends to believe that it’s always a bad idea to hand over a critical operation to someone whose primary objective is maximizing their own profits. Fair employees are dedicated to making it the best event for their customers—that’s their full-time job. The Hound thinks that’s the way it should stay.

More Chevrolet Court acts have been announced and State Fair Hound is looking forward to a steady stream as summer approaches. It should be obvious by now that Chevy acts are the Fair’s major shows as the Lakeview Amphitheater is an Onondaga County venue, not a New York State Fair venue.

The interplay between the two will be something to watch as loyal readers already know that the Hound expects well-attended lakeside shows to be more a detriment to the Fair itself than an advantage. The Fair website doesn’t list amphitheater concerts and don’t expect Fair advertising to include those shows either.

Let’s face it, Cuomo really screwed this up. After years of Grandstand concerts providing a potential boost for the Fair and being marquee events in Fair promotion, that major draw is gone. The new venue should be on the Fairgrounds and a part of the sensational Fair experience. Of course, if his boneheaded blunder is a factor in Fair attendance not being high enough for Prince Andy, he’ll blame everybody but himself.

For here on out, State Fair Hound won’t be covering the Lakeview Amphitheater. It’s not the New York State Fair, thus not worthy of the attention of Fair aficionados. Acts already announced at the soon-to-be-renovated Chevy Court include Chicago, Herman’s Hermits, the Commodores and Culture Club and you should expect some really big name performers added to pack the re-designed courtyard.

With time growing short to complete that project, your Hound is watching with some anxiety, ready to report back to you as the Fairgrounds are updated. There’s much to do in the 20 weeks left before opening day.

State Fair Hound is glad to see that the Post-Standard has finally come around to endorse appointment of Troy Waffner as director of the New York State Fair. The only question is–What took them so long?

The Hound suggested the same a year ago (Just Rewards, Sep. 2, 2014) and Waffner has continued to provide solid leadership during a period of growth and change. Troy is the obvious choice to graduate from acting director to steer this ship through the coming expansion and into a very exciting future.

An announcement from the Governor is long overdue.

As State Fair Hound continues to look back at the 2015 New York State Fair, there are many memorable moments to recall. These short vignettes are some that stand out.

A small boy totes a large stuffed bear on his shoulders, gently bumping those he passes on the midway. Long after the animal has been discarded, the kid will cherish the State Fair memory, perhaps as he brings his own kids for rides and thrills.

Strong Hearts Café opens in the International Pavilion, marking the first appearance on the grounds of an entirely vegan eatery. For some, it’s counterintuitive to have meatless, non-dairy chow at the Fair, but for those who prefer it, it’s a welcome choice.

A woman sitting at a picnic table in the crowded Pan African tent frantically digs through her bag before pronouncing, “Damn, I’m out of cigarettes.” A small moment to be sure, but one greeted with silent cheers by those nearby who didn’t want to breathe her pollution while eating.

A family shares breakfast under the shade of a canopy on a hot September morning in the infield campground. It’s a scene that has played out thousands of times over the years, but this is the last year, at least in the current configuration. Nearby, the vacant Grandstand awaited its last hurrah on Super Dirt Week, never to see another State Fair.

Acting Director Troy Waffner stands before a late-night television camera to announce that rapper Nas has been retained to replace Snoop Dog, who cancelled his appearance at the last minute, reportedly due to illness. Troy looks exhausted, but the booking by his team has saved the night as Nas pleases a sizable crowd in his pinch-hit role.

A television celebrity stamps the New York State Fair as an event worthy of a high-profile visit when Cooking Channel’s Noah Cappe (Tip of the Cappe, Aug. 30, 2015) brings his big personality and passion for fried foods to a stand on the grounds to tape an episode of Carnival Eats.

The poultry barn is eerily quiet as avian flu has banished feathered creatures, leaving the barn full of rabbits and guinea pigs. Likewise, the chicks hatching in the Youth Building are kept in their cages, disappointing folks who love to hold them.

More review of this year’s Fair and some ideas for the future coming up in State Far Hound.

Following every great football game comes the inevitable analysis. Likewise, with the New York State Fair, the day after brings review, at least here at State Fair Hound.

In considering the respectable attendance total of 908,147, it’s impressive that the Fair overcame several big handicaps to get to that number. First, having fewer Grandstand shows meant that concert attendance didn’t boost gate totals as it has in some years past. Then there was competition from the amphitheater on Sep. 3, which, despite denial from some leaders, didn’t help. That’s not surprising, but it is something that needs to be ironed out before next year.

Then, after starting 2015 with three lovely late-summer days, each with higher attendance than last year, hot weather played a major role in discouraging people from going, especially those who were on the fence to begin with. They need some of those undecideds, but likely got very few. Not only was the brutal heat rare for that late in the summer, it just kept coming, actually peaking on Labor Day.

Late cancellation of two highly-anticipated Chevy Court acts could have been disastrous, but Waffner and company pulled off a nearly miraculous recovery, replacing Meghan Trainor, who cancelled three weeks before her show and Snoop Dog, who strayed on the eve of his performance, with two acts, Jason Derulo and Nas, respectively, both of whom drew very well. If they hadn’t been able to book popular acts on those two days, we’d be seeing attendance below the 900,000 threshold.

No need to make excuses for attendance totals that were lower than 2014. Directors with whom the Hound has discussed that issue over the past three decades are united in the belief that their job is to put together the best Fair they can and to concentrate on pleasing those who attend.

The Hound would add that it’s important to avoid major incidents, such as safety problems, legal issues or significant inconvenience. As with last year, the Fair gets high grades here.

What more could they do to draw fans? Two days with $3 admission and one with $1 dollar sure make it affordable. A welcoming atmosphere highlighted by a spirit of inclusion and special events to recognize large constituencies projects a positive image. From start to finish, there was great food and great fun.

Before departing the grounds on Labor Day, the Hound took in one last view of the grounds and realized all over again what a miracle it is. The Fair is comprised of a 375-acre facility that hosted over 900,000 people for 12 days with 600 vendors, thousands of animals and 69 midway rides. Millions of details have to come together to get to opening day, not to mention Labor Day.

There’s much to review, analyze and plan and only 50 weeks in which to do it. State Fair Hound won’t be wasting any time before digging in to sniff out every story and every angle. Come along.