Layout changes to the New York State Fair over the past two years has opened up space to stage a wide variety of entertainment. The area dubbed Times Square–basically between the animal barns and the midway–has become a prime spot for family acts.
Layout changes to the New York State Fair over the past two years has opened up space to stage a wide variety of entertainment. The area dubbed Times Square–basically between the animal barns and the midway–has become a prime spot for family acts.
Some Americans are observing Columbus Day this week, recognizing the 15th century explorer credited with “discovering” the continents of the western hemisphere. A growing movement takes another approach, recognizing that the Americas was already inhabited by many civilizations when Columbus landed in the West Indies and his arrival was a precursor to centuries of genocide, brutality and exploitation.
The New York State Fair honors Native American culture and history, primarily within the Iroquois Village, one of the most popular attractions on the grounds, where descendants of the original inhabitants of New York provide entertainment, traditional food, education and exhibitions to Fairgoers.
The venerable people of the Six Nations, whose Great Law of Peace inspired the United States Constitution, are an indispensable part of the Fair every year. Thus, State Fair Hound salutes the Haudenosaunee people on Indigenous Peoples Day.
Wade Shows didn’t give us a count of how many games of chance set up on the expanded midway, but there did seem to be more–with one exception. State Fair Hound didn’t see any I Got It tents.
Otherwise there were plenty of chances to win at the 2016 New York State Fair.
No doubt, the attendance numbers for the 2016 New York State Fair were stunning, shattering the previous record by over 106,000. It’s ironic, though hardly surprising, to realize that the amazing achievements of this year, starting with the redesign, also presented the toughest challenges and provoked the harshest criticism.
There seems to be plenty of space for 100k-plus throngs to swarm the grounds, that’s not the problem. Clearly, getting everyone in and parked was overwhelming, as traffic jams and park-and-ride hassles proved repeatedly. Then there was the challenge of people navigating the grounds, providing patronage for vendors in all corners, including those who were relocated, sometimes grudgingly.
State Fair Hound will take a stab at coming up with some suggestions, while keeping all criticism constructive. Really, how tough can you be on an entertainment venue for being too successful?
There have predictably and appropriately been numerous news reports, several indicating that Fair planners are already looking forward to improving methods and procedures. Don’t forget, the Fair and Acting Director Troy Waffner in particular, are always appreciative for feedback from the public. Submit yours on the website, nysfair.org.
But before we go any further, thanks and congratulations are in order to the Fair staff. State Fair Hound has seen first hand how hard they work and how devoted they are to making this event one of the best of it’s kind in the nation. Over the course of the next year, The Hound will occasionally share photos of those who worked so hard. We start today with Troy, above being interviewed, and with Dominic, who spoke with obvious pride about his role in keeping the Fairgrounds looking great.
Thank you everyone. Great job.
Without barns filled with livestock, it wouldn’t be the New York State Fair. Farm animals are a living foundation and traditional fan favorite. Those who want to see all species on display will have to make a special trip to the western end of the grounds to tour the Beef Cattle barn.
The spacious pole barn was built more recently than most other barn to house hundreds of steers. They’re bigger and scarier than the more familiar dairy cattle and you certainly aren’t likely to reach over to scratch their heads. Still, it’s worth a trip past Talent Showcase and the Cow Birthing tent to meet these bulky bovines, though you may not want a burger after looking into their soulful eyes.
Nearby, the 4-H kids test their equine skills at an outdoor ring. Horse play is always entertaining at the Fair, but these hardworking boys and girls make it inspiring as well. Friday and Saturday featured competitions for adorable miniature horses, including pulling carts and jumping bars.
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