The plan for the $50 million dollar New York State Fair improvement project was announced by Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday. There’s a lot to review and analyze, and State Fair Hound will have much to say later, but two elements deserve immediate attention.
The Super Dirt Week revving up for October will be the last at the Fairgrounds as the Grandstand and track will be demolished. Cuomo says he’s struck a deal with organizers for a long term contract to continue the event at another Central New York location, to be announced. The Grandstand/track/infield area would then be utilized for other Fair buildings, exhibits and activities. This plan sounds a lot like one suggested by your Hound in a recent post (Tracking the Options, Aug. 18, 2015). Racing fans may be disappointed, but this is great news for those of us who love the State Fair. 
Another change promoted by The Hound is a makeover for Chevy Court to improve sight lines, boost comfort and improve technical capabilities to present major acts. The Hound has always believed that a free concert isn’t much of a bargain if fans at the show can’t hear and see what’s on stage. Planned changes should significantly improve the experience for concert fans.
One thing a better venue can’t do is improve the manners of those at the shows, a notoriously rude bunch. Our Fairgrounds covers 375 acres, yet people have to stand or sit around Chevy Court to chat loudly, talk on cell phones, stand in front of seated neighbors, ignore the no-smoking rule and generally behave poorly. As the court changes, it would be great if the fan conduct showed improvement as well.
By the way, doesn’t it seem that every time there’s something new, exciting, innovative and positive to announce it comes from the Gov, as this plan did? But when it’s not so great, take for instance Snoop Dog’s last-minute cancellation, the announcement comes from someone else, typically, Acting State Fair Director Troy Waffner.
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