It’s official. The New York State Fair will run 13 days in 2022, from Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sep. 5. Thus ends the trial 18-day run that got less than glowing reviews this year. 
The five-days earlier opening seemed to catch patrons off guard and put a strain on many Fair businesses, especially those who had to fit the Fair into their schedules of events. For some, there were conflicts with other festivals, particularly the Erie County Fair, which didn’t end this year until Aug. 22, two day after the State Fair opened.
Maybe the longer run would have been OK if not for lingering pandemic concerns, but Director Troy Waffner and Gov. Kathy Hochul certainly aren’t alone in thinking that 13 days is a better fit.
There may be more changes coming up, but this is a major shift. The Governor deserves credit for making it quickly to allow everyone to plan ahead for a big year in ’22.
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