Wednesday is Opening Day of the 2022 New York State Fair. That annual first, fresh look at the clean, bright Fairgrounds is always exhilarating. You could call this a rebound year as it’s back to normal in many ways after last year when things were, well, not normal.
The Fair continues its infuriating policy of accepting no cash for parking or gate admission, so plan ahead. 
The brown and orange lots have EZ Pass lanes. Logically, you would think that handing the attendant a five-dollar bill would be fine, but for some ridiculous reason, they won’t accept it.
There is a positive change though. The gates will open each morning at 9 a.m., a definite improvement over last year’s Cuomo-inspired 11 a.m. start time that left people waiting outside for hours. 
Visitors will be able to enter in time to hear roosters greet the morning with crowing and to enjoy breakfast at one of several stands that serve such favorites as eggs and doughnuts.
Major buildings still don’t open until 10 a.m., but you may be able to gain early entry to some of the livestock barns. It’s also fascinating to watch midway ride operators and other exhibitors prepare for a wave of customers on the grounds.
Beat the traffic and the heat by passing through the gate as early as 9 a.m.
Traditionally, the first day of the Fair is also Governor’s Day. This is Kathy Hochul’s second Fair in office after her assent two weeks prior to opening day last year. She may hear questions about the mysterious departure of State Fair Director Troy Waffner, something that she has not fully explained.
Customers will find it easier to breathe clean air at the 2022 New York State Fair as smoking will be severely restricted throughout the grounds.
While smoking is already prohibited under state law inside Fairgrounds buildings and by Fair policy at the Chevy Court and Chevy Park concert venues, starting this year smokers will be limited to lighting up in various designated outdoor smoking areas, which are shown on visitor maps.
The location of the astonishing sand sculpture has changed–yes, again–back to the Center of Progress. 
On opening day the sculpture is usually still under construction, so if you enjoy watching the artists work, this is a good day to visit.
Llamas, the fascinating South American mammals, return for the start of the Fair. They take up temporary residence in the swine and goat building, beginning opening day.
They’ll be herded out Saturday afternoon, so stop in early. They’re stunning creatures, especially up close.
Don’t miss wild and hilarious llama costume contest scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.
While visitors to the New York State Fair have their traditional favorite exhibits and events, every year the itinerary of special performers and entertainers staging shows around the grounds varies. Musical acts, stunt performers, talented animals and rib-tickling comedy provide a wide variety of free-of-charge shows sprinkled liberally throughout the day.
There are fewer acts this year than usual, but look for them in Central Park–the grassy area between the midway and the barns–or further west in the Family Fun Zone–the lawn between the Youth Building and the New York Experience pond.
Bleacher space for the more popular shows can fill up fast, so grab a portable snack, arrive early and take a break as you await showtime.
The marquee attraction this year will be the return of wet and wild performances by Sea Lion Splash in the Family Fun Zone. The chubby, mustached mammals have been absent from the Fair for several years and their encore will draw large crowds three times every weekday, four on weekends.
Make sure your camera is charged and ready as photos of the sideshows document some of your best Fair memories.
Several food stands along Broadway and Restaurant Row present bands and solo acts that are often surprisingly talented, adding an element of night club atmosphere to your Fair dinner. 
Check the schedule and stay alert for appearances by such terrific wandering entertainers as Bandoloni and Hilby who have both become Fair regulars.
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