If you attend the New York State Fair to browse unusual treasures, eat terrific food and hear some soulful music, a a single stop at the Pan African Village puts all of that within your reach. 
The 27th edition of the colorful block party, situated between the Center of Progress and the Art and Home Center, features bands and dancers on the entertainment tent stage. Nearby stands serve a variety of delicious, non-traditional food alongside vendors displaying clothing, jewelry, rare handicrafts and collectibles.
In addition to opening opportunities for minority-owned businesses, Pan African adds a dimension of excitement and personality that reflects New York’s diverse culture. 
The festive Village has since become a mainstay for the Fair, a popular annual tradition beloved by visitors of all races and backgrounds.
This being our Fair, food is central to the area’s popularity as hungry customers try exotic offerings including Caribbean, soul food, barbecue and homemade desserts from local restaurants and vendors.
Visitors get into the spirit by taking a drumming lesson, viewing historic exhibits or dancing to the day’s featured musical acts. Shoppers browse the vendor tents for unusual gifts and keepsakes. It’s certainly one of those not-to-be-missed State Fair favorites, near Chevy Court and the State Parks area, easily accessible from tram stop 2, just inside gate 11A.
The State Fair Latino Village is gradually developing a similar vibe, one mile west of the Pan African, capitalizing on the availability of the Talent Showcase stage to ignite exotic rhythms. Tasty Mexican and Caribbean cuisine join with souvenir vendors under colorful flags. This year it shares space with the new Asian Village. Check the Fair website for event schedules.
Midway Points
It’s hard to believe, but 2023 is the ninth New York State Fair with Wades Shows providing the midway rides and games. Wades won the contract in 2014 to operate the midway, a role that had been filled for decades by the James E. Strates Shows. Every Fair visitor and certainly every local media outlet will make comparisons and decide whether this was a good decision.
Those crazy rides are, of course, the main focus of any midway. Wades’ rides are mostly similar to those you’ll find at any carnival. Let’s face it, 
there are only so many rides available and so many ways to design the midway game joints and vendors, so less attentive Fair visitors may not have even noticed the change.
Wade has announced sale prices of all-day ride wristbands ($25 advance, $35-$45 onsite) and a mega pass that will allow unlimited rides for all 12 days for $85. If there are exclusions or rides that are frequently unavailable, these deals aren’t so great.
Wade has come through on promises for more spots to relax and recharge for families who have spent hours dashing between rides. Shaded spots, out of the mainstream, offer welcome respite for pavement-tired feet and a place where folks can take a breath.
The overall cleanliness and freshness of the midway is important and the efficiency of the operation and the convenience of the setup matter. Wades has the advantage of the expended and modernized staging area, especially considering that its predecessor, the James E. Strates Shows had to overcome the old, outdated lot during its run.
Using the website to purchase tickets before loading up the kids surely makes for less hassle upon arrival.
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