The cavernous Exposition Center will this year will be a part of the New York State Fair for the fourth time since opening and it’s time to make it a more prominent part of the festivities. 
To be honest, the Expo has primarily been an off-season venue, used for a wide variety of shows and events. It has made something of a comeback since the depressing events of 2020, booking many events and making the $62 million price tag seem like a wise investment in the future of our Fairgrounds.
But for the most part, despite its enormous potential, it’s hasn’t been a focal point during the Fair itself. Last year military aircraft dominated the space and they’re back this year along with an I Love NY tourism zone and a play field for kids. They really have to do better programming the Expo.
The Hound has previously mentioned that Fair officials don’t want to bring a circus inside because they want to preserve the cleanliness that performing animals may tarnish. 
But how about a non-animal, Cirque De Soleil-type show? It could be spectacular inside the Expo.
Other options could be a sports entertainment show–you know, basketball tricks, acrobats, maybe even Hilby–indoor concerts or theater. Movies and sports have been screened inside and that’s always an option.
Looking west from Expo, Beef Day is observed annually on the grounds. This year it’s Tuesday.
Every day of the Fair, visitors can tour the pole barn at the far western end of the grounds where they will see dozens of massive bovines in residence. They represent the New York beef industry and all of the various breeds including Angus, Hereford, Charolais, shorthorn and others. Both adult and youth owners will show their livestock. Special events include hay bale throwing competitions.
The spacious pole barn was built more recently than most other barns 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 it may depress your desire for burgers after looking into their soulful eyes.
There’s a show ring where the beefers are judged and it’s a memorable sight to see handlers tugging and pushing the big guys around the dirt floor. It’s nothing like training your dachshund, that’s for sure.
Tuesday is also Fire and Rescue Day as active and retired first responders are admitted free. They will parade down Broadway beginning at 6 p.m.
Chloe the Dachshund
What’s this? “It’s nothing like training your dachshund, that’s for sure.” You have obviously never tried to train a wily and stubborn dachshund.
State Fair Hound
So you’re saying that comment is a lot of bull? There have been several performing dog shows at the Fair over the years. Maybe Chloe can do some tricks for us next year.
Joe
OK Hound. Something for you to sniff out:
https://www.edrdpc.com/the-even-greater-new-york-state-fair/
Is there a way to find out why the above 2015 design plans for the Expo Center and festival space never came to fruition?
I appreciate your optimism on the Expo Center. IMO, it’s too big of a building for what they should’ve aimed for, but I like your thoughts on the indoor entertainment aspect.
Nice job with the blog as always.
State Fair Hound
Well, Joe–I doubt I could get a straight answer about that now, especially since the people at the top have changed. But my best Guess would be Andy Cuomo made the decision with little input from anyone else. He was so arrogant that he thought he could do no wrong.
As to the size–that was considered a selling point by Team Cuomo. I’ve heard them boast many times that it’s the largest such venue north of NYC between Cleveland and Boston. They thought–and they may be right–that promoters would come here if they needed that massive size.
To me, the biggest mistake was putting Expo on the grounds–since it contributes little to the Fair itself–and building the amphitheater where it is instead of on the grounds where it would help draw people to the Fair and permit the booking of more expensive, more popular acts because they could charge separate admission as they did for years with the grandstand. Too late now, but it still rankles me.
Thanks for writing. It’s loyal readers like you who keep State Fair Hound going.