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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.
With the 2021 New York State Fair in the history books, it appears that several major operational changes implemented this year may be short-lived after Director Troy Waffner hinted that rookie Governor Kathy Hochul may be leaning in that direction. 
In a Labor Day interview with News Channel 9 reporter Adrienne Smith, Waffner made the case for reverting to a 13-day format after the first ever 18-day Fair tested vendors, exhibitors and Fair staff. While conceding that the decision on length would be made by the Governor, he said, “It was a great run at 13 days. Thirteen days is more sustainable. I think 13 days is a good solid run.”
Waffner also endorsed an earlier opening time after the newly-installed 11 a.m. entry angered more than a few patrons. The Post-Standard reported that some arrived before 7 a.m. on opening day, hoping to be first to enter. They didn’t get word that the State had decided to keep them out until 11, so they stood for hours on a hot, humid morning waiting for the gates to open. It was an inexcusably rude way to treat customers and did little to make the event better or safer.
The Post quoted one guy as saying that he blamed deposed Gov. Cuomo and Waffner’s post-Cuomo comments seem to confirm that idea. 
“At the end of the day, I’m a policy implementer, not a policy developer,” he told Smith. “I just follow the lead of the Governor’s office. They tell me what they want done and we get it done.”
Let’s hope that Gov. Hochul reverses that decision and sets a more reasonable opening time for 2022, whether it runs 18 days, 13 days or whatever it may be. While she’s at it, modifications to the strict, possibly pandemic-inspired, no-cash policy for tickets and parking may also be in order. Really, who doesn’t accept cash? Maybe the Carrier Dome, but who wants to be like them in terms of customer service?
In the interest of balance and fairness on Cuomo, the Fair was enlarged and developed in important and lasting ways during his administration, so thanks for that Andy. Hasta La Vista.
It was a strange experience–visiting our beloved friend to find it oddly unfamiliar. But the 2021 New York State Fair hewed to the old adage and the show did indeed go on.
Attendance was low on the five-days-earlier opening day with overheated crowds finally admitted to the soggy Fairgrounds at the far-too-late time of 11 a.m. Unsurprisingly, long lines of patrons arrived hours prior to the designated time.
Once inside, the 2021 experience was bittersweet in numerous ways. Some events, exhibits and vendors were back and terrific as always, but others were missing. Visitors sometimes found closed or downsized areas where their traditional favorites had been.
For a second straight year, dedicated 4-H kids were left out of an event for which they put in a lot of hard work and preparation, so they paid a higher price than most of us. And the absence of farm animals left a huge void as empty barns were downright depressing.
The number of free-with-admission concerts presented was stunning, boosting attendance at times as the newly christened Chevy Park stage continued its impressive growth. But the much lower turnstile numbers significantly hurt the bottom line for many a Fair business, so before we complain about things we missed, let’s remember their pain.
Still, there was a lot to like about the Fair and the future holds great promise, starting with the unlimited potential of concerts and events at Chevy Park (more on that in an upcoming post on State Fair Hound), maximization of the Expo Center, the return of youth participation and livestock shows, more thrilling special events like the skydiving exhibition, continued excellence on the Wade Shows midway, strong re-emergence of significant vendors who skipped or downsized this year and fresh thinking from a new governor who may value customer input, leading to renewed fan enthusiasm and support.
Overall, the headline is that the New York State Fair went on without significant problems or troubling incidents, which is a shining tribute to Fair administration and workers, whose often-invisible contributions deserve our appreciation, especially in this difficult year. While the Fair serves primarily to entertain us, this unusual one also demonstrated that we will overcome the challenges of the past two years, due mainly to the spirit that led us to soldier on through the challenges of 2021.
State Fair Hound just got confirmation that the fireworks display tonight at the New York State Fair is scheduled for 8 p.m., an hour earlier than previously announced. Don’t be late. (Photo of the 2019 Fair fireworks by Nick LoPresti )
While the New York State Fair has in recent years expanded to 12, then 13, then 18 days, one scheduling tradition has carried through. 
The finale always falls on Labor Day. That’s Monday, of course.
Unions march, rally and celebrate their special day while everybody tries to squeeze all the fair fun possible into the last day.
The painful cancellation of 2020 makes this last chance day even more special.
Fade to Black
When the major buildings close at 9 p.m.– one hour earlier than usual–the 2021 Fair will begin to shut down.
It’s a good day to look for bargains being offered by vendors with surplus product.
Concert times for the Chevy Park shows have been moved up to 1 pm. and 6 p.m., respectively.
With the final curtain falling on the Fairgrounds, you have to admit, the 2021 New York State Fair was one for the books. 
It had to be after the heartbreak that left Fair fans out in the cold last year.
The cows are headed home to their familiar barns, carnies are preparing to dismantle the rides and vendors have one or two last exhausting days to close up, tear down and pack up. 
While the big story this year is certainly the Fair’s comeback, there were many highlights and newsworthy stories from the longest New York State Fair in history. State Fair Hound will take a closer look in coming days.
Those of us who love the New York State Fair hold vivid memories of all of the times spent between Chevrolet Court and the New York Experience Grounds, but especially in this year-like-no-other with the joyful, though weird, return of a beloved event.
Cock-a-doodling
Rooster crowing competition will continue Sunday and Monday with finals in the poultry building.
Those feathered alarm clocks will strut their stuff at 4 p.m. both days in one of the noisiest events at the New York State Fair.
Late Entries
It pays to enter the New York State Fairgrounds with a plan of how to enjoy your odyssey inside as the last few hours tick down.
If you need some ideas you may have left off your checklist, these tried-and-true activities are worthy of your consideration. 
Play a game of I Got It.
Lick a maple ice cream cone while relaxing on a bench in front of the Horticulture Building.
Watch a modern dance performance on the Pan African Village stage.
Try a food you’ve never tasted.
Test out a mattress in the Center of Progress.
Watch the Orbiter gyrate at night.
Visit the authentic longhouse in the Iroquois Village.
Let a beautiful butterfly land on your nectar stick in the Horticulture Building.
Shake hands with a vet at the UAW’s Veteran’s Memorial tent.
Catch a show in the Latino Village.
Gobble some freshly-fried doughnuts at P-Z-O’s or Bosco’s.
Get a caricature drawn as a Fair souvenir.
Pet a newborn calf in the dairy cow birthing tent.
Sample New York State wine from a local vendor.
Tap your feet to the rockin’ sounds of Bandoloni.
Watch goats being milked.
Cheer on the enthusiastic kids at the Sports Activity Center.
You can enjoy these Fair specials without spending a lot of money as most of them are free.
Grab’n’go
Speaking of free, if you search around, you’ll find quite a few giveaways available at the New York State Fair. 
This government employee was giving away tote bags, one of the most common items up for grabs at a recent Fair. But you can also get pens, shirts, campaign-style pins, bumper stickers, high-tech gizmos and cooking gadgets, among other things.
The Center of Progress is ground zero for giveaways, but the sharp-eyed Fair fan can load up at many locations around the Grounds, so be alert for free stuff.
Just Fur Fun
Many visitors to the livestock barns at the New York state Fair want to enhance their experience by going beyond looking at the animals to actually touching the critters. Sometimes that’s OK and sometimes it’s not.
Exhibitors have advised over the years that certain animals are better candidates than others for stroking and it pays to be aware which ones are friendly and which may nip. A good rule to observe is to keep your hands in your pockets while touring the poultry barn. Though the answer to a traditional riddle is “No, chickens don’t have teeth,” they may clamp their beaks onto a finger, providing a painful souvenir. The rabbits, who are usually housed in the same building, may look cuddly, but they are also known to bite.
Conversely, sheep don’t generally bite and have soft wool to pet. Unfortunately, sheep are generally absent from the Fair this year, but you may run into one or two curly tops around the grounds. Goats may also be good candidates for a quick touch. 
The last word is it’s always a good idea to target specialized exhibits where the animal is offered for close encounters or, at the very least, to ask the owner before touching.
Chain Gang
Art is on display at the New York State Fair, with sculptures of sand, butter and cheese. There’s none wilder, though than chain saw sculpting.
It’s really pretty incredible to watch the men and women artists guide their roaring tools through blocks of wood, sending chips flying in all directions. 
The final results, often animals, turn into modern totem poles, especially after they’re painted. It’s the type of show you only see at the Fair, unless you attend a lumberjack show.
Creation of the saw statues is among the dozens of free shows, but those in attendances may be tempted to purchase a completed artwork to take home. They would certainly liven up your yard or deck.
Tanks a Lot
There are many reasons that fish interest people. They’re eaten, caught for sport, kept as pets and studied for their biological significance.
That must be why the small building in the colonnade, home the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, attracts crowds to gape at aquariums filled with various species of fish. Bearded catfish, glistening rainbow trout, lanky bass and many other fish breeds swim in endless circles, allowing Fair visitors to get a rare close-up look. There are also other aquatic critters in the tanks.
For some reason, young kids are often so mesmerized by the sea life that they actually stand still for a few minutes.
History Comes Alive
The People of the Longhouse are honored on Friday at the New York State Fair. Their colorful and culturally-significant dances are one of the Fair’s beloved traditions.
The agricultural displays, handmade artwork and vintage artifacts make the Iroquois Village sacred ground at the Fair. Enjoy a meal while there as authentic Haudenosaunee cuisine and home-cooked specialties are served daily in the village cookhouse.
Horse Show-offs
Though there have been many program changes in livestock competitions at the New York State Fair, there are beautiful and athletic horses competing for honors in the Coliseum from now through Sunday. 
While taking a seat on the metal bleachers lets you enjoy the shows, usually free-of-charge, alert Fair wanderers can get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care and preparation for the equine events at several other locations. The exercise ring next to the horse barn is a great spot to marvel at the graceful movement of these amazing creatures as they get a workout.
Nearby, there’s a concrete pad where horse owners frequently bathe their steeds.
Night Magic
After sunset, the New York State Fair glows brightly, from the stage lights of Chevy Court to the flash and fire of midway rides large and small. 
There are widely-scattered pockets of darkness, notably the State Parks region and some of the other grassy areas, but you’re never far from bright spots, at least until you cross over to parking lots.
There’s something magical and exciting about the sea of colors and blinding neon glow illuminating the grounds.
Partiers populate the midway taverns and the wine court, live bands crank it up and swarms of teens line up for the most popular rides.
Conversely, the kiddie ride area winds down around sunset, changing the character of the Fairgrounds, especially the midway, into a rowdier environment where beer outsells cotton candy and cool night air beckons people leaving buildings into a wilder landscape.
At closing time on Thursday, as Labor Day weekend looms, we look toward the last four days of the 2021 New York State Fair.
While it hasn’t lived up to all of our hopes and dreams, it gave us something to celebrate and savor, like this sunset over the midway we shared with our new friend Vanessa on Wednesday.
There’s still plenty of music, entertainment, thrills and tasty treats at the Fair and vendors desperately need to see more customers.
So make the most of the predicted pleasant weather and take advantage of bargain admission prices by taking a last trip or two to the Fair. After last year, we have learned that it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
If you need another reason to go, horses have finally arrived for some Coliseum appearances and goats are bleating in their barn, 
at least for some of the weekend.
Bandoloni is stomping out classic tunes and Hilby is as hilarious as ever. Both guys will play daily from here on out.
The Fair will close with a bang as fireworks burst above on Monday night.