Llamas share the goat and swine barn during the first few days of the New York State Fair, opening Aug. 22. These amazing creatures are certainly not native to New York, but have achieved some popularity as livestock on Empire State farms.
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In considering the future of the event center opening this year on the New York State Fairgrounds, the primary goal in booking the center, according to Acting Director Troy Waffner, will be to bring in events that need a larger venue than was previously available in Central New York. “Nine new shows are coming,” Waffner told State Fair Hound, “There’s a huge new horse show, a drone racing event and a log cabin show. We’re booking into 2019. The calendar is filling up fast.”
Meanwhile, a few of the off-season events in the new king of the western skyline will be expanded versions of current Fairgrounds events, including a boat show and the February Farm Show, that will move into the 110,000-square-foot hall while also using other buildings on the grounds to expand their footprints. 
Some people in the community have expressed concerns that the new center would compete directly with other convention and event venues already serving Central New York, particularly the Oncenter downtown and the SRC Arena on the OCC campus. “This is the largest expo center north of New York City between Cleveland and Boston,” Waffner pointed out. “It has over 100,000 square feet of usable space. For a lot of big shows, that’s their make-or-break point.”
“There just wasn’t anywhere to have big shows in the Northeast that wasn’t a logistical nightmare, like a big city” Fair spokesperson Dave Bullard emphasized. “It works better here (compared to New York) because it’s open and easier to get to.”
For those of us who love our 13-day festival, the necessity of building this $62 million structure is far from a closed case, especially when you consider other needs for the Fair and the space taken up by the event center. “The reason the Governor wanted it built,” Waffner said, “is to improve the year-round number of shows.” 
It’s going to take a few years to shake out the final verdict on whether this project is the best decision at this time. Fair officials are confident that the Expo Center will pay for itself with a pending sponsor name and a busy schedule at the facility by itinerant exhibitors.
Use of the building during the Fair will be divided between ice events, the venerable sand sculpture and an I Love New York tourism exhibit, expanded from the one that occupied part of the Center of Progress last year.
Viewers tuned in to Channel 9 News over the weekend may have heard a disconcerting comment from Governor Cuomo about the new York State Fair. 
When asked for assurance that the new Exposition Center would be complete to open for this year, the Gov declined to guarantee an Aug. 22 ribbon cutting. Crews are working diligently to make it happen and State Fair Hound will join Cuomo in being “cautiously optimistic,” but be aware as you read future posts projecting use of the Expo Center at this year’s Fair, it isn’t a sure thing.
Again this year, a couple of popular eateries have lost their permanent Fair homes as several stands have been demolished. The most noteworthy is the Grange Ox Roast, a longstanding fixture near the cattle and poultry barns. 
But fear not, beefeaters, the landmark eatery is being relocated to just a few feet away, where Anthony’s 19th Hole (green roof) has vacated their building.
“(The Ox Roast) stand was in bad condition,” said Acting Director Troy Waffner. “That stand was to the point that to put money into it wouldn’t have made sense financially. So they’re moving to where Anthony’s was. We’ll do some sort of signage to direct people down there. Little Caesar’s didn’t come back, so we took down both those buildings and widened the street on both sides.”
The Grange Ox Roast stand is known for quality food at reasonable prices, served by a friendly volunteer staff. Proceeds support Grange programs.
The excitement and wonder of the New York State Fair midway is accentuated after dark. Preparations are underway to ready the neon magic for opening day. (Nick LoPresti photo)
Workers have made substantial progress toward completion of the new Exposition Center on the New York State Fairgrounds. This view of the new structure on July 14 seems to indicate that an all-out push to opening day is on. When Fair patrons get their first look, they may be surprised at the size of the sprawling new center.
The model circus exhibit is a perennial favorite, set up near scale model railroads in the Art and Home Center. It’s likely to be especially popular with folks who have been roaming New York State Fair midways for decades. Remember the Paratroop?
Western wear has been a popular vendor item for many years at the New York State Fair (remember Buck’n’Bum?). Tents bursting with boots, hats, wallets, buckles and apparel can be found in multiple locations around the grounds. It’s a real treat for the shop-’til-you-drop crowd.
Advance New York State Fair tickets are on sale, but before you stock up, search out any tickets you have left over from last year. They will be accepted at the gates every day this year. 
When unplanned $1 admission days were added during the 2017 Fair, many ticket holders wisely held onto their $6 ducats and were rewarded when the State validated them for this year.
It’s a great deal if you have a few tucked away–it’s like getting in free.
Don’t forget about all of the promotions that allow free or reduced-priced admission on various days this year. The complete list is on the Fair website, www.nysfair.ny.gov.
So do your inventory of 2017 tix, supplement with some 2018 advance sale and get ready to make it over to the Empire State’s greatest show.
The Wades Shows midway has an enormous variety of rides for all ages. This swing is among the tallest and most visible on the State Fair skyline.