Every year it’s a massive job to put together the plan for staging the New York State Fair. Our 375-acre blank canvas is transformed into a masterpiece by late August to welcome over a million visitors for an event that may be similar to other states’ fairs, but is singularly ours.
The 2021 edition will also be different from any previous New York event for several reasons. It will be the first Fair we’ve had extend beyond 13 days, the new 18-day format beginning a year later than anticipated.
The reason for the delay–you know what that is–adds another layer of complications on top of all of the usual challenges faced by Waffner and Company. It sure seems that the most difficult obstacle to a smooth-running festival is that decisions have to be made several weeks prior to opening day despite the constantly moving target of what can go on as usual and what needs to be significantly modified.
A little straight talk is in order regarding health precautions that may limit or eliminate some Fair activities. To summarize the view from here, State Fair Hound humbly suggests a slogan for this year–“Come to the Fair. It you catch COVID, it’s your own damn fault.”
Really, by Aug. 20 there’s no reason everyone can’t be vaccinated, with the possible exception of the very rare few folks who have a medical reason to avoid it. So let’s not let those lunkheads who refuse to take a simple and safe precaution screw it up for those of who are behaving responsibly. Look around–everything is being normalized as infection rates fall. Recently schools have been approved to admit students with few or no restrictions, so it’s time to give the Fair the green light to go full speed. 
One change that seems set is the shift of major concerts from Chevrolet Court to the Chevrolet Music Festival Stage, formerly know as the Experience Stage. No big deal there–it’s been headed that way for a few years now, though there isn’t a logical reason why vaccinated fans can’t sit shoulder-to-shoulder wherever the show is staged. Not vaccinated? See the new slogan.
There’s been talk of moving toward a mostly outdoor event, keeping most buildings closed. Patrons who had their shots should have no worries going indoors to get a baked potato, gawk at the sand sculpture or line up for chocolate milk. Didn’t get yours? See the new slogan.
Attending indoor entertainment like the horse shows in the Coliseum, Agriculture Museum exhibits, youth projects, calf births, cooking demos, gardening shows or the ever-popular gadget vendors should likewise be no problem. You’re vaccinated, aren’t you? If not, see the new slogan.
You get the idea. Hey, if you want to wear a mask, go for it. But it’s time for those in control of government, business and entertainment venues to stop playing meddlesome mother to a population that has made its own decisions regarding what should be an obvious choice.
Let’s hope the powers in state government give our Fair planners approval for the show to go on as usual. Then, let’s all go to the Fair prepared to have a great time. The new slogan speaks for itself.
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