There are several good reasons to start your day early–say before 9 a.m.–when attending the New York State Fair, especially on weekends when crowds are often largest. The “beat the rush” strategy is the most popular, no doubt. 
Get into the parking lots, usually with a space closer to the gates, before a quick walk through security and onto the grounds. Good deal.
The major buildings don’t open until 10 a.m. and many of the other exhibits and attractions aren’t operating yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. For starters (pun intended), you can get a tasty breakfast at many locations on the grounds. The Iroquois Cookhouse and the Grange Ox Roast stand are two winners, but by no means the only spots serving. Even some of the sausage stands start by frying bacon and Bosco’s has freshly-fried doughnuts.
There’s much to see near the barns as the animals awake early and their handlers get a pre-dawn start on feeding, bathing, grooming and cleaning. 
This year, unfortunately, there will be five days when you’ll have to arrive by midafternoon to avoid the additional traffic and parking complications expected when fans start arriving to attend a concert at the amphitheater. So attending before Noon is the best plan.
It’s entertaining to see midway workers, concessionaires and animal exhibitors get an early start on a busy day. Popular spots such as the Iroquois Village and the reflecting pool are peaceful and more relaxing than at prime time. If you’re already on the grounds at 10 a.m., you can get a head start on entering the buildings and having a memorable day at the New York State Fair, so make it an early day.
Leave a Reply