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.
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