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The Great NY State Fair: 5 Things You Won't Want to Miss

posted by Discover Upstate NY at 2019-08-13 21:07:00

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The New York State Fair first started in 1841 in Syracuse, New York and has now grown into a 13-day celebration. It is now one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the country!

Did you know over a million people go to the New York State Fair every year? There are plenty of reasons why! Here are 5 special reasons not to miss it.

1. The New York State Fair Has the Best Food

Fairs are known for their food, but the New York State Fair takes it to the next level with almost any kind of food you can think of available.

When walking the Midway there will be all sorts of vendors offering a variety of foods such as the famous State Fair sausage sandwich, burgers on a donut bun, and anything you can think of dipped in batter and deep-fried. That is just the tip of the iceberg!

If you are interested in seeing and tasting some of the selections that are grown locally, head to the Horticulture Building where there are samples of food and drink to taste. If you like what you try then you can also buy the products from the people who grew it. You can also learn a thing or two by checking out one of the cooking demos held daily by culinary experts.

In the Dairy Products Building be sure to sample some of the cheese and yogurt that was made from locally sourced dairy cows, or have a glass of cold milk. You will definitely want to get a milkshake too!

To get a taste of some flavors from all over the world, visit The Eatery at the great New York State Fair and celebrate the diversity of people that have migrated to the United States. In the newly renovated restaurant, you can sample flavors from Central and South America, Europe and Asia and go on a culinary world tour.

2. The Entertainment and Rides on the Midway

With more than 50 different rides to choose from on the Midway, you will have plenty to keep you interested. There are classics such as the Ferris wheel and carousel to newer unique thrill-seeking rides. With attention to detail and safety being the first priority you can relax and have fun with your family without concern.

For families who have smaller children, you can enjoy the Kiddieland Midway section with age-appropriate rides and escape the hustle and bustle of the bigger attractions.

If you'd like to try your hand at one of the many carnival games or take a pass through a funhouse, you will also find these located throughout the Midway.

3. Fun and Interesting Exhibitions

Talented local artists will have their work on display in Wegmans Art and Home Center where you can walk through and admire their work. There will be anything from photographs and paintings to needlework and quilts. These artists enter their work into competitions and compete for ribbons and prize money, so be sure to stop by and appreciate all of their hard work.

The Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum has been located at the fair and operational since 1928. The Agricultural Museum highlights the history of agriculture in New York and offers visitors a walk through a log cabin that is fully furnished the way it would have been when it was new. Visitors can also watch demonstrations from local craftspeople who will let you experience what life would be like on a farm in the late 18th century.

If you are interested in antique farm equipment the New York State Fair has a great exhibit of antique tractors, most dating from before 1960. Some have been restored and look better than new.

One of the most popular exhibits at the New York State Fair is the historic trains on display behind the Horticulture Building. Visitors can walk take a seat on a restored 1920s passenger car or a 1916 restored wooden New York Central caboose. The train cars have been restored back to their original colors and glamour so you will feel like you have taken a step back in time riding the rails.

For a cultural experience, you can learn about the heritage of the Iroquois Indian Village and take in their traditional clothing, music, and dances in a specially designated area for the Six Nations since 1928.

4. Great Music

The New York State Fair concerts are held daily at the Chevy Court, with two shows a day. The lineup has something for everyone with a mixture of musical talents from oldies, to country, to pop music.

There is also a music festival held on the Experience Stage that features some national touring bands and local bands from across New York.

The concerts are free for all fair visitors so be sure to check out the lineup and don't miss the show!

5. Contests and Competitions

There is a variety of different contests and competitions to enter at the New York State Fair, and one of the most popular is the talent show. Winners of their county fair talent show will gather for the ultimate competition at the state fair and participate in an "American Idol" style show daily. As the days progress the competition will peak at the finals at the end of the week where the excitement will be palpable.

Also, there will be a food truck competition where there will be over 20 different trucks to sample from for a small fee. Don't forget to enter your vote for the People's Choice winner of the competition by texting your vote with the name of your favorite truck.

In the Sports Activity Center, there will be a variety of tournaments and sports clinics, such as basketball, gymnastics, and wrestling. There are also some more unique competitions for Arm Wrestling and Pickle Ball. Make sure to check the schedule so you can see these athletes compete.