View source for New York State Fair

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Short description|13-day showcase of agriculture and technology}}
{{Advert|article|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox recurring event
 |name = New York State Fair
 |logo          = Great New York State Fair Logo.png
 |image         = Nysfair2008.jpg
 |caption       = The fair in 2008
 | status       = Active
 | begins       = Second Wednesday before [[Labor Day]]
 | ends         = [[Labor Day]]
 | frequency    = Annual
 |location      = [[Empire Expo Center]]<br />581 State Fair Blvd<br />[[Syracuse, New York|Syracuse]], [[New York (state)|New York]]  13209<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.syracuse.com/statefair/2007/08/history_of_the_new_york_state.html |title=History of The New York State Fair 1841-2007 &#124; syracuse.com |website=Blog.syracuse.com |date=10 August 2007 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>
 |years_active  = {{age|1841|09|29}} 
 | first        = {{start date|1841|09|29}}
 | founder_name = [[New York State Agricultural Society]]
 | attendance    = 868,745 (2024)<ref name="att2023"/>
 |genre         = State Fair
 |website       = [https://nysfair.ny.gov/ New York State Fair]
}}

The '''New York State Fair''', also known as the '''Great New York State Fair''', is a 13-day showcase of agriculture, entertainment, education, and technology. With [[Midway (fair)|midway]] rides, concessionaires, exhibits, and concerts, it has become [[New York (state)|New York]]'s largest annual event and an end-of-summer tradition for hundreds of thousands of families from all corners of the state.  The first fair took place in [[Syracuse, New York|Syracuse]] in 1841, and took permanent residence there in 1890.<ref name=su>{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/encyclopedia/entries/new-york-state-fair.html |title=New York State Fair :: The Encyclopedia of New York State :: Syracuse University Press |website=Syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> It is the oldest and one of the largest [[state fair]]s in the United States, with over one million visitors annually.

The New York State Fair begins in August and runs for 13 days, ending on [[Labor Day]]. The Fair did not operate in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

It is held at the {{convert|375|acre|adj=on}} [[Empire Expo Center]] on the shores of [[Onondaga Lake]], in the town of [[Geddes, New York|Geddes]], near the western border of Syracuse. The [[New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets]] owns five of the buildings at the fair and employs its workers.<ref name="Mike McAndrew">{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/new_york_state_senate_votes_to.html|title=New York State Senate votes to disband Industrial Exhibit Authority|date=May 5, 2009|author= Mike McAndrew}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Nystate-fair 1900 vegetable.jpg|thumb|Vegetables on display at the 1900 New York State Fair]]
In February 1832, The [[New York State Agricultural Society]] was founded in [[Albany, New York|Albany]] by a group of farmers, legislators, and others to promote agricultural improvement and local fairs. The nation's first state fair was later held in Syracuse from September 29–30, 1841. Attendance was estimated at 10,000–15,000; features included speeches, animal exhibits, a plowing contest, and samples of manufactured farm and home goods. The second New York State Fair was held in Albany in 1842. Between 1842 and 1889, the fair traveled among 11 different cities: Albany, [[Auburn, New York|Auburn]], [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], [[Elmira, New York|Elmira]], [[New York City]], [[Poughkeepsie, New York|Poughkeepsie]], [[Rochester, New York|Rochester]], [[Saratoga Springs]], Syracuse, [[Utica, New York|Utica]], and [[Watertown (city), New York|Watertown]].<ref name=su/>

In September 1890, the Syracuse Land Company donated a {{convert|100|acre|km2|adj=on}} tract of land in [[Geddes, New York|Geddes]] to the Agricultural Society. Crossed by railways that facilitated exhibit transport, the [[Onondaga County, New York|Onondaga County]] location became the fair's permanent home. In the late 1890s, The Agricultural Society turned to [[Government of New York (state)|state government]] for relief from debt due to the construction of permanent buildings on the site. The state purchased the grounds in 1899, and assumed management of the fair the next year, creating an 11-member State Fair Commission appointed by the governor.<ref name=su/>

[[File:Nystatefair 1915 mfgs.jpg|thumb|left|View of the Manufacturers Building (now the Center of Progress Building) shortly after its completion]]
A $2-million long-term building plan was enacted in 1908, which would last for two decades. During this time, the Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building, now the Center of Progress Building, was constructed. It was joined by the Dairy Products Building and Grange Building (now the Science & Industry Building) in 1910.<ref name=su/> During the [[Great War]], the fairgrounds was utilized for military training beginning in May 1917, being designated '''Camp Syracuse'''; it trained about 40,000 Soldiers, and was impacted by the [[Spanish flu]] in 1918, and closed as a military base in November 1918.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/1528515/central-new-york-mobilized-troops-at-nys-fairgrounds-in-wwi/ |title=Central New York mobilized troops at NYS Fairgrounds in WWI |last=Goldenberg |first=Richard |date=22 May 2018 |website=Guard News |publisher=United States National Guard |access-date=13 March 2019 }}<br />{{cite web |url=https://nyheritage.org/collections/camp-syracuse |title=Camp Syracuse |author=Solvay-Geddes Historical Society |date=2017 |publisher=New York Heritage |access-date=13 March 2019 }}</ref> The Coliseum was opened in 1923, initially serving as host to the World's Dairy Congress. To address a growing and nostalgic public interest in local history, the Iroquois village exhibit and an agricultural museum were opened in 1928.<ref name=su/>

The fair was re-branded as the '''New York State Agricultural and Industrial Exposition''' in 1938, reflecting closer ties to industry, and included an extended 14-day schedule featuring popular entertainment acts.<ref name=su/>

The fairgrounds were used as a military base during [[World War II]] between 1942 and 1947; during this period, no fair was held. A truncated fair returned in 1948, followed the next year by a six-day, full-scale exposition, with large crowds. By the end of the 1950s, the fair had expanded to nine days and achieved an attendance of over 500,000. [[Strates Shows|The James E. Strates Midway]] was added during this time, with nationally known entertainers to attract families and teenagers.  In 1967, the 1925 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ was permanently installed in the Empire Theatre of the Art & Home Center where it has entertained audiences for over 50 years of music history at the fairgrounds.<ref name=su/>

[[File:Nystatefair main-entrance.jpg|thumb|Postcard showing the New York State Exposition's main entrance in the 1940s.]]
Between 1962 and 1966, the fair was officially known as '''New York State Exposition''' before being named the '''New York State Fair''' in 1967.<ref name=su/>

The fair expanded to 10 days in 1978, and the buildings at the fairgrounds began to be rented during the off-season. The fair expanded to 12 days in 1990. During the 1980s and 1990s, fair officials responded to criticism of slim minority presence by adding gospel festivals and a Pan-African village display. Sign language interpreters were also added, and the grounds were made accessible to people with disabilities.<ref name=su/>

On September 7, 1998, the fair closed one day early for the first time, due to the [[New York State Labor Day Derechos#Syracuse Labor Day derecho|Syracuse Labor Day derecho]]. Two of the storm's three deaths occurred on the fairgrounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnycentral.com/weather/story.aspx?id%3D183574 |title=Labor Day Storm, ten years later : Weather : CNYcentral.com |access-date=2012-04-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517054824/http://www.cnycentral.com/weather/story.aspx?id=183574 |archive-date=2012-05-17 }}</ref>

In 2006, the [[Industrial Exhibit Authority]], a [[New York state public-benefit corporations|New York state public-benefit corporation]] that owned 5 of the buildings at the New York State Fair and employed its workers, was disbanded by the New York State Senate and its workers and buildings were transferred to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.<ref name="Mike McAndrew"/>

In 2008, fair administration began to focus more on agriculture, with exhibits showcasing products made in New York State, such as the Pride of New York Marketplace and a permanent maple exhibit.<ref name=2009-20>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-20.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220174149/http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-20.pdf|title=Fair unveils exhibits that promote New York|archive-date=December 20, 2010|date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> The fair changed its Chevy Court format to include two different performers each day in 2009.<ref name="connectamarillo.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.connectamarillo.com/community/press_release.aspx?id%3D262393 |title=Popular stars headline new Chevy Court format : Press Release : Neighborhood : ConnectAmarillo.com |access-date=2012-04-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114063705/http://www.connectamarillo.com/community/press_release.aspx?id=262393 |archive-date=2013-01-14 }}</ref> The [[Syracuse Crunch]] hosted the first outdoor game in [[American Hockey League]] history on February 20, 2010 at the Fairgrounds and set a league attendance record with 21,508 fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theahl.com/record-crowd-on-historic-day-in-syracuse-p140857 |title=Record crowd on history day in Syracuse &#124; The American Hockey League |website=Theahl.com |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> A record of 206,000 fairgoers attend Chevy Court concerts during the 12 day run in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2010-70.pdf |title=New York State Fair & Pinckney Hugo Group win awards |access-date=2012-04-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727200559/http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2010-70.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-27 }}</ref>

A $50 million transformation of the Fairgrounds, the first major renovation the Fairgrounds had seen in over 100 years, was announced on January 21, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auburnpub.com/blogs/eye_on_ny/cuomo-includes-million-to-transform-new-york-state-fair-in/article_15bc5680-a22e-11e4-b8e3-5f7b968261e8.html |title=Cuomo includes $50 million to 'transform' New York State Fair in 2015–16 budget plan &#124; Eye on NY |website=Auburnpub.com |date=23 January 2015 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>

The Fair's previous 2001 attendance record was broken on September 5, 2016, with 1,117,630 Fairgoers visiting the Fair. The 2016 Fair also broke three attendance records and had four days over 100,000 – the most ever.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nysfair.ny.gov/governor-cuomo-announces-attendance-record-shattered-2016-great-new-york-state-fair/ |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Attendance Record Shattered at the 2016 Great New York State Fair - the Great NY State Fair &#124; Aug. 23 - Sept. 4, 2017 |access-date=2016-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512031124/https://nysfair.ny.gov/governor-cuomo-announces-attendance-record-shattered-2016-great-new-york-state-fair/ |archive-date=2017-05-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nysfair.ny.gov/about/press/attendance/|title=Daily Attendance|website=The Great New York State Fair!}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

In 2017 the Fair's duration was lengthened to 13 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/|title=FIND YOUR GREAT - The Great New York State Fair!|access-date=2023-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803022019/https://nysfair.ny.gov/ |archive-date=2017-08-03 }}</ref>

Chevy Court's most recent attendance record was set on a Sunday, September 2, 2018, with 40,000 people attending a performance by the A boogie Wit Da Hoodie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/statefair/index.ssf/2015/09/steve_miller_band_chevy_court_review.html |title=Steve Miller Band draws a Dome-sized crowd to Chevy Court Sunday night (review) |website=Syracuse.com |date=7 September 2015 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Herbert |first=Geoff |date=September 4, 2018 |title=A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie says Syracuse was 'lit,' despite fake tweet claims |work=[[The Post-Standard]] |url=https://www.syracuse.com/life-and-culture/erry-2018/09/be6e101d599238/a-boogie-wit-da-hoodie-says-sy.html |access-date=July 7, 2022}}</ref>

On July 6, 2020, it was announced that the fair would be cancelled for 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New York State Fair canceled for 2020: 'A really tough one,' Cuomo says |url=https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/07/new-york-state-fair-canceled-for-2020-cuomo-says.html |website=syracuse.com |date=6 July 2020 |access-date=23 July 2020}}</ref> The Fair resumed in 2021, lengthened to 18 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/|title=FIND YOUR GREAT - The Great New York State Fair!|access-date=2023-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805132037/https://nysfair.ny.gov/ |archive-date=2021-08-05 }}</ref> The following year it returned to its previous 13 day format.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/|title=You & The Fair: Together Again! - The Great New York State Fair|access-date=2023-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805210015/https://nysfair.ny.gov/ |archive-date=2022-08-05 }}</ref>

==Transformation==
Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] announced a transformation of the Fairgrounds in 2015 that included a sweeping redesign of the Fairgrounds that included taking out what was previously the 17,000 seat Grandstand and [[Syracuse Mile |mile-long dirt track]] which hosted the State Fair Championship auto race from 1949 to 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Elkins |first=Doug |title =Fairgrounds' track faces final memories of long racing history| date=12 March 2015 | url=http://www.syracuse.com/motorsports/index.ssf/2015/03/fairgrounds_track_faces_final_memories_of_long_racing_history.html |newspaper=[[The Post-Standard]] |accessdate=February 8, 2015}}</ref> This marked the first major transformation the Fairgrounds had seen in 100 years.<ref name="Archived copy">{{Cite web |url=http://nysfair.ny.gov/about/revitalization/ |title=Reimagining the Fair - the Great NY State Fair &#124; Aug. 23 - Sept. 4, 2017 |access-date=2016-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704215402/https://nysfair.ny.gov/about/revitalization/ |archive-date=2017-07-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The transformation included rebuilding the main gate, making it reminiscent of the 1840 carriage entrance. The brand-new Main Gate is ADA-compliant and technologically equipped for faster ticketing and admissions.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

The midway received a new layout that now included 15 acres. The Midway's new asphalt pad is the size of over 10 football fields with more room and a better layout for rides and attractions. Improvements include a Kiddieland area, phone charging stations, shaded rest areas, and underground electric/water/sewer for vendors.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

A new Empire RV Park was added, including 313 RV sited, fully equipped with sewer, electric, and water hookups. The new Empire RV Park is spacious, secure, and organized and makes the Fairgrounds accessible year-round for distant travelers. Features include a new grid layout, camera, blue light systems, and online reservations.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

The redesign also included preserving the Historic Quad which includes five of the oldest buildings around an open park setting. Commercial vendors were removed from the Quad to restore the park as a relaxing space to gather and rest, with more seating and better signage.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

A new curbed median was added along Hiawatha Street with trees, shrubs, and new lighting.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

A new entrance along Bridge Street, Gate 11A, ties in with the larger Onondaga Lake West Revitalization Project. Pedestrians can access Gate 11A via a new walkway and viewing platform leading past the Historic Quad to the Crossroads.<ref name="Archived copy"/>

In 2016, Governor Cuomo appointed a Task Force to determine how an additional $50 million for Phase Two of the Fairgrounds would be spent.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nysfair.ny.gov/governor-cuomo-launches-state-fair-task-force-recommend-improvements-state-fair-renovation-program/ |title=Governor Cuomo Launches State Fair Task Force to Recommend Improvements to the State Fair Renovation Program - the Great NY State Fair &#124; Aug. 23 - Sept. 4, 2017 |access-date=2016-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512031051/https://nysfair.ny.gov/governor-cuomo-launches-state-fair-task-force-recommend-improvements-state-fair-renovation-program/ |archive-date=2017-05-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Entertainment==
===Chevy Court===
[[Chevrolet|Chevy]] Court is an open-air concert theater.  In 2009, the fair changed its format to feature two different national performing artists every day, rather than having the same artist perform twice on the same date, in order to attract additional people to the fair with acts appealing to different audiences.<ref name="connectamarillo.com"/> Chevy Court performances attracted an estimated 150,000 people in 2009<ref name=2009-48>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-48.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220174146/http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-48.pdf|title=Chevy Court named best free concert series|archive-date=December 20, 2010|date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> and more than 170,000 in 2010 and over 200,000 in 2011.  The stage has hosted [[Lady Antebellum]], [[Bruno Mars]], [[REO Speedwagon]], and many others. The ''[[Syracuse New Times]]'', regional arts and entertainment publication, named Chevy Court the best free concert venue in Central New York in 2009, 2010, and 2012, and the best state fair attraction in 2011. In 2015, [[Syracuse.com]] suggested that Chevy Court be named the "Best Free Concert Series in America."<ref>{{cite web|author=Geoff Herbert  |url=http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/05/chevy_court_the_best_fair_concert_series_in_america.html |title=Chevy Court: The best free concert series in America? |website=Syracuse.com |date=28 May 2015 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> The Fair was also the recipient of the People's Choice Syracuse Area Music Award in 2016 for Best Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuseareamusic.com |title=The SAMMYS – Syracuse Area Music Awards |website=Syracuseareamusic.com |date=2016-03-04 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>

===Midway===
[[File:Nysfairmidway.jpg|thumb|Amusement rides on the Midway.]]
The Midway features several rides, funhouses, games, and concession stands. The 2014 Fair brought the first new midway to the Fair in over 70 years, provided by [[Wade Shows]]. This change brought new rides, concession stands, and games to the fair. Wade Shows offers promotions to Fairgoers such as dollar ride specials and a Mega Pass which can be used by one person for the entire fair's duration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/2014/03/dept-of-agriculture-markets-announces-wade-shows-selected-as-new-operator-of-midway-at-the-ny-state-fair/ |title=Dept. Of Agriculture & Markets announces Wade Shows selected as the new operator of the midway at the NY State Fair &#124; the Great New York State Fair &#124; "Summer's Best in Show" &#124; Aug. 21 - Sept. 1, 2014 |access-date=2014-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416205940/http://www.nysfair.org/2014/03/dept-of-agriculture-markets-announces-wade-shows-selected-as-new-operator-of-midway-at-the-ny-state-fair/ |archive-date=2014-04-16 }}</ref> In addition to the Midway is the Kiddie Midway which features rides and games for younger fairgoers. Approximately 100 rides are located in both the Midway and Kiddie Midway.

==Attractions==
===Agriculture===
{{Further|Agriculture in New York}}

Agriculture is a large component of New York State, and a big part of the fair as well. The fairgrounds host a variety of displays, events, competitions, and attractions that teach fairgoers the importance of agriculture.

In 2011, the fair had over 14,000 animals entered to be exhibited including horses, dairy cattle, rabbits, and dairy goats. In addition to animal entries, 2014 brought in over 10,000 agricultural entries including antique tractors, beverages, Christmas trees, flowers, forage, grain, and [[4-H]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nysfair.org/competitions |title=Competitions – The Great NY State Fair &#124; Aug. 24 – Sept. 4, 2017 |website=Nysfair.org |access-date=2016-09-11 |archive-date=2016-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211230153/http://nysfair.org/competitions/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The fair also aims to promote New York-grown products and foods. In 2008, the "Pride of New York Marketplace" occupied a permanent structure at the main entrance to the fairgrounds, selling various goods and foods produced in New York state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/122418/the-new-york-state-fair-s-first-day/ |title=TWC News – Capital Region – Albany, Saratoga, Troy, Glens Falls, North Country |website=Capitalregion.ynn.com |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>

In 2013, the fair brought a new attraction to allow Fairgoers to sample different products from vendors in all regions of the state in the "Taste NY" tent. Each day, up to a dozen different food and beverage vendors would offer samples of their products.

===Buildings and exhibits===
====Center of Progress Building====
The Center of Progress Building is one of the largest of the 110 buildings on the fairgrounds. The building is located just inside the fair's main gate, along the perimeter of Chevy Court. This building hosts up to 250 vendors and concessionaires and was previously the home of the fair's 180-ton sand sculpture until 2018 when the sand sculpture was moved to the new Exposition Center.

=====Sand sculpture=====
The new (2018) Exposition Center contains the 180-ton sand sculpture, which is constructed throughout the 13 days of the fair. In 2011, the fair received positive feedback as they paid respect to the victims of [[9/11]] with a sand sculpture recognizing the 10 years that had passed since the terrorist attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://viewsinfinitum.com/2011/08/29/view-192-new-york-state-fair-remembers-911/ |title=View 192: New York State Fair Remembers 9/11 |publisher=Views Infinitum |date=2011-08-29 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> Past sand sculpture themes have included [[The Beatles]], [[Syracuse University]], [[USS New York|USS ''New York'']], [[Dr. Seuss]], and [[The Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teamsandtastic.com/NYFair/ |title=New York State Fair Sand Sculpture |website=Teamsandtastic.com |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>

====Coliseum====
The [[State Fair Coliseum (Syracuse, New York)|State Fair Coliseum]] was built in 1923 and its first event was the World's Dairy Congress. Five thousand people came to see Dairy cattle 40 different countries.  In 1947–48 Syracuse University basketball team held their games there and in 1949–1952 the NBA Syracuse Nats called this home.  The 1949 game set all-time records for the most points, most fouls, most free throws, most missed free throws, most overtimes, and longest game; most records still hold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19491950.html |title=Lakers: First Champs of Newly Formed NBA |website=NBA.com |access-date=2016-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222160643/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19491950.html |archive-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the fair, the Coliseum is used mainly for the multi-breed horse shows which include breeds such as Pintos, Arabians, Miniature horses, Quarter horses, Morgan, and Appaloosas, hunter/jumpers as well as the draft breeds and the heavy and light horse pulls. This arena also accommodates the Holstein Dairy Cattle Show on dairy day, the 4-H agility dog show, and multiple other shows on Labor Day.

The Syracuse Stars hockey team played their games in the Coliseum and won the Calder Cup in the Inaugural Season of (what is now) the American Hockey League. The Midstate Stampede, a youth hockey team, also played in the Coliseum until the ice was removed around 2013. The Syracuse Hornets also played at the Coliseum, but due to financial troubles, the team folded after only 10 games.

====Horticulture Building====
This building is located in proximity to the fair's veterans' memorials and the 9-11 memorials. During the fair, it hosts many horticultural exhibits and concessionaires such as a baked potato booth, the New York Maple Center, and produce, flower, and apple exhibits.<ref name=everyday>{{cite web|url=http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2011/08/ny_state_fair_2011_every_day_e.html |title=NY State Fair 2011: Exhibits open every day &#124; syracuse.com |website=Blog.syracuse.com |date=2011-08-24 |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> A wide variety of additional events are held at the building throughout the year. It includes the fair's New York Café, which operates during the fair and selected events. Horticulture Building also hosts the Taste NY, where visitors can try some food and drink samples for free and buy their favorite products on the spot..<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/new-york/great-new-york-state-fair|title=The Great New York State Fair|publisher=rove.me}}</ref>

====Dairy Products Building====
Ten Dairy Products Buildering is family-oriented and contains attractions such as the butter sculpture, and a Milk Bar serving multiple varieties of milk.<ref name=everyday/> In 2012, 403,189 cups of milk were sold to fairgoers, breaking an all-time record at the New York State Fair. Other attractions include Dairy Princesses, entertainment on center stage, and samples of various dairy products.

=====Butter sculpture=====
Located in the center of the Dairy Products Building is the rotating butter sculpture, comprising {{convert|800|lb}} of unsalted butter. The sculpture has been a feature at the fair since 1969. Once the fair is over, the butter is converted to biofuel to fuel college buses by students of the [[State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry]] in Syracuse. The butter sculpture is sponsored by the [[American Dairy Association]] and Dairy Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/515195/2010-butter-sculpture-unveiled--dairyville-2020-/ |title=TWC News – Central NY – Syracuse, Ithaca, Utica, Cortland, Oswego, CNY |website=Centralny.ynn.com |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref>

====Dairy Cattle Barn====
During the twelve days of the fair, the Dairy Cattle Barn is used by dairy cattle exhibitors.  During the offseason, it is utilized as an exhibit building and hosts many trade shows for the public and for various industrial groups.

====Science & Industry Building====
This century-old structure serves as an anchor for Chevy Court. During the fair, the building hosts a variety of health and safety-related exhibitions.<ref name=everyday/>

====Art & Home Center====
The Art & Home Center is home to a recently renovated demonstration kitchen, which has been the host of several celebrity cooking demonstrations by such chefs as [[Adam Richman (actor)|Adam Richman]], [[Bobby Flay]], and [[Mario Batali]]. The Art & Home Center is the hub of all culinary, art, and craft exhibitions, with various New York artists displaying photography, woodworking, quilting, needlework, and the fine arts.<ref name=everyday/> Each year, the Art & Home Center hosts its annual Women's Day Luncheon. In 2009, the building celebrated its 75th anniversary by celebrating the life of suffragette [[Harriet May Mills]], whom the building is dedicated to.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-31.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220174112/http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2009-31.pdf|title=Fair's 75th Women's Day highlights sustainability|archive-date=December 20, 2010|date=December 20, 2010}}</ref>  The building also hosts a display of operating model trains and circus trains during each year's fair.  In 1966 the Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.empiretheatre.org| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010402111402/http://www.empiretheatre.org/| archive-date = 2001-04-02| title = Empire Theatre Company - Chicago, IL}} </ref> was established featuring an extensive collection of pianos, organs, phonographs, vintage motion picture projectors, and movie palace artifacts, many of which are on permanent display.

The Art & Home Center contains the Empire Theatre. In addition to being home to local theatrical productions meetings and seminars, the theatre is home to a 1925 Wurlitzer Co. 3 manual 11 rank theatre pipe organ, opus 1143, which was moved from the RKO Keiths Theatre in downtown Syracuse in 1966.

====International Building====
This building serves as a staple for food enthusiasts during the fair, where fairgoers can choose foods from select countries around the world. In 2010, the International Building was redesigned to feature more seating and a new New York Beer and Wine Pub.<ref>[http://www.nysfair.org/uploads/files/releases/2010-53.pdf]{{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> In 2015, the International Building added a new Vegan and Vegetarian vendor, which was the first of its kind at the State Fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://crueltyfreereviews.com/ny-state-fair-approves-first-ever-vegan-food-vendor/ |title=NY State Fair Chooses First-Ever Vegan Food Vendor |publisher=CrueltyFreeReviews |access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref>

====Youth Building====
An educational building for youth and families attending the fair. Upstairs serves as a dormitory for 4-H and [[National FFA Organization|FFA]] youth that are competing at the fair. There are 800 beds, lockers, full shower/bathroom facilities, and laundry. Downstairs has a variety of interactive sections for the youth to participate in, including a newsroom, demo kitchen, animal husbandry, crafts, and [[GPS]] mapping.

====State Park at the Fair====
Located within the fairgrounds is the {{convert|1|acre|adj=on|spell=in}}<ref name=RIoG_PS>{{cite book |title=2014 New York State Statistical Yearbook |url=http://www.rockinst.org/nys_statistics/2014/2014_Yearbook_Section_O.pdf |publisher=The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government |year=2014 |chapter=Section O: Environmental Conservation and Recreation, Table O-9 |page=674 |access-date=September 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916082616/http://www.rockinst.org/nys_statistics/2014/2014_Yearbook_Section_O.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "State Park at the Fair", billed as the smallest park operated by the [[New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation]].<ref name=NYSP_SPatF_PR>{{cite web |url=http://parks.ny.gov/newsroom/press-releases/release.aspx?r=685 |title=Commissioner Ash Invites Visitors to State Park at the Fair |publisher=NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation |date=August 21, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2016}}</ref> The park was first opened in 1974 during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the [[New York State Council of Parks]].<ref name=50years_p47>{{cite book |title=Fifty Years: New York State Parks, 1924–1974 |url=http://nysl.cloudapp.net/awweb/guest.jsp?smd=1&cl=all_lib&lb_document_id=104152 |page=47 |publisher=Natural Heritage Trust |date=1975 |author1=Natural Heritage Trust |author2=New York State Office of Parks and Recreation |author3=New York State Council of Parks & Recreation }}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The facility is located in front of the Horticulture Building and aims to recreate a park-like setting within the fair, including a reflecting pool and mini-golf course. Exhibits within the park demonstrate features and activities available at [[List of New York state parks|New York's state parks]] and [[List of New York State Historic Sites|historic sites]]; additional exhibits have included live [[birds of prey]] and boating safety demonstrations.<ref name=NYSP_SPatF_main>{{cite web |url=http://parks.ny.gov/parks/82/details.aspx |title=State Park at the Fair |publisher=NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation |access-date=September 18, 2016}}</ref>

==Attendance records==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Day !! Attendance<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nysfair.ny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NYSF-All-Time-Attendance-Figures-1906-2022.pdf|title=NYSF-All-Time-Attendance-Figures-1906-1011.pdf |access-date=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref name="att2023">{{cite web|url=https://nysfair.ny.gov/about/press/attendance/ |title=Daily Attendance - The Great New York State Fair |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>!! Year 
|-
! Day 1 (Wednesday) 
| 74,027 || 2019
|-
! Day 2 (Thursday) 
| 86,353 || 2018
|-
! Day 3 (Friday) 
| 98,238 || 2019
|-
! Day 4 (Saturday)
| 127,394 || 2018
|-
! Day 5 (Sunday)
| 123,206 || 2017
|-
! Day 6 (Monday)
| 103,842 || 2019
|-
! Day 7 (Tuesday)
| 102,098 || 1972
|-
! Day 8 (Wednesday)
| 112,774 || 1972
|-
! Day 9 (Thursday)
| 112,409 || 2018
|-
! Day 10 (Friday)
| 124,172 || 2019
|-
! Day 11 (Saturday)
| 147,749 || 2019*
|-
! Day 12 (Sunday)
| 119,726 || 1985
|-
! Day 13 (Labor Day)
| 125,748 || 2018
|-
! Total attendance
| 1,329,275 || 2019
|}

<nowiki>*</nowiki> All-time one-day record

==New York State Fairgrounds==
{{Main|Empire Expo Center}}
The {{convert|375|acre|km2|adj=on}} fairgrounds complex operates year-round and annually hosts more than 500 non-fair events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysfair.org/ |title=FIND YOUR GREAT – The Great NY State Fair &#124; Aug. 25 – Sept. 5, 2016 |website=Nysfair.org |access-date=2016-09-11}}</ref> These range from major entertainment and sporting events to a variety of equestrian competitions, consumer shows, community events, and meetings.

The Syracuse Nationals classic car show draws nearly 80,000 people to its weekend event at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds is a key player in New York's equine industry, hosting more than 40 horse events each year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/statefair/2015/06/nys_fair_6_horse_shows_will_bring_12_million_to_syracuse_area_r.html|title=NYS Fair: 30 horse shows to bring $12 million to Syracuse|date=June 12, 2015|website=syracuse}}</ref> In 2015, 65 trade and consumer shows brought nearly 400,000 people to the fairgrounds.  A total of 50 entertainment events ranging from major rock concerts to theater pipe organ concerts attracted 133,235 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nysfair.ny.gov/|title=Welcome to the Great New York State Fair|first=The Great New York State|last=Fair!|website=The Great New York State Fair!}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|New York State Fair}}
{{Portal|New York (state)}}
* [https://nysfair.ny.gov/ The Great New York State Fair]
* [http://www.agriculture.ny.gov New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets]
* [http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/PrideOfNY/pride_index.html Pride of New York]
* [http://www.taste.ny.gov/ Taste NY]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170730153622/http://newyorkstatefair2017.com/ New York State Fair 2017]

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{{New York state agencies}}
{{New York state public-benefit corporations}}
{{Super DIRTcar Series tracks}}
{{USAC tracks}}
{{USAC Silver Crown race venues}}
{{USAC Stock Car racetracks}}
{{World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series race venues}}

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[[Category:State fairs|New York]]
[[Category:Fairgrounds in the United States]]
[[Category:Festivals in New York (state)]]
[[Category:August]]
[[Category:September]]
[[Category:Culture of Syracuse, New York]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Onondaga County, New York]]
[[Category:Motorsport venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Festivals established in 1841]]
[[Category:Onondaga Lake]]
[[Category:1841 establishments in New York (state)]]