State fair runs until Sept. 6

NEW YORK--After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse is open again until Sept. 6. Sponsored by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the current admission price of $3 for most guests has been specifically priced to be the most affordable major fair in the nation.
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder and if this long sabbatical has proven one thing, it's that there is still life in the Fair," said State Fair Director Troy Waffner. "We've been working hard under unprecedented circumstances for two years to bring world-class programming to central New York."
Just as in years past, the Fair has been designed to have something that will appeal to everyone with rides, music, food and produce vendors, livestock competitions and more.
"This year, the Fair has worked hard to make sure that the next 18 days include everything that our fairgoers know and remember--from great food to agricultural exhibits to fantastic music," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
Free to anyone who pays the $3 entrance fee, this year's fair will boast the largest free music festival and include more than 50 acts.
Beyond the musical acts, unique performers will be spread around the grounds to offer shows ranging from a high dive, circus, petting zoo, juggling, one-man bands and more.
Food connoisseurs will have the usual bevy of fried foods awaiting them but there will also be vegetarian and vegan meals.
Despite the optimism surrounding the return of the fair, the ever-present reality of COVID-19 will still remain. As such organizers are offering rapid COVID-19 tests and single-shot vaccinations free of charge to any fairgoer who desires one. Other restrictions include that all persons over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, who enter an indoor building located on the New York State Fairgrounds, must wear a facial covering unless excepted due to medical or religious reasons.
Other noticeable changes include the elimination of cash sales at the gates and in parking lots to reduce close contact and social distancing where applicable.
There will also be a reduction in animals on display this year.
Aside from the COVID protocols new to the fair this year will be a memorial honoring fallen highway workers across New York. The memorial, which is located near the midway entrance and west of the horticulture building on the fairgrounds, has been designed to pay tribute to all transportation workers killed while performing their job duties on New York State highways.
Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair has been recognized as America's third-largest state fair. Bringing in roughly $120 million in investments and 1.33 million visitors to the Fair in 2019, state and local officials are hoping for a nice rebound for 2021.
For more information about tickets and events visit https://nysfair.ny.gov.