The New York State Fair is one big WOW!
With the best harvest of the region, the food choices were undoubtedly abundant. Consider the local fare from passed-down-from-generations recipes, and even burgers, pizzas, sausages, fries, onion rings, fried Oreos, milky buns, and for the most adventurous — fried gator on a stick.
There are state fairs, and there are state fairs. But there’s nothing like the New York State Fair! Allow us to tell you why.
For starters, it is the oldest in the United States. It all began in 1841, when the New York State Agricultural Society wished to promote agribusiness in the region. And agriculture, the heart of it all, has remained the main reason the New York State Fair is commemorated.
One of the largest in the country, it is hosted at the New York State Fairgrounds in the periphery of the city of Syracuse. It boasts of spaces, which range from 2,000 square feet all the way to 110,000 square feet — and we definitely felt its enormity, as we had to take shuttles from point to point!
Welcome signage.
Keepers of heritage.
The fair welcomes over a million visitors per year. What makes this even more amazing? The event only runs for 13 days — traditionally to end on Labor Day.
Today, the fete is a showcase of the very best of the Empire State and its neighboring states in terms of crops and produce, animal husbandry and everything in between — all thanks to the farmers and breeders of the modern age.
Speaking of — there were huge horses and horses with stellar pedigrees, needing over 1,800 bales of hay to feed the entire stable during the 13-day run. Goats and sheep have their separate pavilions, where you could even cuddle with them. The cattle were likewise a marvel to behold, as there are over 13,000 cattle farms in the state — the best of the best clearly gathered here!
We had the opportunity to drop by the New York State Milk Bar, where we savored the thick white, chocolate, and even strawberry milk.
Another interesting spot was the Taste NY Pop-Up Market, which featured over 300 products from local vendors — there were local cheeses, sauces of all kinds, gummies, and even more to sample and purchase.
Sweet treats.
