Yes! Lifetime Admission Passes being offered!

Posted on May 11, 2018 by karen

This is fabulous news!  I’ve got my alarm set 🙂

The NYS Fair announced that it will sell lifetime admission passes for the first time ever starting next week. Two hundred passes, good for admission to the fair every day for the rest of your life, will be available Monday, May 14, at 6 a.m. for $200 each.

The limited number of Lifetime Passes will be available online only at etix.com.

The Lifetime Passes are metal, coin-shaped medallions good for admission for the pass owner on any day of the fair. The owner’s name will be engraved on the pass, so only the owner can use it; valid photo ID will also be required at the gate to enter the fair.

Daily admission tickets are typically $10 for most days of the NYS Fair. This year’s fair will include $1 admission on Opening Day (Wednesday, Aug. 22) and Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 3), plus $3 Thursdays on Aug. 23 and Aug. 30; children ages 12 and under are admitted free very day.

The Fair says people who purchase a Lifetime Pass will receive a print-at-home voucher and must bring the voucher to the NYS Fair Administration Building beginning Aug. 1 to pick up their pass. Lifetime Passes will not be mailed and must be picked up during NYS Fair business hours.

Lifetime Passes cannot be given to other people, including family members, for use. Lost passes will not be replaced, according to the press release.

The 2018 New York State Fair runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3.

Pass can be in the name of one person only.

Valid photo id of the individuals name on the pass must be presented when entering during the Fair.

Pass cannot be used by anyone other than the name on the pass.

Valid photo id of the purchaser along with the print at home voucher for proof of purchase must be provided when picking up the pass.

Passes will be available at the administration building starting 8/1/18.

 

Sources include Syracuse.com, NYS Fair website

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2018 NYS Fair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Yes! Lifetime Admission Passes being offered!

Counting Crows + Chevy Court = Free Awesome Concert!

Posted on April 14, 2018 by karen

Counting Crows will make their debut performance on the Chevy Court stage at the Great New York State Fair at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 25, Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner announced today. The band announced its “25 Years And Counting” summer tour today. Chevy Court is the only Upstate stop on that tour. Tour partners +LIVE+ will perform at 2 p.m. that day on Chevy Court. Free concerts at Chevy Court, which drew more than a quarter million people in 2017, complement Central New York Rising, the region’s comprehensive strategy, which includes a focus on boosting tourism to grow the economy.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring Counting Crows and Live to Chevy Court. I believe this will be one of the biggest shows of our concert season, which is already shaping up to be one of the very best and most diverse in our long history,” Waffner said.

These concerts join the Fair’s diverse lineup of free national touring performances, including:

  • Blondie, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 22
  • Hunter Hayes, at 8 p.m. Sunday, August 26
  • Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, at 2 p.m. Monday, August 27
  • Smokey Robinson, at 8 p.m. Monday, August 27
  • Lil Yachty, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 29
  • Maren Morris, at 1 p.m. Monday, September 3
  • Niall Horan, at 6 p.m. Monday, September 3

The Chevy Court stage is the home of up to 26 national touring acts each year. A diverse 2017 lineup, including performers and groups such as Migos, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Earth Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys and Three Doors Down, drew 264,600 fairgoers.  Chevy Court won two Syracuse Area Music Awards in 2017 as People’s Choice for Favorite Venue for Live Music and Favorite Festival or Music Series.  The Fair was nominated for Fair of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers association, the trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals.  Free concerts at Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet.

 

courtesy nysfair.ny.gov

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2018 Chevy Court, 2018 NYS Fair | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Counting Crows + Chevy Court = Free Awesome Concert!

NYS Fair News: Construction of New Expo Center Has Begun! It will be ready for the 2018 NYS Fair 8/22-9/3

Posted on January 27, 2018 by karen

The Great New York State Fair today announced that a design-build contract has been awarded for construction of the 136,000-square-foot Expo Center at the Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes, Onondaga County. Work began this week on the project, which is part of Phase II of Governor Cuomo’s plan to revitalize the nation’s oldest state fair and fairgrounds and is part of the overall “Central New York Rising” strategy to grow the region’s economy.

The contract was awarded to HBP Joint Venture. The company is a partnership between Hueber Breuer Construction Company of Syracuse and The Pike Company, headquartered in Rochester, with QPK Design of Syracuse providing the architectural design. The contract was awarded following a Request for Proposals selection process. State Office of General Services (OGS) will manage the project, which will be completed in time for use during the 2018 New York State Fair.

New York State Commissioner of Agriculture Richard A. Ball said, “We have seen the Governor’s vision of a revitalized Fair and Fairgrounds take shape over the past few years and now, with the Expo Center on the way, we will see the full effects of the investment.  This blending of new facilities with the Fairgrounds’ historic structures will prove to be an industry leader and a tool for growth in the region.”

State Fair Acting Director Troy Waffner said, “The new Expo Center will give us all the tools for a major year-round events business. As soon as the building was announced, we began to get interest from potential users.  We will capitalize on that interest and deliver the promised benefits to Central New York.”

The Expo Center will be the largest events facility north of New York City and between Boston and Cleveland. It will feature 110,000 square feet of modern, flexible programming space with 4,000 retractable seats and a clear span of 250 feet. It can hold up to 500 10’ by 10’ booths. The remaining space will include rooms for event workspace, meetings and conferences, restrooms that will be available all year, a concession stand and catering space, and an outside balcony.

This Center will be located in the heart of the 375-acre Fairgrounds, on space created during the first phase of the Governor’s transformation plan for the Fair. Renovations that began in 2015 made way for a full-service RV park, convenient space for the midway, open areas for Fair programming, and the space now being used for the Expo Center. The other Phase II project, managed by the state Department of Transportation, is underway to pave the Fair’s largest parking lot to create more spaces while improving traffic flow and access to the adjacent interstate highway. The New York State Fair is the nation’s first and oldest state fair, and had not had a significant investment from the state in at least 80 years.

Those changes, along with an attractive new Main Gate, permanent RV park and other improvements, helped the Fair grow attendance more than 25% in two years to become the nation’s third largest state fair. Similarly, the investment in the new Expo Center is aimed at increasing the number of events hosted year-round on the Fairgrounds as well as increasing visitors to those events. Estimated attendance at approximately 110 non-Fair events in 2017 is on schedule to rise well above the level seen in 2016. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets recently announced a Request for Proposals from private companies interested in marketing the Expo Center and assisting in the marketing of other Fairgrounds buildings for non-Fair events.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, “Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s commitment and investment in the NYS Fair, we are seeing real economic benefit to our region. The new Expo Center will provide an even bigger boost to our economy here in Central New York.”

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena, President, SUNY Upstate Medical University and Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO said, “The new Expo Center will serve to maximize the economic benefits of the fairgrounds. The Governor’s vision for revitalizing the complex through the CNY Rising plan supports the economic resurgence that is happening here. This multi-use center will no doubt serve as an economic generator for the region for years to come”

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “We at OGS are proud of the role our agency is playing in the transformation of the Great New York State Fair.  Governor Cuomo’s vision to re-invent the fair experience through new buildings, exhibits and grounds work will endure for generations.   Today’s announcement means we are one step closer to building this amazing Expo Center, and will expand this grand event space with a facility capable of hosting events and drawing people to the fairgrounds year-round.”

The contract with HBP Joint Venture is valued at $62,643,167, with $50 million included in the fiscal year 2017-18 State Budget and the balance coming from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The 2017 – 18 State Budget granted design-build authority to OGS to ensure the timely completion of the Expo Center prior to the 2018 State Fair. The State will use a Project Labor Agreement for construction.  The PLA will protect taxpayers by delivering the best quality work at the lowest possible price, and is open to all contractors.

(courtesy of the NYS Fair website)

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on NYS Fair News: Construction of New Expo Center Has Begun! It will be ready for the 2018 NYS Fair 8/22-9/3

Four ‘Special $1 Admission Fair Days’ added; All Unused 2017 Pre-Sale Tix will be honored in 2018

Posted on August 30, 2017 by karen

When I first heard that the Governor was adding several “$1 Admission” incentive days to the Fair this year, I was both happy and annoyed.  We had purchased pre-sale tickets long before the Fair opened and now, lo and behold, you can get in for $1.  Thankfully the Fair did the right thing.  NYS Fair spokesman Dave Bullard announced today that anyone who has unused Pre-Sale 2017 tickets – whether you paid $6 or $3 – can use them for entry into the 2018 Fair.  Thank you!

Admission Will Cost Just $1 For Select Fairgoers Through End of the Fair Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced four additional Special Fair Days at The Great New York State Fair to celebrate the success of the first half of the 2017 Fair. On Sunday, the Fair set an all-time single-day attendance record of 123,206 and Monday set a record for the highest attendance on that date, at 88,943. Starting Wednesday, August 30, and running through the end of the Fair on Labor Day, admission during Special Fair Days will cost $1 for select guests. These new promotions will provide more visitors an opportunity to enjoy the newly renovated Fairgrounds, helping to drive tourism, which complements the region’s economic growth strategy “Central New York Rising.”

“Our continued investment has transformed the Great New York State Fair into a world-class entertainment destination, and it continues to get better,” Governor Cuomo said. “This year, the Fair is off to a record-setting pace and these promotional days will keep that momentum going – bringing more visitors to Central New York and helping the region continue to rise.”

The additional Special Fair Days include:

College Day is Every Day

In recognition of New York State’s world-class colleges and universities, the Fair will offer college students $1 admission with a valid school identification beginning Wednesday and running through Labor Day.

You Set the Record Days

In celebration of breaking the all-time-record for daily attendance last Sunday, the Fair will offer $1 admission to all fairgoers on Wednesday and Thursday as a thank you to its loyal visitors.

Speedway at the Fair

Also from Wednesday through Labor Day, visitors can present a ticket stub from the Oswego Speedway or Watkins Glen International Speedway and receive $1 entry to the Fair.

SU and NY Sports Day

On Friday, guests can show their team spirit. Visitors who wear a hat, t-shirt or jersey of their favorite, school, college or professional sports team will receive $1 admission, in honor of the home opening game of the Syracuse University football season.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, “The Governor’s investments have made the Fair bigger and better than ever and record numbers of people are coming! These special days are a way to say “Thank You” to New Yorkers. The Fairgrounds are becoming the economic engine we knew they could be and all of CNY is benefitting. There are still 6 days left to go and we hope everyone will come see how great the 2017 Fair is.”

Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said, “We’re excited to offer these new promotional days at the Fair that celebrate the State’s great tourism attractions, sports teams and higher educational institutions. The Fair represents the entire State of New York and we’re proud to offer these special deals to fairgoers. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the $1 admission that will provide a day’s worth of great entertainment and fun.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Governor Cuomo’s plan to revitalize the fairgrounds has brought new energy here and the response has been overwhelming. We are proud to show off the new attractions, exhibits and facilities, and these Special Days are a great way to give more people the opportunity to come experience all the exciting upgrades for themselves.”

The $50 million phase one of Governor Cuomo’s State Fair revitalization plan resulted in an expanded and more profitable Midway, including a new signature skyride, the Broadway Skyliner, an eye-catching new Main Gate, a new home for the popular and renovated New York State Police exhibit, and the rebuilding of the Turtle Mound in the Indian Village. A $70 million second phase will begin after the Fair, resulting in a 133,000-square foot flexible Exposition Center and major reconstruction of the Fair’s largest parking lot.

The renovations debuted at the 2016 Fair to wide acclaim, resulting in record attendance of 1.12 million people and strong positive ratings from Fairgoers for the openness, cleanliness and programming of the renovated Fairgrounds.

Accelerating Central NY Rising

Today’s announcement complements “Central NY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested nearly $3 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Syracuse, Oswego and Auburn as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs.

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair | Comments Off on Four ‘Special $1 Admission Fair Days’ added; All Unused 2017 Pre-Sale Tix will be honored in 2018

Friendly Sensory Safety Kits – NYS Fair partnering with Life is Washable, Inc.

Posted on August 22, 2017 by karen

Awesome idea!  Long overdue.

Image may contain: text
The Great New York State Fair

3 hrs

Individuals with sensory disabilities (Autism, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury) will now be able to enjoy events at the New York State Fair in Syracuse thanks to a partnership with Life Is Washable, Inc.

Loud noises and bright lights can make it difficult or confusing for an individual with developmental disabilities or dementia to enjoy an event. Friendly access kits are designed to support individuals of all ages, with a variety of sensory needs, and their families to enjoy all there is to see and do at this year’s fair!

The kits can be found in the Welcome Center right by gate 1!

 

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Friendly Sensory Safety Kits – NYS Fair partnering with Life is Washable, Inc.

Only Hours Left until the Gates Open! Discount Coupons Here!

Posted on August 22, 2017 by karen

Save money every day with these coupons courtesy of the NYS Fair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair, Coupons | Comments Off on Only Hours Left until the Gates Open! Discount Coupons Here!

THE GREAT NYS FAIR ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS IN 2017 TASTE NY FOOD TRUCK COMPETITION

Posted on August 18, 2017 by karen
THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS IN 2017 TASTE NY FOOD TRUCK COMPETITION
40 Food Trucks From Across the State Using New York State Ingredients to Compete Over Two Days
NY Beef Council Award Recognizes Best Use of NY Beef Products
How about a slice of German pizza with a side of taco fries? Maybe a bacon jalapeno macaroni and cheese fritter? Or how about a root beer float or blueberry sorbetto for dessert? These and many other creative offerings will be the stars of the expanded 2017 Taste NY Food Truck Competition. Forty food trucks from across the state—20 per day—will ring Chevy Court from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, cooking entrees using products made or grown in New York State.
Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said, “We’ve expanded the competition into a two-day event so many more fairgoers can experience the diversity of food grown and produced in New York State. There’s a food truck for everyone, whether you’re a meatball lover or have a sweet tooth for ice cream.”
The following participants will compete on September 2:
  • Midnight Smokin BBQ of Rochester- Smoked Chicken Wings
  • Wolf’s Patio Pizza of Liverpool- German Pizza
  • Cruisin Cones of Camillus- Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich
  • Lady Bug Lunch Box of Syracuse- Spicy Popeye Grilled Cheese
  • Via Napoli Express of Liverpool- Esposito Pizza
  • The Good Truck of Ithaca- Pork Taco
  • Hofmann Sausage of Syracuse- Beer Bratwurst
  • Tonzi’s Catering Company of Auburn- Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese Fritter
  • Hill Top BBQ of Johnson City- Pulled Pork Slider
  • Café 119 of Syracuse- Lemon Zinger
  • Stewart’s Root Beer Mobile Restaurant of Sidney- Stewart’s Root Beer Float
  • The Bite Box of Syracuse- Sweet Chili Chicken Slider
  • Cheesed and Confused of Geneseo- Pork & Mac Grilled Cheese Slider
  • Limp Lizard of Syracuse- Pulled Turkey Slider
  • Crunch Roll Factory of Buffalo- Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll
  • Pascarella’s of Syracuse- Panzerotti
  • The Silo Truck of Ithaca- New York State Silo (Not So Hott) Fried Chicken
  • Let’s Roll Gourmet of Oswego- NY Apple Cheesecake Eggroll
  • The Louisiana Cookery of Buffalo- Shrimp and Grits
  • Chef’s Catering of Rochester- BBQ Pulled Pork Fries
The following participants will compete on September 3:
  • Mo’s Pit BBQ of Syracuse- Corn on the Cob
  • Shattuck’s Paddy Wagon of Liverpool- Falafel Tots
  • Toss ‘n’ Fire Wood Fired Pizza of Brewerton- Cuse Salt Potato Pizza
  • Bob’s Barker of Cicero- Bacon Cheese Hot Dog
  • The Chicken Bandit of Cicero- Korean BBQ Chicken Taco
  • Ponchito’s Taqueria of Syracuse- Smothered Nachos
  • Rob’s Kabobs of Rochester- Sweet Hot BBQ Chicken Kabob
  • Global Taco of Watkins Glen- Korean Taco
  • Come Fry With Me of Rome- Taco Fries
  • Sarita’s of Rome- Tomato Basil Fresh Mozzarella Empanada
  • Smoothies Plus of Rochester- Mango and Pineapple Smoothie
  • Cue-Dogs of Syracuse- Cheese Fries
  • The Cremeria of Syracuse- Blueberry Sorbetto
  • The Meatball Truck of Rochester- Meatball in a Cup
  • PB & J’s Lunchbox of Syracuse- Spinach and Artichoke Dip Grilled Cheese
  • That’s What’s Up of Syracuse- Smashed Potatoes
  • Gabriella’s Farm to Fork of Dryden- Fried Chicken Cobb Salad
  • Macarollin of Rochester- Surf & Turf Macaroni and Cheese
  • Salt City Truck of Syracuse- Pork Taco
  • Birdsong Café of Syracuse- Lavender Lemonade with Kiwi Bubbles
Fairgoers can purchase $3 samples of the entrees and vote for their favorites. These votes will be tallied for the People’s Choice award, chosen each day. A panel of food industry experts will sample entrées to declare a Judges’ Choice winner each day. In addition, new this year, the New York Beef Council will recognize one of the 40 competing trucks for “Best Use of Beef Products.”
The judges for the competition are:
  • Andrew Donovan of NewsChannel 9
  • Thomas Kiernan, executive chef for the Marriott Syracuse Downtown
  • Chance Bear, executive chef for the Lincklaen House
  • Margaret McCormick, food writer for the Syracuse New Times
  • Representatives from the New York Beef Council and Aldi
The competition is sponsored by Taste NY and Aldi.
Last year, 17 food trucks competed in the competition. Over 2,500 fairgoers voted for the People’s Choice award. The Meatball Truck’s Meatball Cup won the People’s Choice award and The Silo Truck’s Telekinetic Fried Chicken won the Judges’ Choice award.
Sara Caldwell, owner of Global Taco of Watkins Glen said, “We see the Fair as a great opportunity not only to serve thousands of people we might not normally meet, but also to check out what other food trucks in the region are cooking. We’ll be serving the Korean Taco this year, with shredded beef from Van Galder Farm in Alpine and Wixsom Farm in Mecklenburg, lettuce, cilantro, and green onion from Plowbreak Farm in Burdett, kimchi from FLX Wienery, and our own sweet chili sauce.”
Nick Sanford, owner of Toss ‘n’ Fire of Brewerton, said, “Toss ‘n’ Fire is thrilled to return to the food truck competition for our third year. We will be featuring our ‘Cuse Salt Potato Pizza with smashed Hinerwadel salt potatoes, mozzarella, cheddar and applewood smoked bacon. Our pizzas bake in just 90 seconds inside a 1000 degree imported wood-fired oven.”
Peter Causyn, president of Macarollin of Rochester, said, “Macarollin is proud to participate in the long-standing tradition of the Fair. We hope to meet as many people as possible during this year’s competition.”
Michael Tonzi, owner of Tonzi’s Catering Company of Auburn, said, “My wife and I have gone to the Food Truck Competition since it started and have always enjoyed it. We operate our catering business part-time and figured we’d give it a try this year. It’s exciting to be part of the Fair and we look forward to the competition.”
Ron Colangelo, owner of Come Fry With Me of Rome, said, “This is our second year at the competition. The Fair is attractive to us because it’s a day to spend with family and other people you care about, and it’s the last big ‘hoorah’ of the summer. We don’t normally do a lot in the Syracuse market, so it’s a great opportunity for us. Last year was our first time competing so we didn’t know what to expect, but we had a great turnout and are looking forward to another successful year.”
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 23 to September 4, 2017. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “FIND YOUR GREAT,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.
twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair | Tagged | Comments Off on THE GREAT NYS FAIR ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS IN 2017 TASTE NY FOOD TRUCK COMPETITION

Troy Waffner to continue to direct 2017 New York State Fair – and I couldn’t be happier!

Posted on August 4, 2017 by karen

It was recently announced that Troy Waffner will continue as the acting NYS Fair Director for 2017.  As stated in the title, I couldn’t be happier. I met Troy last summer when he gave me a private tour of the fairgrounds and all of it’s new renovations prior to the 2016 Fair. He reached out to me – something that I am still grateful for. He cares deeply about the Fair and spent many, many hours planning and overseeing the improvements to the NYS Fairgrounds last year and continues to do so.

(Courtesy Syracuse.com)Troy Waffner will continue on as acting New York State Fair director at least through the end of the 13-day fair beginning next month, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Waffner’s position as fair director came into doubt after sources told Syracuse.com he would be replaced by real estate developer Dan Queri. Waffner has served as acting fair director since 2013. 

A fair spokesman would not address any potential leadership change but confirmed in a statement that Waffner will be in charge at least through the fair. 

“Troy Waffner and the team at the Great New York State Fair have worked hard to create an exciting Fair for 2017 and Troy will execute this year’s Fair, continuing as Acting Director,” spokesman Dave Bullard said in an email Tuesday.

The fair runs between Aug. 23 and Sept. 4. 

Queri has not responded to requests for comment, and neither has Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office or the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. Syracuse.com learned of the change in late May, and the state has not released new information since then. 

Waffner has overseen three fairs and shepherded the fairgrounds through a multi-million dollar renovation. Last year’s fair was the best attended in history.

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair | Tagged | Comments Off on Troy Waffner to continue to direct 2017 New York State Fair – and I couldn’t be happier!

Can you sing the Star Spangled Banner?

Posted on July 6, 2017 by karen

News from the Great New York State Fair!!

STAR SPANGLED CHALLENGE SEEKS PATRIOTIC NEW YORKERS TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM TO OPEN THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

The Great New York State Fair’s Star Spangled Challenge is back for a third year, seeking patriotic New Yorkers who want to sing the National Anthem live to open each of the Fair’s 13 days, Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner announced today.
Competition for the daily slots begins today and ends Aug. 2. Competitors should create videos of themselves singing or playing “The Star Spangled Banner.”  They will then upload those videos to the competition site on the Fair’s Facebook page.  A panel of judges will narrow the entries to the top 20, and a public vote that runs Aug. 9 – 14 will choose the 13 people or groups who will perform.

Judges for this year’s event are:

* Frank Malfitano, Founder and Executive Producer of the Syracuse Jazz Fest
* Thomas Whelan, long time vendor at the New York State Fair
* Sistina Giordano, co-host of “Bridge Street” on Syracuse’s NewsChannel 9
* Troy Waffner, representing the Fair
“This is an amazing event.  Every year, we hear from scores of people who want to be the ones to sing the National Anthem to begin our day.  It’s inspiring and its gives the Fair a real American feel that we can’t get by playing a recording.  I encourage everyone to consider giving this contest a shot – it’s a lot of fun!” said Waffner.
More than 300 people and groups have entered the competition since it began in 2015.  While most have been individual singers and duos, past winners have included a keyboard player who performed an instrumental version, and an entire community chorus.  They’ve come from every corner of the state and have ranged in age from young children to senior citizens.
Entrants without access to Facebook may email video files to newyorkstatefair@agriculture.ny.gov.  Links to videos on YouTube or other video sites will not be accepted.
The 13 winning performers will be notified of their performance dates.  The National Anthem is performed live on the Chevy Court stage every morning at exactly 9:58 a.m., moments ahead of the 10 a.m. daily opening for all exhibits and activities.  They may also be asked to perform at other Fair events, as their schedule allows.  Winners will receive admission tickets and parking passes, as well as a $40 voucher for food at participating Fair food stands.
Public voting will be limited to one vote per person and are encouraged to share the competition with their friends and family on Facebook to help their chosen candidate.
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 23 to September 4, 2017. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “FIND YOUR GREAT,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.
twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Can you sing the Star Spangled Banner?

“Fair Food Four Pack” Promotion – Limited Quantities available online May 12, 2017!

Posted on May 11, 2017 by karen

LOVE this new promotion for the 2017 Great NYS Fair!  

With Just Over 100 Days until Opening Day at the Fair, Special Promotion Highlights Some of the Most Popular Food and Drinks Found at the Fair

The Great New York State Fair today announced the launch of the first-ever “Fair Food Four Pack” sale.  With just over 100 days until opening day at the Fair, this special promotion highlights some of the Fair’s most popular food and drinks while providing fairgoers who love eating at the Great New York State Fair a chance to save money on some of their favorite items.  The Fair “Fair Food Four Pack” sale starts at 6 a.m. Friday, May 12 via the Fair’s online ticket seller, etix.com.

The Fair is offering four $5 vouchers, worth $20, that can be redeemed for delicious eats at select Fair restaurants.  The four pack also includes four coupons good for cups of perfectly chilled white or chocolate milk at the Milk Bar in the Dairy Products Building and four coupons good for $1 baked potatoes with all the toppings at the Fair’s signature Great Potato Booth in the Horticulture Building.  The package’s value is $25 and will be sold for $15, plus credit card and etix fees of 34 cents per four pack.  There are only 3,000 four packs available, with a limit of two four packs per customer.

“The number one reason people give us for coming to the Fair is to enjoy the food.  This new sale celebrates that and helps make some of the Fair favorites more affordable for people.  With just over 100 days to go to opening day and excitement building for the 2017 Great New York State Fair, I think these four packs will go quickly, so I wouldn’t wait to buy one,” said Troy Waffner, Acting Fair Director.

Four packs are only available online, at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3010817/fair-food-four-pack-syracuse-new-york-state-fair.  Buyers will receive a voucher that they can print at home.  Buyers then bring the voucher to the new Guest Relations center inside the Main Gate to receive their food, milk and potato coupons.

The $5 food vouchers are good at the following restaurants:

  • Big Villa Lemonade Stands – five locations
  • Cahoots Ale House – Restaurant Row
  • Catering by The Oaks – Horticulture Building
  • Charlie’s – the Colonnade
  • Daniella’s – near Gate 4
  • Doug’s Fish Fry – Horticulture Building
  • Grandma’s Kitchen – International Building
  • Gianelli Sausage and the Dinosaur BBQ – Chevy Court
  • Haddock’s Paddock – Restaurant Row
  • Hofbrauhaus – International Building
  • Horan’s – Restaurant Row
  • International Spiedies – International Building
  • Jimmy B’s – between Poultry & Dairy Cattle Buildings
  • JJ’s – Restaurant Row
  • King Tut’s – International Building
  • Large Villa Ice Cream Cones – two locations
  • New York Deli – International Building
  • Papa’s Pizza – International Building
  • Pig & The Potato – International Building
  • P-Z-O’s Restaurant – Restaurant Row
  • Seafood Tavern – between the Poultry & Dairy Cattle buildings
  • Tommy C’s – near Gate 4
  • Tiki Turtle – the Colonnade
  • Twin Trees Restaurant – between the Poultry & Dairy Cattle buildings
  • Tully’s – outside the International Building
  • Villa Pizze Fritte – outside the International Building
  • West End Bar & Grill – across from the FFA Barn
  • Ye Old Ox Roast – between the Poultry & Dairy Cattle buildings

The list of participating restaurants is subject to change.  A current list can be found at https://nysfair.ny.gov/4pack/.

twitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
Posted in 2017 NYS Fair, Food & Beverage | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on “Fair Food Four Pack” Promotion – Limited Quantities available online May 12, 2017!