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.
