Category: 2017 NYS Fair

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

On: 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.

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

On: 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!

 

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

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

On: 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.

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Can you sing the Star Spangled Banner?

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

On: 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/.

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3 Doors Down at Chevy Court on first night of the 2017 New York State Fair – Wed 8/23/17

On: By: karen

 
 

Rock band 3 Doors Down returns to the Great New York State Fair to provide an exciting climax to the Fair’s earliest start in at least a century, Acting Director Troy Waffner announced today. The band’s 8 p.m. performance on Chevy Court will come on the first day of the Fair’s expanded 13-day schedule, Wednesday August 23rd, 2017.

Formed in 1995, Grammy Award-nominated multiplatinum Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down consistently captivates audiences worldwide. The quintet’s many accolades include selling 16 million albums globally, receiving three Grammy nominations, and winning two American Music Awards. Their debut, “The Better Life,” became certified six-times RIAA platinum in 2000 and was fueled by the success of juggernaut hit “Kryptonite.” This was followed by 2002’s sophomore album, “Away from the Sun,” which went triple-platinum and saw similar success with “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.” 2005’s platinum “Seventeen Days” and 2008’s “3 Doors Down” each earned No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200, while “Time of My Life” landed at No. 3 in 2011. Ignited by the single “In The Dark,” 3 Doors Down unleashed their sixth full-length album, “Us and the Night,” which debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 in 2016.

“We’re excited to begin this new day of Fair programming with such a great band. I know everyone’s going to love having one more day to enjoy the Fair and 3 Doors Down will bring that new day to a thrilling close,” said Waffner.

This will be the 3rd appearance at the Great New York State Fair for 3 Doors Down, having performed here in 2005 and 2011.

Concerts at Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet.

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.
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Want to work at the 2017 NYS Fair? Applications now being accepted.

On: By: karen
Apply Now!  Approximately 1,000 Fairtime Jobs Available!
 
The Great New York State Fair is now accepting applications for employment during the 2017 State Fair. The form to apply for jobs available during the 13 days of the Fair can be filled out online and can be found at https://nysfair.ny.gov/about/employment/. A printable version of the application is also available on the State Fair website.
Each year, the Fair hires approximately 1,000 temporary employees. Jobs include ticket takers, parking lot attendants, customer service representatives, barn and other facility workers, cleaners, food service staff and more. A complete list of job descriptions can be found here: https://nysfair.ny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2017-Fairtime-Job-Descriptions.pdf.
“The people who work here during the Fair provide an invaluable service-they take care of the critical details so fairgoers can focus on having fun. Many fair time employees come back year after year because they enjoy being part of one of the nation’s very best fairs. We’re grateful for their hard work and I encourage anyone looking for an interesting short-term job to apply,” said Troy Waffner, Acting Fair Director.
Work hours, hourly pay rate and length of a given job vary by assignment. Applicants may be subject to background investigations or criminal history checks. Positions for applicants under the age of 18 will require working papers and are limited.  The Fair does not hire staff for the hundreds of vendors who operate during the 13-day run of the Fair.
The Fair will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities that prevent them from full participation in the application or hiring process. For more information, applicants can contact the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Human Resources office by mail at 10B Airline Drive, Albany, New York 12235 or by phone at (518) 457-3216.
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.
The home of the Great New York State Fair is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website. Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, on Snapchat at nysfair and enjoy photos from the Fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.
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Food Truck Competition Will Now Run for Two Days at the 2017 NYS Fair

On: By: karen
THE TASTE NY FOOD TRUCK COMPETITION EXPANDS TO TWO DAYS FOR 2017 GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

Event Expands After Great Response from Fairgoers

Registration Underway for Participating Food Truck Operators

The Great New York State Fair today announced that its Taste NY Food Truck Competition will expand to two days for the 2017 Fair. The competition to find the best entrée, served by food truck chefs and made with New York State grown and produced ingredients, will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3. Food trucks entered in the competition will be located around Chevy Court.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Taste NY represents the very best of New York agriculture and having our food truck chefs cook up exciting, new dishes for our panel of judges and for fairgoers is a great way to promote New York grown and produced foods. With the competition expanded to two days, we look forward to seeing every region of New York State represented.”

Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said, “The 2016 competition featured some amazing food and big crowds of people waiting patiently to buy a sample. We’re expanding the competition to a second day so more people can participate and enjoy some of the best foods grown and made in New York State.” To take part in the competition, food truck operators design signature entrées using primarily New York State products. A panel of judges made up of food industry experts and enthusiasts will sample the entrees to select a Judges’ Choice winner on both Saturday and Sunday. Trucks can then sell sample-sized portions of their entrée for $3 to fairgoers, who can cast one vote for the entrée they liked best. Those votes will then be tallied to declare the People’s Choice winners. Each daily winner of the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice will receive a $750 gift card to Maines Food and Party Warehouse, while the People’s Choice runner-up will receive a portable generator on each day.

Registration is now underway for food truck operators who would like to take part in the competition.
Visit http://nysfair.ny.gov/competitions/food-truck-competition/ for details and an entry form.

In 2016, Silo Food Truck of Ovid won the Judges’ Choice award for its Telekinetic Fried Chicken, a fried drumstick over a slaw flavored with peach and raspberry and purple sticky rice, while The Meatball Cup from The Meatball Truck of Rochester won the People’s Choice. More than 2,500 fairgoers voted in the competition.

Katie Foley, co-owner of Silo Food Truck, said, “It was quite an honor both to participate as well as win the Judges’ Choice for the Taste NY 2016 Food Truck Competition. It was a crazy, fun-filled day that flew by. We sold about 1,200 samples to very enthusiastic patrons, making it well worth our while. We are looking forward to the two-day competition this coming year and are already working on our new submission. Being recognized at the state level has given us more opportunity locally and has helped us expand into larger festivals across the East Coast. It’s been quite the feather in our cap.”

Michelle Yancey of The Meatball Truck said, “The Meatball Truck was honored to compete in the second annual Food Truck Competition at the New York State Fair and bring home first place in the People’s Choice competition. We are looking forward to defending our title in 2017. It’s always great to be among the enthusiasm of the crowd and long-standing traditions of the New York State Fair.”

The two sponsors of this annual event are Maines Food and Party Warehouse and Taste NY, Governor Cuomo’s initiative that promotes New York food and beverage products.

Taste NY was launched in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition. The program reported sales of $4.5 million in 2015 and nearly tripled those sales to more than $13.1 million in 2016. Today, New York products sold under Taste NY branding are available in more than 60 locations throughout the State as well as the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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.

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