*New* Family Movie Nights at the NYS Fair!

On: By: karen

The Great New York State Fair’s Expo Center will host seven evenings of big screen movie entertainment. The new Family Movie Nights feature kid-friendly films that the entire family can enjoy. Movies will be shown on the Fair’s 55-foot inflatable screen, provided by FunFlicks of Central, Western and Northern New York. All screenings are free of charge. “This is our take on a drive-in movie experience. Families can come, grab a seat in the stands or on the turf field and laugh together to a great movie. We’re always looking for new ways to help families have a memorable time at the Fair,” said Troy Waffner, Fair Director. The new Family Movie Nights begin Saturday, August 24 and run through Friday, August 30 and includes three films released this year. The full lineup: 

  • Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.: The Incredibles 2 (PG);
  • Sunday, August 25, 7 p.m.: Elf (PG), as part of the Fair’s special event Christmas in August;
  • Monday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.: Miracle (PG);
  • Tuesday, August 27, 7 p.m.: Detective Pikachu (PG);
  • Wednesday, August 28, 8 p.m.: Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United (PG), as part of the Fair’s special event Comic Con at the Fair;
  • Thursday, August 29, 6:30 p.m.: Avengers: Endgame (PG-13)
  • Friday, August 30, 7 p.m.: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (PG)

 The Fair’s complete schedule of events can be found here and the Fair’s Food and Merchandise finder can be found here. Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is America’s third largest state fair. The Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of Governor Cuomo’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. Fair attendance is up more than 40% since the beginning of more than $120 million in investments, with 1.27 million people attending the Fair in 2018. The 2019 Fair runs from August 21 to September 2. Information about the Fair can be found here.

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Christmas at the NYS Fair! 8.25.2019

On: By: karen

*Courtesy NYS Fair press release

Full Day of Events Include a Visit with Santa, Live Reindeer, Christmas Movies, a Santalympics Competition and More 

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It may be hard to hear them over the din of the Great New York State Fair, but Santa and his reindeer are going to jingle all the way to the Fair’s new “Christmas in August” event held, naturally, on Sunday the 25th. The one-day special event at the Expo Center celebrates the coolest holiday at the hottest time of the summer with special events, a display of antique sleighs, Christmas movies and more. Admission will be $1 for anyone donating a new toy in bins located outside each gate. The toys will be given to a non-profit agency that provides gifts for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army will also collect donations outside the Main Gate and Gate 10 that day. 

“We were at our industry convention in Texas last fall on a hot afternoon when we saw a guy in a Santa suit riding a horse down the street. We said to each other, “That’s kinda crazy,” followed by, “We can do that!” We’re having some fun with the non-religious aspects of the holiday while trying to do a little good for the community, and if it makes you feel a little cooler on a hot August day, that’s even better,” said Troy Waffner, Fair Director. 

Children will be able to see and take pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the Expo Center. They’ll also be able to drop off letters to Santa in special mailboxes. Live reindeer will be on display at the same time. The classic Christmas movie “Elf” will be screened in the evening in the Expo Center. In the Art & Home Center, a special cookie decorating competition will take place, and at the Fair’s entrance gates, lost child tags will be adorned with Christmas-themed Fair stickers. The highlight of the day is the Olympic-style competition called the Santalympics, taking place from 2 – 5 p.m. Entrants will wear Santa suits as they qualify by taking on a holiday-themed obstacle course that includes such holiday hazards as climbing over piles of presents and untangling Christmas tree lights. Qualifiers then move on to a present-wrapping race, pinning the snowball on Buddy the Elf, and Santa’s Feast — a speed-eating contest consisting of cookies, fruitcake and (New York State Fair Milk Bar) milk. Finalists compete for the gold medal in a Christmas music karaoke competition with live celebrity judge reactions.  

To enter the Santalympics, people must post pictures of themselves wearing a Santa suit here. Entries end Monday, August 21. The first 100 qualified entrants will be selected. Winners will be immediately notified and given admission tickets and parking for the day.  

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is America’s third largest state fair. The Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of Governor Cuomo’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. Fair attendance is up more than 40% since the beginning of more than $120 million in investments, with 1.27 million people attending the Fair in 2018.

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Job Fair to Be Held July 12 -13 to Fill Positions for The 2019 Great New York State Fair

On: By: karen

The Great New York State Fair will hold a two-day Job Fair to assist people in applying for short-term positions related to the operation of the Fair. The Job Fair will take place July 12 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. and July 13 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Martha Eddy Room of the Art & Home Center at the Fairgrounds.

Positions available include general labor, maintenance, restrooms, parking attendants and cashiers as well as safety staff. Interviews may take place at the event for those who bring two forms of unexpired identification. A list of acceptable documents is here. Veterans must bring their DD-214 and applicants under age 18 must bring valid working papers. Positions for those under 18 are limited to parking attendants. An online job application form can be found here.

“The Fair becomes one of the state’s largest cities for 13 days and it takes hundreds of people to make our city work. Many people come back to these jobs year after year because they enjoy being part of one of America’s greatest state fairs,” said Troy Waffner, Fair Director.

Most jobs last 13 days, though a few begin before the first day of the Fair. People unable to work all 13 days of the Fair will find more limited employment opportunities. Work hours, rates of pay and duration vary by assignment. Applications may be subject to a background investigation or criminal history check.

People seeking work at food or merchandise stands must contact those vendors directly. The Fair does not employ vendors or concessionaires.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is America’s third largest state fair. The Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of Governor Cuomo’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. 1.27 million people attended the Fair in 2018. Attendance is up more than 40% since 2015, which marked the beginning of more than $120 million in investments to renovate the Fairgrounds. The 2019 Fair runs from August 21 to September 2. Information about the Fair can be found here.

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First-Ever ‘Winter Fair’ NYS Fairgrounds Feb. 8-10th!

On: By: karen
courtesy nysfair.ny.gov website

For people who love the NYS Fair, like myself, waiting an entire year for Fair Time seems like forever! 🙂 This year you can get a taste of the Fair in the middle of winter – the perfect solution to help ease the pain of waiting until August.

There’ll be carnival rides in winter at the first-ever Winter Fair at the New York State Fairgrounds February 8 – 10. Ten rides, including a Ferris Wheel, will form the indoor Mini-Midway in the Exposition Center. Rides will cost $3 each, with an All-Access Pass available for $15. All sales at the event are cash only. Tarson Pools and Spas is the sponsor of the Mini-Midway.

“It’s not a fair unless you can ride the rides, so we’re bringing a taste of the Midway indoors. We know this will be fun for kids and will really help to give this event the feel of a big, summer fair,” said Steve Becker of Premier Promotions, the company that is operating Winter Fair with assistance from the Great New York State Fair.

The rides include:

  • A Ferris Wheel
  • The Swinger
  • The Scrambler
  • The Zero Gravity
  • The Fun Slide
  • The Merry-Go-Round
  • The Scooper Jet
  • The Tubs of Fun
  • The Flying Elephants
  • The Car Combo

Height restrictions apply to all rides. There will be no rides for children under 30 inches tall. Parents are advised to check height restrictions before buying ride tickets. Height rules can be checked at the midway company’s website, here. There will also be a Fun House, as well as carnival food and game booths.

Winter Fair will also feature 17 free performances on its main stage and more than 100 food, craft and merchandise vendors. The groups that operate the State Fair’s annual Indian Village and Pan-African Village will create mini-villages for the festival as well.

Winter Fair runs 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Noon – 8 p.m. on Sunday. Pre-sale admission is $4 for adults and $2 for seniors age 60 and above and for teens ages 13-17. Children 12 and under are free. A small service fee is added to each ticket, which can be purchased here. At the gate, tickets will be $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and teens and only cash will be accepted. There is no free re-entry.

For more information, contact event promoter Steve Becker of Premier Promotions at 315-622-2249 or steve@premierpromo.com.

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Cyber Monday!! Get your Advanced Sale NYS Fair tickets today for only $3!

On: By: karen
STATE FAIR’S ANNUAL CYBER MONDAY SALE OFFERS TICKETS AT LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR
The 2019 season of the Great New York State Fair officially begins at 6 a.m. Monday, November 26 when the Fair holds its annual Cyber Monday sale of admission tickets. Admission tickets will be on sale for $3 – 50% off the regular advance sale price and 70% off the full price at the gate. The sale takes place only online, via the Fair’s official ticket seller, Etix.com and ends at midnight. “The Fair has gotten better each year and we’re already hard at work to make the 2019 Fair the biggest and best one yet. Whether it’s a stocking stuffer for a Fair fan or an inexpensive way to plan a family outing well in advance, fairgoers should take full advantage of this sale because we won’t be selling regular day admission tickets for the 2019 Fair at this price again,” said Troy Waffner, Fair Director. Each $3 ticket will cost $3.19, which includes sales tax and a service fee. Once purchased, tickets are not refundable. Buyers should contact Etix customer servicewith questions. People buying admission tickets during this sale can either print them at home and give them to staff at a Fair gate for entry or show the ticket on their phone to the gate staff.  Buyers should note the Fair’s additional admissions discount days: Dollar Days and Three Dollar Thursdays. Admission is $1 on August 21 and September 2, the first and last days of the Fair, and is $3 on August 22and August 29, the two Thursdays. Other discounts can be found here. Admission tickets from any 2019 concert at St.Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview can be used for one free admission to the Fair on any day. Unused tickets from the 2018 Fair will not be accepted for admission in 2019.  
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2018 NYS Fair Chevy Court Concert Schedule

On: By: karen

Only 4 more days until the start of the 2018 NYS Fair!  Time to start planning your days at the fair if you like to base them on music concerts.  To help you out here is a list of the Chevy Court FREE Concerts offered at 8pm during the run of the Fair:

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 8:00pmBlondie
Thursday, August 23, 2018 8:00pmTedeschi Trucks Band
Friday, August 24, 2018 8:00pmLudacris
Saturday, August 25, 2018 8:00pmCounting Crows
Sunday, August 26, 2018 8:00pmHunter Hayes
Monday, August 27, 2018 8:00pmSmokey Robinson
Tuesday, August 28, 2018 8:00pmDickey Betts
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 8:00pmLil Yachty
Thursday, August 30, 2018 8:00pmHanson
Friday, August 31, 2018 8:00pmBig & Rich
Saturday, September 1, 2018 8:00pmZZ Top
Sunday, September 2, 2018 8:00pmA Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
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Just Released: New Expo Center to be open for this year’s fair!

On: By: karen

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the achievement of a milestone in the construction of the new Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds as the final piece of structural steel to be installed was placed in the roof of the building. When the Expo Center opens for the 2018 Great New York State Fair, the 136,000-square-foot structure will be the largest indoor events space north of New York City between Boston and Cleveland. This new facility, along with the ongoing renovation of the Fair’s Orange parking lot, marks the second phase of the Governor’s $120 million plan to revitalize the State Fair and Fairgrounds and complements Central NY Rising, the region’s strategy to grow the local economy.

“This marks a significant milestone in the construction of the Fairgrounds’ Expo Center, an investment that will deliver real economic benefits to the people of Central New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Upon completion, this project will not only help to boost State Fair attendance to record numbers, but will also enhance all that the region has to offer with a year-round event space that will attract visitors and businesses from across the nation.”

“The State Fair is a national attraction for family entertainment and events, boosting the economy and tourism in the region,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The improvements and addition of the Expo Center will further enhance the site and continue the momentum of helping Central New York rise.”

The Expo Center, with 110,000 square feet of clear-span event space, will have the capacity to hold more than 500 10′-by-10′ trade show booths and 4,000 retractable seats. This flexible event space will attract major shows and special events, including car, boat, and RV shows, pet expos, consumer and trade shows, home and garden shows, tech expos and other events that were previously unable to come to upstate New York due to lack of suitable space. The building will join the Fairgrounds’ existing portfolio of event space, such as the Toyota Coliseum and the Center of Progress Building, increasing the amount of available indoor space on the grounds to more than 450,000 square feet. Construction of the facility is expected to create more than 700 jobs.

Since the beginning of renovations, State Fair attendance has grown by more than 28 percent and non-Fair event estimated attendance has grown 57 percent from 2016 to 2017. Under the first phase of Governor Cuomo’s revitalization plan, the Fairgrounds were transformed to include 63 acres of newly opened space to accommodate a full-service RV park for 313 campers, a reconfigured and larger Midway area that serves as on-site parking or event space outside of the Fair, and open space for Fair programming, non-Fair events, and for construction of the Exposition Center. A new Main Gate entrance was also built, along with a new exhibit area for the New York State Police and the Sky Ride, a 1,400-foot long chairlift ride. The Indian Village also received renovations for its Turtle Mound, the home of cultural performances during the Fair.

courtesy Great NYS Fair website

 

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200 Lifetime Passes to the Great NYS Fair – Sold out in minutes!

On: By: karen

Monday, May 14, 2018.  So this morning, as expected, I set my alarm for 5:45am.  I hardly slept a wink anticipating the alarm, similar to when I have to catch an early flight.  I got up, went downstairs and hopped on my laptop.  I watched the etix count down to buy NYS Fair Lifetime Passes finally hit zero seconds and was giddy as the the page loaded instantly!  I claimed my lifetime pass, then nervously started typing in my name and payment information.  Lo and behold, my 19 year old son appears in the room out of nowhere and says Hey Mom!  Whatcha doing?  In the last 10+ years I can count on my elbow how many times this child has gotten up at this hour willingly. Seriously??!  I held up my hand and said “Not now!”  lol.  Despite the surprise distraction, I GOT MY LIFETIME PASS without a hitch!

For some it may seem silly to get so excited about this.  But I don’t care – I’m happy!  It’s my guilty pleasure.  I love everything about the Fair – and I’m not afraid to admit it. @nysfair #NYSFair #lifetimepass

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