The cold temperatures had arrived, and the snowflakes started flying providing the backdrop for the Nov. 16 announcement of the upcoming 2023 Winter Fair. The event is scheduled the weekend of Feb. 3-5, 2023, at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. The Winter Fair is described as “All the Fun of […]
The cold temperatures had arrived, and the snowflakes started flying providing the backdrop for the Nov. 16 announcement of the upcoming 2023 Winter Fair.
The event is scheduled the weekend of Feb. 3-5, 2023, at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.
The Winter Fair is described as “All the Fun of the [State] Fair” inside the Expo Center. It’ll be the 4th edition of Winter Fair, including the food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy in the summer.
Organizers believe Winter Fair 2023 can attract more than 20,000 people.
“We are excited to continue the tradition. Everyone loves the New York State Fair!” Steve Becker of Premier Promotions, the promoter of Winter Fair 2023, said in a release. “We want to give families a chance to experience elements of the Fair during the winter. It’s great to have an event to bring your friends and family to. The New York State Fairgrounds have great [year-round] events and Winter Fair is an annual tradition in ‘Making Memories.’”
The Winter Fair is a community event for Central New York and is also an “economic boost” bringing in people from across New York State, other states, and even Canada.
“With great food, live entertainment, a midway of rides, and a variety of carnival games, Winter Fair will once again bring together people from throughout the region to enjoy a fun-filled February weekend,” Danny Liedka, president & CEO of Visit Syracuse, said. “We look forward to working with the team at Winter Fair to promote this celebrated family-friendly event.”
Advanced-sale tickets are available now at www.nyswinterfair.com. Advanced tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.
At the door, admission is $7 for adults and $5 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Parking is free for all advanced ticket holders. If attendees come after 7 p.m., admission to Winter Fair inside the Expo Center will be free and parking will be $10.
The e-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is the new sponsor for Winter Fair 2023. Amazon operates a fulfillment center at 7211 Morgan Rd. in the town of Clay. The center hosted the Nov. 16 press event announcing the 2023 event, which will include The Amazon Winter Fair Stage.
“At Amazon, we are all about delivering smiles and we know Winter Fair brings a lot of smiles to the Central New York community,” Irfaan Hafeez, Amazon’s general manager of the Clay fulfillment center, said. “We are proud to sponsor this event and celebrate all of the great things the region has to offer — including the exciting music acts that will be performing on the Amazon Winter Fair Stage.”
In addition, both Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse will be exhibiting at the Winter Fair with different departments for outreach with the attendees.
Entertainment, attractions
The Amazon Winter Fair Stage will have “wall to wall” musical entertainment. On Feb. 3, the lineup includes Paul Davie with a Beatles tribute; Letiza; and the blues/rock group The Ripcords;
On Feb. 4, performers include Austin Jimmy Murphy; the duo of Colin Aberdeen and Joe Altier; classic rock with the Barndogs; and the funk, pop and R&B band Brass Inc. On that Sunday, Feb. 5, musical acts will include 5 to Life, a 90-minute Gospel Sunday program under the direction of Dr. Joan Hillsman. Gospel Sunday is presented by the NAACP. The R&B/funk/soul group, the Brownskin, will be the final act of Winter Fair 2023.
Besides the musical entertainment, Winter Fair 2023 will include the Six Nations Native American dancers; martial-arts demonstrations with Karate John’s; Irish dancers from St. Francis Academy; a fashion show with LS Jones; Latino dancing with La Familia; and other multi-cultural entertainment.
A complete schedule of entertainment and special features with times will be available in January at the Winter Fair website.
The ice sculptures will also be lining the walkway to the Expo Center.
Winter Fair 2023 will include chances to help give back to the Central New York community, organizers said. The NAACP will be managing the coat check and will receive a portion of the proceeds. The Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Fund will be exhibiting in the event. The Price Chopper/Market 32 Winter Fair Hoops will be back with attendees shooting baskets and winning prizes for donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse through the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.