New York State Fair lowers admission price as it expands

GEDDES — New York State Fair organizers announced they are lowering the cost of admission tickets to $5 at the gate and $3 when purchased online this year as the State Fair expands to 18 days from 13.

The new reduced price represents the lowest price since 1990 and a “significant drop” from the pricing of $6 before the Fair and $10 during the run of the Fair that has been in place since 2005, organizers say.

The State Fair will maintain its free and low-cost admission days for certain groups, and the Fair will continue admitting children age 12 and under free of charge. 

“Admission prices at major fairs across the country continue to rise, which strains the ability of many families on ever-tighter budgets to enjoy a day together. We believe all New Yorkers should be able to come to their state’s fair to enjoy the many free and low-cost activities we provide while spending the money they do have to make the most of their day,” Troy Waffner, State Fair director, said in a statement.

Attendance at the New York State Fair has grown more than 46 percent in four years, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which operates the Fair, said. It cites expanded marketing efforts, making the Fair more “affordable,” increasing the amount “and quality” of free or low-cost entertainment, and the state spending more than $120 million to improve the Fairgrounds as reasons for the increased attendance. 

Attendance is likely to again grow significantly this year as the State Fair boosts its number of days by nearly 40 percent.

Purchasing tickets

Regular sales of $3 admission tickets will begin April 1. 

All sales will be only via Etix’ online channel or by phone to Etix customer support at 1-800-514-3849. Tickets ordered by phone incur a $4.25 delivery charge. 

The Fair says its retail sales program has been “discontinued.” Tickets may be purchased online or by phone through the end of the Fair. Only those buying tickets from a ticket sales booth at an entrance gate will pay $5. 

Online buyers may show either printed-at-home tickets or show the tickets on their phones at Fair entrance gates.

Special and promotion days 

The State Fair says “before buying tickets, buyers should be aware of the Fair’s special and promotional days, which offer discounts for certain groups.” They include: 

• Children age 12 and under are admitted free every day

• Biker Appreciation Day: Anyone arriving at the Fair on a motorcycle may park for free in any Fair lot and be admitted for $1 when showing a valid New York State motorcycle license on Saturday, Aug. 29

• Senior Days: Adults age 60 and over are admitted free on consecutive Mondays and Tuesdays on Aug. 24-25 and Aug. 31-Sept. 1

• Fire and Rescue Day: Members of fire departments and emergency services organizations with a valid current ID are admitted free of charge on Monday, Aug. 24;

• Women’s Day: All women are admitted for $1 on Wednesday, Aug. 26

• Law Enforcement Day: All members of police agencies with valid current ID are admitted free of charge on Monday, Aug. 31

• Native American Day: Members of all Indian tribes are admitted free of charge on Friday, Sept. 4, with admission taking place at Gate 5

• Student Day: People age 18 and under are admitted free of charge on Friday, Sept. 4

• Dollar Day on Labor Day: Admission for all is $1 on the Fair’s final day, Monday, Sept. 7.