Hochul says State Fair to return to a 13-day event

“The Great New York State Fair is a celebration of this exciting place we all call home, and this year’s Fair was no different, delivering a safe and fun event for all,” Hochul said. “Returning to a 13-day schedule next year ensures that fairgoers can once again experience all of their favorite shows, exhibits, vendors, and attractions around the New York State Fair while also supporting greater coordination with our county and youth fairs. This will provide an increased economic benefit to more communities and encourage New Yorkers to experience the best of agriculture and entertainment across the state. We are ready to help and support all fairs, and to do what’s best for everyone to enjoy them.”

Hochul also directed a review to assess support, growth and revitalization opportunities for all fairs in New York as the state moves into the next fair season. Richard Ball, commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will work with county fairs to evaluate ways to increase marketing and promotion of county fairs. The effort will also target opportunities to improve youth and agricultural programming initiatives at all fairs statewide, including the State Fair.

The review will also examine the State Fair’s smoking policy, “considering fairgoer feedback and experience,” Hochul’s office said.

“I am proud of our accomplishments for the 2021 Fair, which successfully brought back family fun, traditions, and the connections we had all missed during 2020,” Troy Waffner, State Fair director, said. “With this return to a 13-day Fair, we will have additional capacity to boost programming for fairgoers and support our vendors, who are the backbone of our Fair.  This is a decision that will allow us to concentrate our resources and create for 2022 the best Fair possible.”

Onondaga County reaction

During his Thursday afternoon COVID-19 briefing, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon was asked for his reaction to the decision to return the State Fair to 13 days.

“We support it,” McMahon said. “I think the 13 days works. I think given the extended fair in the first year where you’re really learning to live with COVID I think was probably an uphill battle to get the types of numbers you wanted and that’s a lot of work and infrastructure behind the scenes to stay open for those extra days and certainly this year, it didn’t pay off.”

McMahon also acknowledged the “great job” of Waffner and his team at the State Fairgrounds.