State Fair to open at full capacity, Cuomo announces

GEDDES, N.Y. — This year’s New York State Fair will increase capacity to 100 percent and reopen many of its buildings with additional vendors, “given the significant progress New Yorkers have made against COVID-19,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday at the State Fairgrounds.

In accordance with the state’s “evolving” health guidelines, indoor spaces will be “subject to capacity limits to allow attendees to be socially distanced within each building,” the governor’s office said.

This year’s State Fair is scheduled between Aug. 20 and Sept. 6. The 18 days will represent the “longest duration ever” for this annual event, and the admission price is “lower than it has been in years.” Tickets will be $3 per person, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. Attendees will be required to follow COVID-19 health guidance from the New York State Department of Health “that is in effect at the time of the event.” Further details on Fair ticket sales and on specific rules for guests will be announced by mid-July and are subject to change with the state’s health guidance.

“The State Fair is New York’s signature end-of-summer fest, and thanks to our ongoing efforts to follow safety guidelines and get more people vaccinated, the 2021 New York State Fair will be even bigger and better,” Cuomo contended. “This is a testament to our remarkable progress against COVID, making it possible for thousands more visitors from across the country and all over the world to enjoy the Fair’s unique attractions and experience the best of what New York has to offer. I congratulate New Yorkers for having made this possible, and I encourage everyone to make the trip to Central New York this summer and support our New York vendors as we continue to reopen our economy and bring back beloved big events across the state.”

In the 49 days since Cuomo’s April 26 announcement that the State Fair would return at 50 percent capacity, the public-health condition has “dramatically improved” with more New Yorkers vaccinated and “far fewer” new COVID-19 cases, Cuomo’s office said. The progress has allowed the State Fairgrounds to prepare to reopen many indoor buildings, allow more vendors to return, and increase the number of attendees “while still adhering to the state’s health guidance.”

Under the expanded State Fair model announced Monday, more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the live music and entertainment; Midway amusement rides; agriculture education and awareness; as well as food and drink. Those options will again include the “Fair’s most iconic culinary experiences,” such as the Pizze Fritte, 25-cent New York milk, sausage sandwiches, and wine slushies.