Fair Attractions & Events
Listed below are just some of the attractions and events you will see during the 2010 New York State Fair. Please check back frequently, because many more will be added as agreements are finalized and initiatives are announced. When you come to the Fair, make sure to pick up your INSIDER'S GUIDE. This coupon-filled book will be available for free at the gate. The guide not only gives you daily information and schedules for events, but a packet of money-saving coupons from vendors throughout the Fair.
Agricultural & Carriage Museums
The Fair’s Agricultural Museum lets you experience what New York farm life was like in the 18th century. You’ll see broom-making, weaving, woodworking, hearthside cooking and soap-making demonstrations. The Fair’s Carriage Museum features more than 50 horse-drawn vehicles and a blacksmith demonstration. In addition, dozens of antique tractors are on display. Across from the Coliseum, open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Agricultural & Livestock Competitions
Thousands of the finest farm animals from across New York compete for top honors. Visit the cows, pigs, sheep and other animals during free barn tours, watch the owners prepare them for judging and root for your favorites in the show ring. Judging occurs daily in all the livestock barns, the Coliseum, and the 4-H & FFA areas. For a list of our 2010 premium books and entry forms, click here.
Antique Tractor Display
Learn about New York’s agricultural heritage through this fascinating collection of antique farm tractors, together with a selection of other historic and unique farm implements. Most of these machines have long retired from the field and were produced before 1960. Most have been restored; some to better-than-new condition. The tractors are on exhibit every day of the State Fair at two locations: one next to the Agriculture Museum and one just inside Gate 10.
Art and Craft Exhibitions
From fine arts and photography to homespun crafts like quilting, woodworking and needlepoint, work by some of New York’s most talented artists will be on display and competing for ribbons. Located in the Art & Home Center.
Art and Home Center
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Demonstraton Kitchen schedule - Coming soon!
This is the home of culinary demonstrations, photography exhibits, arts and crafts, a variety of entertainment and much more. Listen to organ recitals in the New Times Theater; sometimes as dramatic accompaniment to screenings of old, silent films. For more musical history, go to the Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum. You can also enjoy a sit-down meal in air-conditioned comfort in the Empire Room Restaurant.
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Fairground's Harriet May Mills Art & Home Center at the annual Women's Day Luncheon. The event, "Women Ignited," will feature a living history interpreter as famous suffragette Harriet May Mills and an address by Joanne Lenweaver, director of Syracuse University's WISE Center (Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship). Individuals and groups are invited to attend for the special program, click here for registration form. You can also vist the Women's Informational Mini-Fair outside the Art & Home Center and enjoy demonstrations, exhibits and competitions inside all day long. Call (315) 487-7711 ext. 1264 for more information.
Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade
This wholesome, family attraction invites children to slip circus costumes on right over their clothes and become part of the show. Families then work together to animate giant puppets for a parade through the Youth Activity Area.
Beef Barn Jamboree
After the cows have come home, the Beef Barn Jamboree fills the show ring of the Beef Cattle Barn with authentic country music on selected evenings. This year, the jamboree will also feature square dancing! Assisted by the Cortland Country Music Park and Hall of Fame.
Butter & Cheese Sculptures
Visit the Dairy Products Building to see how hundreds of pounds of butter are turned into art to mark the 42nd anniversary of this State Fair tradition. For the visually impaired we also have a hands-on clay model of the butter sculpture at the Dairy Princess Booth. You can also see blocks of New York State cheese carved into artwork before your eyes.
Meet celebrities from your favorite cable television shows at the Time-Warner Cable wing of the Science and Industry Building. Every day, Time Warner will host a different celebrity. This year's lineup includes Mike O'Malley, the comic actor who starred in the series "Yes, Dear" and now appears in the hit show "Glee" as well as Time-Warner's digital cable commercials. This new stage on the Colonnade overlooking Chevy Court will feature an eclectic variety of music, dance and other entertainment daily. Over the course of the Fair, you'll hear polka bands and klezmer groups; folk singers and barbershop quartets. You'll see costumed storytellers, a hilarious ventriloquist and ethnic dancers from a variety of cultures. And much more! Check back soon for performance schedule. Celebrate the 75-year anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service - a federal agency that has been helping farmers act sustainably since 1935 - during a special program September 5th only at the NRCS exhibit near the state Department of Environmental Conservation log cabin and fire tower.Celebrity Appearances
Colonnade Stage
Conservation Celebration
Coronas Circus
A one-ring extravaganza beneath a big-top tent. This annual favorite is so big this year that we had to move it to the Infield Amusement Area. With highly trained aerialists, acrobats and animals. A special added attraction is Coronas’ Kids-Fest bounce attractions and the Girraffic Adventure Zoo.
The Creature
Thrill seekers will want to check out "The Creature," a 150-foot-long inflatable monster chained down in the Infield Amusement Area. Kids can enter through its gaping jaws and explore the belly of the beast.
Culinary Competitions
The state’s best pies, cakes, jams, breads and other homemade goodies vie for ribbons in this traditional, county fair competition. Less traditional contests include chicken wings, chili, Spam dishes and fried food on a stick. Located in the Art & Home Center.
Daily Parade
Let the Fair come to you. Every evening at 6:00 pm, select Fair entertainers and exhibitors join New York marching bands, costumed characters, antique vehicles and New York State notables in an old-fashioned parade across the fairgrounds. The route begins at the Americraft Center of Progress Building, winds around three sides of Chevy Court, and then marches the length of the fairgrounds to the Iroquois Indian Village.
Dairy Products Building
Sample New York State's official drink - delicious, ice-cold milk! Fresh from the cows in the Toyota Dairy Cattle Center, its still only 25 cents a cup at the Rainbow Milk Bar. Fairgoers can also find colorful, informative and entertaining exhibits on the state’s dairy products and buy a variety of New York cheese, ice cream and delicious fudge. Got music? Enjoy musical performances all day long on the Dairy Products Building stage.
Dragon Knights
Colorful knights will wander the fairgrounds atop fearsome dragons, thanks to talented stilt-walkers and puppeteers in ornate, eye-catching costumes. It’s an illusion that will amaze you every time you experience it!
Duck Races
Cheer for your favorite fowl as quacking ducks splash to the finish line with the help of audience members. This year, the racing ducks are located in the Youth Activity Center. Sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Dueling Pirates High Dive Show
Brave buccaneers from rival pirate ships compete for audience approval as they somersault, twist and dive from 70-foot-tall masts into nine feet of water. This comedy show features world-class professional divers who know how to give spectators heart palpitations and belly laughs at the same time. Located in the Adventure Zone.
The Ejection Seat
This giant slingshot for human beings acts like a reverse bungee jump, firing daring riders 155 feet into the sky then letting them bounce up and down above the fairgrounds until they scream to a stop. This Adventure Zone attraction is one of only six of its kind traveling the United States this summer - don't miss it!
Elephant and Tiger Encounter
Two titans of the jungle turn their wild instincts into crowd-pleasing performances as this exciting attraction debuts in the Adventure Zone. Watch a towering African elephant kick around a soccer ball, paint a picture and play the harmonica. See a troupe of magnificent Bengal tigers perform stunts at the urging of human trainers who handle the 300-pound carnivores like kittens.
Eurobubbles
Ever wonder what it would be like to walk on water? This unique attraction lets kids climb inside giant transparent balls similar to those used for pet hamsters and roll around on the surface of a pool of water. It brings new meaning to the phrase "bubble bath." Located in the Adventure Zone.
Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show
A universe away from “fetch.” These incredible stunt dogs perform Frisbee-catching feats, leap through airborne acrobatics, and deliver lots of laughs. You can catch the “Extreme Canines Triathalon,” in which these one-time strays happily race to see who really is top dog, sponsored by Pettis Pools. Located in the Adventure Zone.
Gospel Weekend
Join us Aug. 28 and 29 for the Fair's traditional weekend of uplifting music and joyful voices at the Youth Stage. National gospel artist JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise will perform at 4 and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29. The New York State Fair Youth Gospel Choir and other groups will help keep the music flowing all weekend long.
Hall of Health
The Hall of Health in the Science and Industry Building is the Fair-time home to a wide variety of health service organizations and professionals. Learn about helpful programs you can take advantage of and potential health problems you may be unaware of.
The Harlem Wizards
The “trick hoopz and alley oops” of this famous basketball show team will leave you gaping in amazement and shaking with laughter. The fun-filled show that wowed audiences last year combines impressive athletic talent with comedic relief. The Harlem Wizards will take on audience participants and teams of local notables three times daily in the Sports Activity Center in front of the Coliseum.
The Haunted House
This annual warm-up for Halloween will return with all the hair-raising scares you love and some frightening new surprises. This year, the attraction will haunt a new location, near the Midway next to the goat barn.
Historic Train Exhibit
One of the most popular historic attractions at the State Fair is the Train-Railroad Exhibit behind the Horticulture Building. The exhibit is open and free throughout the Fair. Visitors can relax in seated comfort in the four restored vintage 1920s era passenger cars or browse through the classic 1916 model restored wooden New York Central caboose. They look as they did when they first went on line, with authentic, original colors.
Hollywood Racing Pigs
Also returning are the adorable racing pigs, sponsored by Little Caesars. Watch these speeding little piggies squeal around the track in the Infield Amusement Area near the Circus.
Horticulture Building
This ornate, landmark building is a favorite place for Fairgoers. Experience the sights and smells of spectacular arrangements of colorful plants and flowers. Tour displays presented by the Wildlife Art Organization. Visit the building’s inner courtyards with meticulously maintained gardens of shrubs and flowers planted by New York State Nurserymen. The Fair Flower Show is an excellent opportunity to see the wide rainbow of flowers and vegetables grown in New York.
I Love NY Exhibit
Why do so many people love to visit New York? A giant, tabletop replica of the state will help visitors to the Americraft Center of Progress Building identify its 11 different tourism regions and get specific information on the incredible range of attractions in each one. Visit booths by attractions from across the state that have interactive displays clustered around the map to help fairgoers experience unique tourist destinations firsthand.
International Building
Use your taste buds to celebrate New York's traditional role as a gateway for immigrants and a melting pot of diverse cultures. Explore the Fair's renovated International Building and find specialties from around the world. Whether you crave Caribbean empanadas, German bratwurst, Japanese tempura, Greek baklava or some other ethnic dish, you'll find it here.
Irish Choppers
Creativity thrives at the Fair as you can you watch a custom-made motorcycle be built from the chassis up at the Irish Choppers workshop on the Colonnade.
Iroquois Indian Village
Experience traditional music, dance, crafts and customs. Located at the west end of the Fairgrounds, the Village consists of historic and contemporary Iroquois exhibits. Fairgoers are also able to sample traditional native foods as well as purchase traditional and contemporary crafts from members of the Six Iroquois Nations.
James E. Strates Midway
The energy, excitement and pulse-pounding thrill of America’s last-remaining railroad carnival is back, with all of your traditional favorites. Hit the Midway for the best rides and games plus lots of fun every day of the Fair until midnight (Midway closing time subject to change without notice). The Strates Midway Ride-All-Day program lets visitors buy $25 wristbands that give them full access to the Midway rides for the entire day on the following dates... Thursday, Aug. 26; Friday, Aug. 27; Monday, Aug. 30; Tuesday, Aug. 31; Wednesday, Sept. 1; and Thursday, Sept. 2.
Kiddieland
A separate, smaller midway for young children put on by Strates Shows. Families can feel comfortable here, away from the breath-stealing thrills of the big midway rides and older crowds. In the Youth Activity Center.
Little Caesars Talent Showcase
New York State’s finest child and teen performers sing and dance in the Fair’s version of “American Idol”. The performers - the winners of county fair competition across the state - take the stage daily in mornings and afternoons for a chance to compete in the finals over Labor Day weekend. Located outside the main entrance of the Youth Building.
Living Statues
Man or marble? These impressive statues are not as inanimate as they appear, sponsored by Tarson Pools. Located around the fairgrounds.
Master of the Chainsaw, Sculptor Brian Ruth
Witness creation as internationally known sculptor Brian Ruth transforms an ordinary log into a detailed work of art with the use of only chainsaws. A three-foot tall carving can be completed in as little as 45 minutes. Brian will create four pieces a day from atop of the hill in front of the Youth Building in the Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Michael Hilby
The skinny German juggler with the giant unicycle! You’ll laugh. You’ll gasp. Then you’ll laugh again.
Milking Parlor
Twice a day, in the Toyota Dairy Cattle Center's Milking Parlor, cows at the Fair are milked. Then the milk is picked up and processed and returned to the Rainbow Milk Bar in the Dairy Products Center, where it is served to Fairgoers. Do you prefer white or chocolate?
Moo Country
It's in the Toyota Dairy Cattle Center and it's a chance for young and old to learn just about everything there is to know about New York's dairy breeds. Kids can come by and help feed calves their milk. There are calves to pet and a "farming for kids" video and "birthing a calf" video to watch. Information booths showing many interesting topics and fun for the whole family await you there.
New York Café/New York Grill
Savor the taste of New York at two restaurants with menus comprised exclusively of foods that were raised, produced or processed in the Empire State. Enjoy full breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks - all made with ingredients fresh from New York State farms. You'll find the NY Café in the Horticulture Building and the New York Grill in the Infield Amusement Area.
New York Maple Center
Learn about the history of maple production in New York State. The 1,600-square-foot New York Maple Center in the Horticulture Building has a demonstration kitchen that offers cooking-with-maple programs every day of the Fair. Taste samples of new products like maple barbeque sauce, maple flavored coffee, and spicy maple seasoning. Shop for traditional favorites - maple syrup, maple cream, and maple granulated sugar. Watch authentic maple sugar candy being made or try maple ice cream.
New York State Christmas Tree Growers
Let the New York State Christmas Tree Grower's Association get you in the mood for the Christmas holidays. Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and heart-shaped novelties compete for prizes on opening day of the Fair. There are wreath-making demonstrations daily in the activity tent outside the Horticulture Building.
New York State Grange Building
Come in and see what programs the NYS Grange are involved with. In addition, enjoy performances on the Grange Stage by old-country party bands, line dancers and lots and lots of cloggers.
New York State International Horse Show
One of the largest equestrian events in the Northeastern United States, the New York State Fair Horse Show will feature daily competitions offering tens of thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Horse pulls, jumping, draft horse driving and other events will be showcased in the Coliseum and the Country Max Racing Stables Horse Show Ring.
New York State Lottery Players Pavilion
The Lottery Players Pavilion houses the Lottery’s expanded retail and prize payment operations throughout the duration of the Fair. The space is also used to showcase various programs sponsored by the New York State Lottery as part of the agency’s mission to support education. Located next to the Times Square Tower.
New York State Police Exhibit
Visit the State Police exhibit in front of the Pepsi International Pavilion. Your jaw will drop as you watch the Mobile Response Team demonstrate “high angle rescue” and “tactical access” rappelling techniques from the 50-foot tower platform.
"1964 - The Tribute"
Re-live the British music invasion of 1964 when one of the world's best Beatles tribute bands takes the Chevy Court stage the evening of Aug. 31. Experience an entire day devoted to the nostalgia of the '60s with special contests, Beatles karaoke and much, much more.
Pan-African Village
Music and dance with African roots is performed here all day and in the evenings, every day of the Fair. The eclectic mix includes traditional drum circles, blues, gospel, jazz, reggae, funk, calypso and R & B. You’ll also find drill teams, storytellers, poets and even a kung fu exhibition. Taste Caribbean food and southern-style lemonade while you browse stands selling hard-to-find ethnic items. Located behind the Americraft Center of Progress Building.
Petting Zoo
The Girraffic Menagerie Petting Zoo... an experience like no other. Children arn't the only ones thrilled to have a girraffe gracefully bend to nibble a treat from an outstretched hand. Children can feed and pet a variety of exotic animals, ride ponies and see a giant tortoise. Located in the Infield Amusement Area.
Potato Booth
A steaming $1 baked potato with your favorite topping is still a favorite deal at the Crowley/Heluva Good Potato Booth in the Horticulture Building. How do you like it? With butter? With sour cream? With cheese?
Pride of New York Marketplace
An entire building at the fair’s main entrance has been turned into an old-time store stocked with foods from every corner of New York State. The marketplace will feature an ice cream stand as well as a variety of snack items, gourmet sauces, syrups, pastas and more… made with family recipes, all from the Empire State. You’ll be surprised to see how easy it is to shop locally. Buy a bagful on your way out.
Sand Sculpture
The amazing sand sculpture will return for a second year at the center of the Americraft Center of Progress. This year, the nearly 200-ton masterpiece will depict the varied tourism opportunities existing throughout New York State, illustrating that there truly is “So Much More Outside Your Door.”
Sea Lion Splash
These loveable animals are nature’s comedians. Their feats of balancing, retrieving, dancing and singing make them a hit with all ages. Located in the Youth Activity Center.
Strolling Performers
Performers wandering the fairgrounds this year include The Procrastinators sponsored by Canon Pools, imaginative drummers that lay down a beat using plastic jugs, garbage cans, stools…whatever happens to be around! Also be sure to watch for Bandaloni, who will be marching around in his one-man band playing anything from Elvis to AC/DC, sponsored by InTouch Wireless. And don't miss Fritter, a colorfully expressive furry, pink-haired loopy critter that sports a wide smile and duck-like strides.
Unique Shopping
Throughout the fairgrounds, you’ll find items for sale that aren’t normally available any other time of the year. With merchandise ranging from handcrafted items and cowboy clothing to outdoor spas, you better empty your car trunk before you come. Don’t forget all the time-saving, life-improving gadgets that you won’t realize you need until you see them demonstrated in the Americraft Center of Progress.
Veterans and 9/11 Memorial
Located in front of the Horticulture Building, the Veterans Memorial held its opening at the 1999 Fair and was expanded in 2001. It features an eternal flame, flag poles with bricks of all the wars at its base and stones for each branch of the service with individual bricks placed from the service branches. The 9/11 Memorial honors all those that lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Unveiled at the 2002 Fair, the Memorial is located between the two phases of the Veterans Memorial.
Wegmans/Pride of New York Kitchen
Plan to be at the Wegmans/Pride of New York Kitchen in the McNeil & Co. Art & Home Center. Experience the bounty of New York throughout the day as chefs from across the State hold cooking demonstrations and prepare dishes using mouthwatering, regional ingredients.
Wild About Monkeys
Experience the only traveling animal exhibit in the world that includes trained baboons. These performing primates, some of whom have appeared in movies such as "Evan Almighty," will amaze and amuse fairgoers of all ages. Located in the Adventure Zone.
Wild World of Animals
This educational, fun and fast-paced show gives spectators a close-up experience with creatures ranging from alligators, snakes and really big bugs to kangaroos, monkeys and really big cats. Don't blink, or you may miss an animal running, slithering, jumping or flying across the stage. Located in the Youth Activity Center.
Wool Center
If you've ever really wanted to see how sheep's wool becomes a sweater, stop by the Wool Center. You will see many different breeds of New York State sheep with displays of their wool and demonstrations of processing wool to yarn. The Wool Center, a favorite year after year, has been a Fair staple for more than three decades.