Listed below are most of the attractions and events you will see during the 2008 New York State Fair. When you come to the Fair, make sure to pick up your INSIDER'S GUIDE! These Coupon-filled Insider’s Guides are available for free at the gate. The guide not only gives you a daily information schedule for these attractions & events, but a packet of money-saving coupons from vendors throughout the Fair.
Click here for a list of Daily Schedules for each day of the Fair.
Agricultural & Carriage Museums
The Fair’s Agricultural Museum lets you experience what New York farm life was like in the 18th century, and learn about the history of the state’s wine industry. Broom-making, weaving, flax to linen, woodworking, hearthside cooking and soap-making demonstrations. The Fair’s Carriage Museum features more than 50 horse-drawn vehicles, a blacksmith demonstration, and a pair of complete horse skeletons. In addition, dozens of antique tractors are on display. Across from the Coca-Cola Coliseum, open 10:00am to 8:00pm 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 Coca-Cola Coliseum, and the 4-H & FFA areas. For a full list of all our 2008 Livestock Schedules click here.
Antique Tractor Display
An Agricultural Heritage Exhibit... a collection of antique farm tractors together with a selection of certain other historic and unique farm implements. These tractors are generally retired farm tractors 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... the first next to the Agriculture Museum and the second one is inside Gate 10.
Art and Craft Exhibitions
From fine arts and photography to quilting, woodworking and needlepoint, some of New York’s most talented artists display their work and compete for ribbons. Located in the McNeil & Co. Art & Home Center.
Banana Derby
NEW! And they’re off! Tiny monkey jockeys race on the backs of loveable dogs four times a day. Located next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand.
Bear Mountain
NEW! Enormous Syrian brown bears ride bicycles, play basketball and perform other amazing tricks. Three shows daily, next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand.
Beef Barn Jamboree
NEW! After the cows have come home, the Beef Barn Jamboree fills the show ring with authentic country music on August 22, August 26 and August 29 at 7:30pm. Assisted by the Cortland Country Music Park and Hall of Fame. At the Beef Cattle Barn. Click here for more information!
Butter & Cheese Sculptures
Visit the Dairy Products Building to see how hundreds of pounds of butter were turned into art to mark the 40th 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.
Coca-Cola Rest 'N Eat Areas
Convenient, covered resting/eating areas throughout the Fairgrounds.
Commerford Petting Zoo
A fair family favorite. Kids can look into the eyes of a giraffe, feed a zebra, ride a camel and much, much more. Located in the Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Coronas Hollywood 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 acrobats, trained animals and lots of clowns. A special added attraction is Kids-Fest and the Girraffic Adventure Zoo.
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 McNeil & Co. Art & Home Center.
Daily Parade
Let the Fair come to you. Every evening at 6:00pm, 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 Indian/Iroquois Village. Sponsored by Midstate Golf Cart.
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 dairy products industry in our State. Learn about the industry and the special role it plays in the state's economy. Got music? Also see featured performers including a variety of singers, a blues band, and even a magician. Monday, August 25 is Dairy Day at the New York State Fair, click here for a complete schedule of events (PDF).
Emerging Artists Spotlight
NEW! Young rock bands hoping to make it big travel from across New York State and give it their all in the evenings. At least 16 different groups will perform August 22 and August 25-31, starting at 7:00pm on the Little Caesars Talent Showcase stage. Located outside the main entrance of the Youth Building. Hosted by SubCat Studios and Aux Records. Click here for more information!
Fair Access for the Deaf (FAD)
Providing sign language interpreters at the Fair since 1988. Thirty sign language interpreters travel to Syracuse from all across the State to interpret more than 300 events during the Fair. Interpreters are easy to spot in their blue shirts with the FAD logo on the back. Fairgoers also may request interpreters to join their groups. Find schedules of interpreted events and how to contact an interpreter at the Guest Relations Booth, inside the Main Gate (Gate 1). Click here to view FAD's website.
Fairgoer Contests & Giveaways
You can win some great stuff just by coming to the New York State Fair.
The possibilities include:
- New York Central Mutual has a daily drawing before each Chevy Court show for a $500 gas card.
- The Fuccillo Auto Mall has a drawing for a "Huge" screen television on the last day of the Fair.
Freddy Fusion
NEW! Science class was never like this! The zany science magician brings his interactive lab to the fair. It’s so much fun, kids won’t realize they’re learning! Five shows daily in the Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Gospel Weekend
Our annual Gospel Sunday is so popular that we’ve added a second day! Ricky Dillard will perform at 6:30pm Saturday evening, August 23 and J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise will perform at 4 and 8 pm Sunday, August 24. On the Little Caesars Talent Showcase stage, located outside the main entrance of the Youth Building.
The Harlem Wizards
NEW! The “trick hoopz and alley oops” of this famous basketball show team will leave you gaping in amazement and shaking with laughter. Located outside the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
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
NEW! Little piggies in racing silks scamper around a special racetrack. Kids will squeal with delight. Located at the Infield Amusement Area near the Coronas Hollywood Circus.
Horticulture Building
A favorite place for Fairgoers features spectacular arrangements of colorful plants and flowers. Tour displays presented by the Wildlife Art Organization. Visit the 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 species and varieties of flowers and vegetables grown in New York. Also, you can't miss the Giant Sand Sculpture!
I Love NY Exhibit
NEW! 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. From limestone caverns and ocean beaches, to sports hall of fame and fine art museums, you’ll find lots of ways to vacation close to home.
Indian/Iroquois Village
Step onto a slice of sovereign Iroquois territory and 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. Visitors can relax under the trees and enjoy traditional social dances at 11:00am, 4:00pm and 7:00pm daily. Friday, August 29 is Native American Day.
James E. Strates Midway
The energy, excitement and pulse-pounding thrill of America’s last-remaining railroad carnival is back, with six new rides and 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). On six of the Fair’s 12 days, visitors can buy $25 wristbands that give them full access to the Midway for the entire day. The price goes down to $20 on August 21, with a Pepsi coupon available at participating Tully’s restaurants; on August 22, with a Coca-Cola coupon available at participating Fastracs; and from August 25 to August 28, with a coupon from the Fuccillo Automotive Group, available at all Fuccillo dealerships.
The Joseph A. Ferko String Band
This world-famous, elaborately costumed mummer group performs August 25 and August 26.
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 Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Kinney Drugs Hall of Health
The Hall of Health, in the Science and Industry building, is home during the Fair to health service organizations. Come learn about your well-being and sample healthy foods.
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.
Live! Shark Encounter
Keep your fingers crossed as divers enter a tank filled with dangerous sharks to swim with, pet, and even hug these prehistoric monsters of the deep Located in the Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Living Statues
Man or marble? You won’t be sure unless they move. Located around the fairgrounds.
Lost Kid Tags
Brightly colored ID tags help reunite lost kids and parents. Wegmans says you should enjoy yourself at the Fair, but it also is important that your kids are protected. Make sure you pick up a Lost Kid Tag available at entrance gates, from New York State Troopers and Guest Relations employees.
Masters 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. Also make sure to look for Jen Ruth of "Chainsaw Chix" to perform two of the shows on both Wednesday, August 27 and Friday, August 29 at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Sponsored by WF Saunders & Sons.
Maximum Velocity BMX Bike Show
Kids, don’t try this at home. Daredevil riders defy gravity with jaw-dropping stunts. Three to four shows daily, next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand.
McNeil & Co. Art and Home Center
Come see culinary demonstrations, photography exhibits, arts and crafts, a variety of entertainment and much more. Listen to organ recitals in the New Times Theater or visit sometimes as dramatic accompaniment to screenings of old, silent films. For more musical history go to the Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum, click here for a event schedule. You can also enjoy a sit-down meal in air-conditioned comfort in the Empire Room Restaurant. The 74th annual Women's Day program is Wednesday, August 27.
Michael Hilby
The skinny German juggler with the giant unicycle! You’ll laugh. You’ll gasp. Then you’ll laugh again. Sponsored by Spas Unlimited.
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 at 9:00am, 1:00pm, 5:00pm and 9:00pm. 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. Although the main part of the dairy cattle barn is closed on August 28 for the changing of the breeds, Moo Country will still be open and their will be several types of different breeds in the aisles next to the Moo Country Red Barn.
New York Maple Center
NEW! The 1,600 sq. ft. New York Maple Center opened in the Horticulture Building. A demonstration kitchen offers cooking-with-maple programs at 12 noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. every day of the Fair. Learn about the history of maple production in New York State. 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 Power Authority
Come see how the New York Power Authority “generates more than electricity” for the Empire State. Located in the middle of the Verizon Center of Progress, NYPA’s exhibit includes information about our three visitors centers, useful giveaways and a daily raffle, all promoting environmentally positive practices for home and office.
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 with over $60,000 in prizes. Horse pulls, jumping, draft horse driving and other events will be showcased in the Coca-Cola Coliseum and the Country Max Racing Stables Horse Show Ring. Sponsored by Cazenovia Equipment.
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.
New York State Police Exhibit
Visit the State Police exhibit in front of the Pepsi International Pavilion. They are marking 91 years on the job at the State Fair this year. See the Mobile Response Team demonstrate “high angle rescue” and “tactical access” rappelling techniques from the 50-foot tower platform.
New York State Public Service Commission
In the Americraft Center of Progress. Everyone who takes the energy quiz gets a cool give-away and is entered in daily prize drawings. Fun things for kids and energy saving tips that can save you money!
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.
Paragon Jousting & Adventure Theater
NEW! Watch mounted knights thunder toward each other with lances leveled and cheer your favorites as they clash with ringing broadswords. Verily, ’tis a sight. On Labor Day only, with three different shows in the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
Champion lumberjacks amaze crowds with demonstrations of log rolling, tree climbing, axe throwing, speed chopping and other deep woods skills. Located next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand.
Pepsi International Food Pavilion
The Pepsi International Food Pavilion is a celebration of music, dance, crafts and cuisine from cultures around the world. From polka bands to belly dancing troupes, an astounding variety of ethnic entertainment unfolds here daily. There’s Yiddish music and bluegrass music. There’s Greek dancing, salsa dancing, folk dancing and square dancing. Don’t miss the mini-Oktoberfest, Saturday, Aug.30, or Irish Heritage Day, Sunday, Aug. 24.
Pirates of the Sky
NEW! This one-of -a-kind pirate troupe performs on high wires 50 feet above the ground. Three to four shows daily, next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand.
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
NEW! 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
This giant 100-ton work of art is unlike anything you’ll ever see at the beach. Located in the Horticulture Building. Sponsored by Leo A. Kline.
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 Price Chopper Youth Activity Center.
Statewide Sports Competition
Top New York State high school athletes compete in karate, gymnastics, basketball and other sports. See basketball clinics and games with the top girls in the state on August 25 through August 26 and the boys on August 28 through August 29. Located in front of the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Strolling Performers
Performers wandering the fairgrounds this year include NEW! The Procrastinators, imaginative drummers that lay down a beat using plastic jugs, garbage cans, stools…whatever happens to be around! Also to listen for is the NEW! Alfred St. John’s Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band - the sounds of the Caribbean in Central New York. You will also see various marching bands - you’ll hear them coming as part of the Fair’s daily, 6:00pm parade. And don't miss Fritter, a colorfully expressive furry, pink-haired animal that sports a wide smile and duck-like strides.
Thomas & Friends
The precocious little train engine is back with his pals to delight young children. Located in the Price Chopper Youth Activity Center. Also make sure to see Thomas in the Fair's Daily Parade at 6:00pm as it goes around Chevy Court. Sponsored by Allstate.
The Twin Magicians
NEW! You’ll think you‘re seeing double... and that’s before they start the illusions! Four shows daily, around the fairgrounds.
Unique Shopping
Throughout the Fair, you’ll find items for sale that aren’t normally available any other time of the year. Whether it’s a handcrafted item, a Fair souvenir or that gadget you didn’t realize you needed until you saw it, you’ll find it here.
Visions New York - Innovation at the Center of Progress
NEW! This new exhibit marks a return to the original purpose of the Americraft Center of Progress Building: to showcase innovative New York products, technologies and business ideas. “Green” innovations and environmental sustainability will receive special attention. Visitors will see cars that run on hydrogen, power made from burning weeds, eyeglasses that put you inside video games and much, much more. A must-see for anyone who’s excited about the business future of New York State.
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
NEW! Plan to be at the newly remodeled 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.
Wildlife Art Exhibit
This popular exhibit containing the work of some of New York's finest wildlife painters and sculptors has been recognized over the years as a "must see" on the Fairgrounds. On display in the Horticulture Building.
Uncork New York! Wine Village & Grandstand Winery
NEW! Relax with a glass of New York State wine in the shade of our new, tented Wine Village, located outside the Coca-Cola Coliseum or the Grandstand Winery, next to the Mohegan Sun Grandstand behind the Horticulture Building. Buy it by the glass or in bottles to take home. Discover why New York wines are winning awards throughout the world and why wine-lovers love New York: tradition, diversity, quality.
Upstate Unplugged
NEW! A series of Central New York performers will take the stage in between the 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. sets of the national acts. Whether you like jazz singers, acoustic guitars or barbershop quartets, we’ve got something for you. Click here for more information!
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, celebrates its 33rd year at the Fair.
Women's Day
Ghirardelli Chocolate Competition in the Culinary Arts Department, Chef Bob from Wegmans demonstrating in the newly remodeled Demonstration Kitchen, Wendell Rotter playing the Wurlitzer Organ in the New Times Theater, and on going demonstrations in the Arts and Crafts and Fine Arts Depts., are just few of the sights, sounds and smells in the Art & Home Center on Women’s Day, Wednesday, August 27. Luncheon at 12:15 in the Empire Room ($20.00 includes lunch and Fair admission) and a program “Living Green” where three speakers will address the issues of sustainability, organic farming and eco-fabrics. In addition a mini-fair will be set up in Chevy Court. Bring your friends! Register for luncheon before August 1 by calling 315-487-7711 ext. 1265.
