Summer Fun at the Great New York State Fair

Less than 90 days until The Great New York State Fair. Located in Syracuse, this twelve day fair hosts almost one million visitors every year. People from around the state come to enjoy mouth watering foods, live entertainment, and unique shopping opportunities. There is fun for everyone; from the animal shows, free concerts in Chevy Court, right down to the carnival games and amusement rides.

Fair admission for the 2010 season is reasonably priced at $10.00 for those 12 years-old and older. Advance sale tickets will be sold for $6.00 each prior to the opening of the Fair. Under 12 are free, students 16 and younger have free admission on September 3^rd, and those 60 and older can enjoy free admission on August 30^th and 31^st. Throughout the duration of the fair concerts will be played on a nightly basis at the Mohegan Sun Grandstand. Admission for the fair is included in your price of the concert ticket for the day of the show.

The Fair runs this year from August 26^th until September 6^th. Each day the gates open at 8am and the buildings open at 10am and close at 10pm. The midway stays open every day until a slightly later time of midnight. On Labor Day, the last day of the fair, both the buildings and midway closes earlier.

There is ample parking at the fair. For most lots it cost $5 per vehicle, however, for the orange and brown lots you may conveniently use your E-Z Pass Plus. The lots closest to the main entrance do fill up quickly. Do not worry though if you have to park farther away then desired; a free shuttle bus will take you from your parking lot to the main entrance.

With so many exhibits, shows, and food choices at the Fair you would need a few days to experience everything. My top choices for children are; Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade, Coronas Hollywood Circus, Duck Races, Hollywood Racing Pigs, Kiddieland, Moo Country, New York State Police Exhibit, Petting Zoo, Sand Sculpture, and the Sea Lion Splash.

Over in the Youth Activity Area your children are allowed to slip circus costumes on for the Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade. After your children are dressed the parents join them for a parade around the Youth Activity Area. Your entire family will enjoy the Sea Lion Splash located right in the Youth Activity Center. Spunky little sea lions perform to music and the cheers of the crowd. If you are close enough be prepared to get wet. After the show, for a modest price, pictures can be taken with some of the sea lions.

Children love going under the Big-Top Tent for this amazing circus show. Clowns, acrobats, and animals perform to music. In the same area children can also enjoy a bounce around house and a petting zoo. For a few dollars you can purchase food and give your child the opportunity to feed a giraffe, goat, and even a donkey. Head on over to the Hollywood Pig Races located in the same area as the circus. These cute little pigs run around the racetrack as they are cheered on by fans of all ages.

In the Youth Activity Center your children will get a kick out of cheering on their favorite duck in the Duck Races. Also located nearby is Kiddieland. Here children can enjoy a smaller version of the Strates Midway.

Over in Moo Country the children learn everything they want to know about cows. They even get a chance to help out with the feeding of baby calves.

The sand sculpture is a must see for every child. Over 200- tons of sand is molded into a different theme every year. This year theme is centered around the many different tourist opportunities throughout New York State.

In front of the Pepsi International Building, children of all ages will be entertained by the New York State Police Exhibit. Here you will see rappelling techniques, McGruff the Crime Dog, and a NY State Police dog. Both children and parents are educated on safety matters such as the importance of seat belts.

If you have the opportunity to attend The Great New York State Fair you will not be disappointed. Delicious foods, plenty of shopping, and interesting shows and exhibits provide fun for everyone. This really is a great way to spend time with your family and an enjoyable way to end the summer.

Source:

www.nysfair.org/home