5 Things I Wish Would Change At The NYS State Fair
Posted by Mitch Mitchell on Apr 1, 2014
I’ve been going to the New York State Fair for decades. I’ve always had a good time, but over the last couple of years my wife and I have gone to the Fair and headed back home in less than two hours. At first I wondered what the problem was, but as I sat down to think about it I realized that we’re both bored with what we see.
1. Let’s get some new things for the Center of Progress building. Back in the day, you used to go to the Center of Progress building knowing that you were going to see some new technology along with some favorites such as the sand sculpture, the fudge in the corner, and of course all the government and special interest group booths. Last year they finally had something new, and yet it was something old, that being recliners that massaged your entire body; all of them hurt me in some way. Since Syracuse is trying to publicize itself as a technology center, it would be cool if some of that newer technology or newer products found a place in the building, and maybe move a lot of the things such as candy and peanuts somewhere else.
2. Someone’s got to say it, so it might as well be me. When it Syracuse suddenly become a country town? From my perspective it seems that the majority of the Grandstand major concerts every year are either country acts or teenybopper acts, and I can’t even remember the last time I went to a performance of anything. There needs to be more diversity in the major acts, and I’m of the opinion that people will pay more money for some performers who might not normally play for smaller crowds but might be willing to come play at an outdoor venue. I remember some major acts that used to come play in the 80s, so someone has to be willing to come play now.
3. Put more effort into advertising which animals are going to be on display on which days. The last couple years have been disappointing to me, and that’s saying something because I usually don’t like animals to begin with. However, I did try to go see the llamas and the sheep, and some other things I can’t remember right now, only to be told that they were displayed in the first couple of days and then sent away to bring in different animals that were more common. Maybe there’s a schedule posted somewhere, since those who display the animals obviously know when to bring them, but I don’t know how to find it and I can’t be the only one.
4. Find a way to boost the energy both in the dairy building and the horticulture building. The butter sculpture is always pretty good, but the displays and booths in the building leave a lot to be desired, especially for us non-milk drinkers. And some of what I have seen in the horticulture building over the last couple years has been pretty boring and lackluster, and it has to take more than people being able to spend a dollar for a baked potato to really get our juices going.
5. Aren’t we New York? I’m of the opinion that over the course of 12 days there should be at least two days where there’s some kind of “wow” factor. Maybe it’s famous actors who were originally from the Central New York area; maybe it’s famous athletes who were originally from central New York, or played for Syracuse University. I think it would be great to bring in people like that, or even other famous people, to spend three or four hours somewhere signing autographs and taking pictures with the fairgoers. And if you advertise it far enough in advance, you’d probably get some amazing crowds and you’d give the public something that they’re not going to get at any other state fair in the country.
That’s what I have for now. Does anyone else have any ideas that they think would help to stimulate more interest and more fun at the New York State Fair?
Last year was the first year in decades that I didn’t go to the Fair. I think I was having the same thoughts as you Mitch–it just seemed old hat.
I agree with you on most of your ideas, especially better diversity at Grandstand and Chevy Court shows–perhaps the new folks will do better since the old crew seemed to be plagued with scandals on contracts.
More sports events–the boxing and basketball are fun, but too few and poorly advertised.
Better outreach in general–Every year I forget to see the art show!
I like the attempt to create smaller performance stages for things like gospel, local rock bands and the Pan-African village. Better and more performers at all these areas.
So Mitch–you got me interested in the State Fair and it’s only April! I’ll definitely be going this year as Southside Johnny will be at Chevy Court.
Well, I have to admit I’m not a Southside Johnny fan, but that qualifies as something a bit different, being more of a local group. They seemed so shocked last year that Fair attendance was down; they shouldn’t be because if one doesn’t have kids it does get boring. I also wish they had a different location for the Native American exhibits so it would be more prominent and easier to get to; once again I have to own up to something, this time that I skip it most of the time because I’m tired by the time I get there, since I always start at the Center of Progress building.
Mitch–Definitely take the tram down to the Indian Village if you start your excursions up at the main Gate. When I was younger I used to scoff at the tram–but now I’m in my 50’s and I need it! The Indian Village is nice because it’s a sea of green amidst the parking lots and flat spaces.
Actually, we always park at the other end of the Fair, thus we have to walk the entire Fairgrounds so we can start at the Center of Progress building and work our way back. That’s why we’re so tired when we finally get close.