For thrill seekers, going to the fair means one thing: rides. From splashing into a pool of water to sitting on a painted carousel horse, rides are one of the biggest draws to the fair for many attendees, especially the younger crowd.

The annual Great New York State Fair runs from Aug. 25 until Sept. 5 in Syracuse, featuring food, exhibits and, of course, rides. All of the rides, which are provided by carnival ride company Wade Shows, are located at in the middle of the grounds.

There are over 20 options to choose from, including seven new rides that made their debut this year. The most talked about new ride was the Street Fighter 360, a giant claw that spins riders around more than 50 feet in the air.

Though admission to the Fair itself is only $10, prices for rides can run a little high: five tickets go for $6.25. Though this initially may sound inexpensive, most rides use anywhere between two to seven tickets; slower rides, like the Ferris wheel, cost only two tickets, but some thrill rides can cost up to seven.

Though a couple minutes of action may not seem worth the $6.25, don’t fear: an unlimited ride bracelet costs $25. This cost-effective option is better for a frequent rider or someone who plans to be at the fair all day.

Brian Baptist, a senior who has attended the fair every year since his freshman year, said he thinks the ticket prices are “pretty fair,” but sometimes a fun day can become a financial nightmare when factoring in admission tickets, parking fees and ride tickets.

“It ended up being pretty expensive, but overall I think it was worth it,” Baptist said.

Based on the length of the lines, the most popular rides were the Ferris wheel and the Scream, which is a ride that looks like an octopus. Riders sit in pods and get whipped around in a motion that similar to a kitchen mixer. Meanwhile, the Ferris wheel is much slower and more relaxed, but remains a fair staple for a reason.

“I love the Ferris Wheel,” said Carla Caban, a senior advertising major, as she stood in line for the ride. “You can see the entire fair from above and it looks so pretty, especially when the sunset hits and the sky is all pink and purple.”

One unique aspect of the New York State Fair that sets it apart from other fairs is the roller coaster, which is a ride not many state fairs have. Though it doesn’t quite compete with a coaster from Six Flags, it has enough drops and quick turns for any thrill-seeker to have fun.

“The roller coaster wasn’t that intense, but it was the only ride that didn’t make me want to throw up after eating 10 different fried foods,” Baptist said.

If rides aren’t your style, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the State Fair. There are tons of food vendors, live farm animals, and art booths. The fair also caters to music enthusiasts, hosting acts of all different genres, from rock band Chicago to pop-rapper Flo Rida.

There are a number of venues that host music acts, with the most popular acts performing at Chevy Court and the Lakeview Amphitheater. Though music performances are not located on the same grounds as the rides, fairgoers can take a shuttle to and from the fairgrounds and the amphitheater.

As the oldest and one of the largest state fairs in the country, the New York State Fair continues to impress, especially when it comes to its rides. Though the tickets can be pricey and the lines can run a little long during peak hours, carnival rides and concerts should always be a part of any fair experience.

Flo Rida – Thursday, September 1 at 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

Culture Club – Friday, September 2 at 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

Daughtry – Sunday, September 4 at 8 p.m. at Chevy Court

Chicago – Monday, September 5 at 6 p.m. at Chevy Court

Syracuse University Bands – Friday, September 2 at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Regional Artist Variety Stage

Published on August 29, 2016 at 9:47 pm

Contact Hanna: hrhorvat@syr.edu