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Immediately after entering gate three at the Great New York State Fair, moos and manure waft toward visitors as they move into the Dairy Cattle Building. For those already feeling thirsty, a vending machine nearby sells milk of all flavors.

Md Zobayer Hossain Joati | Contributing Photographer

People enjoy a Dairy Cattle Show at the Great New York State Fair. Many owners came with their cattle to participate in a show competition.

The Cattle Building is just one part of the Fair – some entrances take visitors straight to the Iroquois Indian Village or Chevy Court, one of the music venues. Some visitors enter and hear clucks and neighs, while others hear “Cotton Eye Joe” playing at Miami Vice.

The Fair is hosted in Syracuse and attracts people from across the state. The 13-day event is approaching its final weekend. Syracuse University students can ride a shuttle to the Fair and explore its eats, animals, concerts and more.

Lars Jendruschewitz | Photo Editor

At the petting zoo, you can pet several animals, including llamas. Just be sure to obey those “Do Not Touch” signs for certain animals.

If you haven’t gotten sick of the animal smells, the Fair offers several opportunities to connect with them. You can pet a llama before watching someone put their arm into a horse enclosure after specifically being told not to.

Lars Jendruschewitz | Photo Editor

Looking for a refreshment? How about a refreshing lemonade out of a baby bottle?

One of the most iconic parts of any fair is the food, and there are several options to choose from at the Syracuse fairgrounds. Start your day with a two-foot-long lobster roll and have a punch or lemonade from a baby bottle. Finish your day with something pickle flavored – whether it’s pizza, lemonade, Pop-Tarts or your average fried pickles.

Many popular central New York foods can be found at the Fair. Beak & Skiff sells their 1911 hard ciders along with smoked meats and burgers. Several stands feature freshly squeezed lemonade in various sizes, even ones over a liter.

The New York State Maple Producers’ Association sells a range of maple products. You can find maple syrup, but also other maple-flavored foods like cotton candy and popcorn. The association vends both normal and obscure foods.

The NYSMPA are an example of how the Fair showcases what New York has to offer. The Carpenters Union Job and Training Opportunities has an apprenticeship program for 1,200 New York residents.

Other stands sell clothes, including New York Mets or Buffalo Bills jerseys. In addition, tie-dye can be found in many corners of the Fair along with other locally crafted goods.

Md Zobayer Hossain Joati | Contributing Photographer

Visitors enjoy Mighty Mouse, a roller coaster thrill ride at the Great New York State Fair. There were an array of rides available for the visitors.

After exploring the state’s vendors, head over to the carnival to test your limits. The Mighty Mouse is a jerky and short ride that might upset someone’s stomach after eating too much Fair food. Other rides can take you upside down or vertically while swinging back and forth.

If you’re feeling less daring, watch the sunset up above the entire Fair on the gondola or the Ferris wheel. Or, if you’re feeling daring with your money, find a carnival game to try to win a stuffed animal your size.

Lars Jendruschewitz | Photo Editor

As you end the day, take the skylift and overlook the fairgrounds as you ride into the sunset.

To take advantage of the carnival’s offerings, you must get a wristband near the entrance to redeem at all the stands as e-tickets.

The Fair also holds an array of performances. Catch a circus or smaller concerts in the Pan-African Village and Asian Village. The New York State Police display some of their missions, including demonstrations of its Underwater Search & Recovery Team and its Explosive Detection Canines.

Md Zobayer Hossain Joati | Contributing Photographer

Michelangelo Nock, along with other performers from The Nerveless Nocks, perform at the Great New York State Fair. The Nerveless Nocks are descendants of the Swiss Circus Family Nock and a respected aerial stunt artists.

Ahead of the Fair’s last weekend, several concerts will take place. The largest of the concerts take place at Suburban Park and Chevy Court. So far, Megan Moroney has made history as the second-largest concert ever at the Fair with 47,000 attendees and TLC canceled their show due to T-Boz’s illness.

Md Zobayer Hossain Joati | Contributing Photographer

Attendees enjoy a concert at the Great New York State Fair, Syracuse, New York on Aug. 25, 2024.

Fans will find better luck this weekend with Flo Rida’s return to central New York following his Juice Jam headline last year. Other headliners include rapper Rick Ross and JAMS Funk Fest, a regional celebration of R&B and funk.

As the 2024 Great New York State Fair comes to a close on Monday, spend your Labor Day weekend enjoying all it has to offer.

Published on August 29, 2024 at 2:09 am

Contact Rosina: rlboehm@syr.edu