My wife and I and our two youngest kids (ages 10 and 12) decided that this summer we were going to make a "bucket list", basically up to ten things we could do that were out of our normal day-to-day schedule. Nothing particularly expensive or time consuming. Well we have been attending local county fairs for years in NY, the Schaghticoke Fair and Washington County Fair, but this year we decided to make the 3-1/2 hour drive to Syracuse to visit the NYS Fair. My wife grew up in central Indiana and she's used to the Indiana State Fair and big county fairs. I've never been to a State Fair. So we're going on August 24th, early in the AM and planning to stay all day into the early evening. Pretty much skipping the Midway. Any advice from recent fair goers as to what to see and do, what the best deals are and what to avoid? We are somewhat food fanatics so anything food related is a big plus. Daughter is into horses and son is into environmental/sustainability stuff. We are also planning on raising chickens so we want to look at the poultry exhibits.
Well, I would think a Thursday would be much better than a Saturday or Sunday! You probably already know that if you buy tickets ahead they are cheaper. I hope you have great weather and a great time!
Sounds like a great bucket list plan Jon_E If you haven't looked yet, I'm sure there's a schedule online...
Try to make it every year. Food-everything from sit down dining to chicken, fish, Dinosaur BBQ, an ox roast and the typical burgers, etc. Usually several cars on display, a few tractors, and shows, both free and grandstand big time concerts. A weekday would be less crowded. Check the schedule for the day you plan to go. I'm sure you'll have fun.
We went a few years ago and there is quite a bit to see and buy of course! Lots of animals big and small especially poultry! I think the fair may have lead to our chicken collection here too. Like the other guys said check and see event times and such to really make the most of the day there. Don't forget some of the other cool things in the area like the Syracuse zoo. We were there two weeks ago for the first time it was pretty neat and worth the few bucks not to mention five minutes from the fairgrounds.