Historic Moment: No State Fair this year

By Beth Batlle

Skaneateles Town Historian

Since there will not be a State Fair this year it seems appropriate that we look back on the history of this very popular event so Skaneateles residents will appreciate it more when the fair is allowed to open again in the future.

The first New York State Fair was held in September of 1841 in Syracuse on North Salina Street.

It was operated by the New York State Agricultural Society with the intent of improving agricultural methods for the farmers in the state. The 1,500 people who attended witnessed displays of livestock along with farming implements and other agricultural equipment. The day would end with a farmer’s wholesome dinner in the evening.

The next year the fair moved to Albany. In the following years the fair was held in Rochester, Elmira, Utica, Buffalo, Saratoga, Watertown, New York City, Poughkeepsie and finally in nearby Auburn..

Then 100 acres of pasture land west of Syracuse was offered to the Agricultural Society for a cost of $30,000 as a site for the fair. The first fair there was in 1890. However, the fair was not a huge success and, in 1900, the state took over the property and operated the fair.

In 1900 a mile long racing track was built and, in 1923, a coliseum was underway. The Indian Village was added in 1928. And, to increase attendance, an amusement area was included. Later, in 1928, an agricultural museum was added, followed by a carriage museum constructed nearby.

During World War I and II the grounds were used as a training area for the U.S. Army.

Then in 1944 a nearby Solvay Process dike broke, spilling waste product into the Fair grounds. Rather than move to another site, a massive cleanup followed and the State Fair remains on the same site today.

Each year hundreds of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and poultry are exhibited. Youngsters who are members of the 4-H and Future Farmers of America also participate. And in the Center of Progress building one can find anything from nuts to cookware and floor cleaners.

Not only is the fair an educational exhibition, there is the midway experience.

Here, among the smells of popcorn, fried dough, and hot dogs wafting in the air, hackers voices can be heard calling the fair goes to stop at their booths and part with their money.

And as the giant ferris wheel turns, raising riders high into the sky, screams of delight – or terror – add to the excitement of the Fair experience. Growing from a threes day experience, the fair days have increased to two weeks and attendance increased to the thousands. All this will be missed this year, but there is always hope for next year.