By David Tyler
The largest agricultural trade show in the Northeast will be returning to Pompey next August.
Empire Farm Days, which features about 600 exhibitors and attracts 25,000 visitors, will take place Aug. 3 to 5 at the Palladino Farms on Sweet Road. The farm is also home to Heritage Hill Brewhouse and Kitchen and the Farmhouse Café.
Palladino Farms hosted the event five times between 1978 and 1987. Empire Farm Days has been held at a farm in Seneca Falls since 1988.
Originally called Potato Field Days, the origins of Empire Farm Days date back to 1930. The show has been held every year since, except for four years around World War II and this year, when it was cancelled because of the pandemic. Visitors are expected to come from all over New York and the Northeast, and vendors from all over the globe will be on site to show off the newest agricultural products and technologies.
The show is newly owned by Lee Newspapers, which publishes agriculture newspapers and hosts agricultural shows and fairs. Plans call for Empire Farm Days to be held annually at Palladino Farms until at least 2029.
“I never in a million years saw this happening,” said Dan Palladino, flanked by his brother, Nick, and his three children, Nataila, Nunzio and Nico. “What I really want is to bring back that feeling that I felt as a kid.”
Palladino became emotional when Nataila approached the microphone and talked over her dad’s fond memories of the event as a child and how proud she was that it’s being brought back to the family farm.
Even though it is a major regional event, he said he wants it to really have a Pompey flavor and be a fundraising opportunity for local charitable organizations.
“It’s a phenomenal event, and to be able to bring it back, not just to Pompey, but to this farm, is special,” said Pompey Supervisor Renee Rotondo. “What Dan and Nick and your family are doing for this family farm is really impressive.”
“I’m ecstatic about it. This is really one of the most beautiful places in the county,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon “What a great way to showcase what we have to offer here in Central New York.”
Empire Farm Days will take place on about 66 acres of field to the west of the barn and restaurant. It is expected to have an economic impact of about $2.5 million for area businesses.
