It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through August. But before we trade the beach gear for fall jackets, we still have some time left for one of my favorite summer traditions. The 174th Great New York State Fair is almost here, and I’m looking forward to taking in the sights, food and great entertainment planned this year.

From Aug. 21 to Sept. 2, folks from around the state and beyond will come to Central New York to enjoy everything the fair has to offer, from a celebration of our state’s agriculture to entertainment and food. The New York State Fair began with a two-day state fair — the nation’s first — held in Syracuse in 1841 to promote agriculture. To show how far we’ve come, last year’s 13-day fair brought in a record 1,279,010 visitors.

As one of New York State’s foremost traditions, the state fair offers numerous activities to entertain people young and old, from the rides on the Wade Shows Midway to live entertainment at the fair’s six stages, including Chevy Court. In 2018, the Chevy Court Concerts, which are free with fair admission, drew in more than 250,000 people. The fair also hosts a number of exhibits and attractions showcasing the state’s agriculture such as museums, livestock competitions, the dairy cow birthing center and the annual butter sculpture display. Additionally, you can stop by the New York State Assembly’s booth to learn more about what we’re doing in Albany to help you.

There will also be several special and themed days, including:

• Pride Day on Friday, Aug. 23, to celebrate the LGBTQ community with a morning flag raising ceremony, afternoon performances in the Empire Theater and a parade at 6 p.m.;

• Law Enforcement Day on Monday, Aug. 26, to honor law enforcement members with free admission to active or retired personnel and a ceremony at the Horticulture Building;

• Fire & Rescue Day on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to honor members of fire and emergency services with free admission to active or retired personnel and a ceremony at the Horticulture Building;

• Beef Day on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to celebrate the beef industry in New York State and pay tribute to the hardworking beef producers;

• Women’s Day on Wednesday, Aug. 28, will feature reduced-price admission, the annual Women’s Day Luncheon, an art exhibit at the Art & Home Center and a mini fair at the Chevy Court;

• Armed Forces Day on Thursday, Aug. 29, to celebrate service members in the military with free admission and a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial; and

• Dairy Day, Thursday, Aug. 29, to celebrate New York’s dairy industry.

In addition, the fair will once again host the Taste NY Food Truck Competition during the last two days of the fair, Sept. 1 and 2, featuring 40 different food trucks from across the state offering $3 samples. The NYS Drone Film Festival also returns to offer individuals a chance to enter their films and photography, and educate their fellow fairgoers on the beneficial ways drones are being used.

Information regarding both competitions, as well as the latest news on the fair, maps and a schedule of events can be found on the New York State Fair’s website at nysfair.ny.gov. It’s an honor for Central New York to host this great, annual tradition and I encourage everyone to attend at least one day so you can get a taste of the wonderful things our state has to offer.

And as always, if you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 315-452-1115 or [email protected].