Oldest State Fair to Resume in 2021

Oldest State Fair in the Country Will Resume in 2021 With Plenty of Dairy

In mid-June, New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the 2021 Great New York State Fair, an end-of-summer celebration held in Syracuse, New York, from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6, will not only be open for business (last year’s New York State Fair was cancelled due to the pandemic — the first time since WWII) but will be prepared for 100% capacity. This year’s New York State Fair, which dates back to 1841 and is the oldest state fair in the nation, will be 18 days in duration — the longest ever for this annual event. In recent years, it has attracted more than a million people annually.

“The State Fair is New York’s signature end-of-summer fest, and thanks to our ongoing efforts to follow safety guidelines and get more people vaccinated, the 2021 New York State Fair will be even bigger and better,” said Cuomo. “This is a testament to our remarkable progress against COVID, making it possible for thousands more visitors from across the country to enjoy the unique attractions and experiences that show the best of what New York has to offer. I encourage everyone to make the trip to Central New York this summer and support our New York vendors, as we continue to reopen our economy and bring back beloved big events across the state.”

The governor originally announced that the state fair would move forward on April 26, but at only 50% capacity and without access to most buildings. Since then, however, public health conditions have improved dramatically due to more vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases.

Dairy activities will be in full swing when the fair returns this summer, according to Dave Bullard, marketing and public relations manager of the Great New York State Fair. “Agriculture is the reason the fair exists, and the dairy industry is a huge part of New York agriculture,” he said. “We’re always eager to host our dairy events, but this year is especially great because last year we weren’t able to do anything. It’s a great feeling to know that dairy will absolutely be here this year.”

The Dairy Products Building is a must for fairgoers eager to take a peek at the iconic butter sculpture and purchase 25-cent samples at the milk bar, as well as enjoy a host of other New York State dairy products and dairy-themed displays. On Dairy Day, Thursday, Aug. 26, many events are planned, and hundreds of New York State-made dairy products are expected to be entered by processor and manufacturers in a variety of competitions. Cows will again return to show at the Dairy Barn.

Under the expanded model announced by the governor, fair-goers will be able to enjoy live music and entertainment, Midway amusement rides and concerts, as well as delicious foods, like pizza fritte and funnel cakes.

Indoor space may still be subject to capacity limits to allow attendees to be socially distanced within each building, and those who are unvaccinated will be asked to wear masks throughout the fairgrounds, although they will not be asked for proof of vaccination. Attendees will be required to follow COVID-19 health guidelines from the New York State Department of Health that are in affect at the time of the event. Further details will be announced closer to the fair’s opening day.

Tickets will cost only $3 in 2021, a significant reduction from past years, with children under 12 admitted free.

MASSACHUSETTS TO BRING BACK THE BIG E

In Massachusetts, the Eastern States Exposition, commonly referred to as the Big E, is back, Sept. 17 through Oct. 3, 2021, after having been cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The event, which was first held in 1917, is located in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and is inclusive of all the New England States. It is the sixth largest fair in the country. Dairy-related events include a butter sculpture sponsored by the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, as well as 4-H and Future Farmers of American competitions and dairy cattle judging. For more information on The Big E!, go to www.thebige.com.