People who enjoy the New York State Fair will once again have the chance to get a taste of the event in the middle of winter. The fairgrounds new Expo Center allows organizers to put rides, shows, food vendors and other staples of the summer event into a venue suitable for the cold season. State Fair Director Troy Waffner expects tens of thousands to come … and jokes he has to fill the huge event space in which New York State invested millions.
"How do we fill this building? When the governor built it, he was pretty clear with his mandate: Fill it, or...he didn't say 'be fired,' but I assume that's what he meant at the end of the day. The first real year of booking it...the Winter Fair is a really standard in that in February."
Waffner and Promoter Steve Becker say there will be an indoor Ferris wheel, along with a mini-midway, familiar food vendors, a variety of music acts, and fireworks Friday and Saturday nights. County Executive Ryan McMahon supports the event. He notes it helps drive the economic activity that pays for local government.
"Sales tax is our number one revenue for both the county and city governement. You need to invest back into events that will help grow that revenue, and have people come out and spend money, have people from outside the area come here. This event will help continue to enhance arts and culture experience, that entertainment experience."
Last year’s event drew more than 25,000 people, according to organizers. The Winter Fair 2020 will take place at the State Fairgrounds Expo Center February 7 through 9.
FAIR FOOD FAVORITES AT WINTERFAIR
- Villa Pizze Fritte
- Henry's Hen House
- Kiki's Authentic Greek Food
- Limp Lizard BBQ
- Baked Potato Express
- Glazed and Confused Donuts
MUSICAL ACTS
- The Barndogs with Miss E
- Atlas
- Just Joe
- The Brownskin Band with Joe Driscoll
- Hard Promises
- Country Swagg
There will also be a performance fro the winner of the Jewish Community Center Battle of the Bands, and a 90-minute Gospel Sunday program under the direction of Dr. Joan Hillsman, presented by the NAACP.
More information on food and merchandise vendors, rides, and entertainment will be posted in January at nyswinterfair.com.
