It wouldn’t be late August without the governor opening the New York State Fair…
"This is what we wait all year for, isn't it? The fair is back and I'm so excited to be here!" Hochul said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul stopped by to get the annual extravaganza underway. It’s back to 13 days after last year’s 18-day schedule conflicted with county fairs and proved difficult for vendors. Hochul says the state is continuing a commitment to improving the fairgrounds with another $35 million in projects. First is a new goat pavilion, which will replace temporary facilities.
"So this time next year, we're going to have 2,500 square feet of new show space, but also powered by solar energy. How much fun is that going to be? So, that's gonna be great. A new concessions building, a permanent home for New Yorkers to get their favorite treats, so I'm looking forward to that as well. That's going to be nice," Hochul said.
Hochul also highlighted specific upgrades that will be made to restaurant row, as well as to various animal exhibits.
"Improvements to restaurant row streetscape, new lighting and landscaping and seating and vendor spaces, and you have to have a brand new wool center. 2,500 square hundred feet a new sheep barn, three new horse barns, show ring, the seating area, so these are the investments we're gonna make, you'll see a difference next summer," Hochul said.
There will also be a state-of-the-art greenhouse and horticultural education center powered by solar panels. Besides the goat pavilion, most of the other projects won’t be completed until 2024 or 2025. The additional investment builds upon the $125 million in renovations and new construction that began in 2015, including the massive Exposition Center. The fair runs through Labor Day which is Monday, Sept. 5. More information on special days, events, concert line-ups and more is at nysfair.ny.gov.
