The State Fair celebrates its 10th Pride Day during the 2025 edition. It became the first state fair in the country to establish a day for recognizing LGBTQIA+ community. In preview of the moment, the Fair raised the flag once more this week outside its main gates in Syracuse. Senator Rachel May said she’s spoken with Trans and Queer young adults who, unfortunately, are still waiting for acceptance by their parents.
“It just doesn’t make me sad, it makes me realize how much this kind of event and how much the whole price celebration is needed to remind people that we are all worthy human-beings and those connections are important,” she said.
The first openly gay Syracuse Common Councilor says he relates. Jimmy Monto said creating safe spaces is key for young LGBTQ people.
“It is our jobs to make sure we are embracing those young people and making them understand that there is community out there for them. It can be in your living room," he said. "It can be any of us doing anything to make them feel safe in that moment.”
Pride Day is the first Friday of the Fair. Along with raising the Rainbow Flag, revelers will enjoy a parade and several free concerts with fair admission. They include Jessie Murph, The Lady Gaga Tribute, country artist Lily Rose and Neon Trees. The State Fair opens two days earlier on Wednesday, August 20th this year. Click here for the complete Pride Day concert schedule.
