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New York State Fair 2015 - New Traditions and Old Favorites are on Display

People anxious for the start of the 2015  New York State fair have to wait no longer as it begins its 12-day run Thursday.

During a preview event, fair officials drew attention to some the changes they feel will interest fairgoers including Equine Avenue. Cazenovia College Professor Doctor Karin Bump hopes it gets more people interested in the horse events and this part of the agriculture industry.

“It gives the state fair goers an opportunity to get close and personal with the horses, which has been a little bit of a struggle as we get so many people visiting the fair. They will have an opportunity to come in, experiences horses first hand. There are activities for the children  to do, they can ask questions, visit some colleges..."

Six horses will be on display, allowing people to get closer than they do at competitions.  Another new farm event will be back this year.  Jessica Zimm of the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition says people are fascinated by the calf birthing exhibit.

" This is real life. Last year we actually did a c-section infront of  about 900 people in here. We would have had to do the c-section if we are home on the farm. I think it's fascinating for people to see cows up here close and personal. It is real life here."

People can actually get a text message on the fairgrounds to alert when a calf is being born.  Of course the fair has to have a midway.  Frank Zaitshik  and Wade Shows are back after their first year last year.

"We were certainly under the magnifying eye. That was a double edge sword and we loved that because it drew attention to the midway. We knew that everyone was looking at us and we better perform. We made some changes due to the critical comments we got. In the second year if you can't do it better than the first year then something is wrong with you."

New this year is the Megadrop, shooting people own from 135 feet up, and the Comet Two Roller Coaster - the largest portable roller coaster in the nation.  Of course food and music, culture and history are all part of the fair. 

Credit Chris Bolt, WAER news
Painter Don Gillespie is recreating the painting “At the Mercy of Neptune” that was originally displayed at the fair in 1897, and more recently lost. It was painted by Charles Henry Grant of Oswego.

  The New York State Fair opened in 1841 and throughout its history it has been a place where artists can display their works. In the case of marine artist Charles Henry Grant, his "At the mercy of Neptune" was a 9-foot long display in 1897. The painting became lost, but local Don Gillespie recreated the painting that will be on display at the NYS fair this year.

SPECIAL FAIR DAYS

Thursday, August 27, 2015 - Opening day/Governor's Day/$3 Thursday

Friday, August 28, 2015 - Law Enforcement Day/Pride Day/New American's Day/SUNY Day

Monday, August 31, 2015 - Dairy Day/Senior Citizen's Day

Tuesday, September 1, 2015 - Fire & Rescue Day/Beef Day/Senior Citizen's Day

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 - Women's Day/Wade Shows Wednesday

Thursday, September 3. 2015 - Armed Forces Day/$3 Thursday

Friday. September 4, 2015 - Six Nations Day/Students Day

Saturday, September 5, 2015 - Grange Day

Monday, September 7, 2015 - Labor Day. Summer Send off "Dollar Day"