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The Great New York State Fair continues to work to make the fair “great.” On opening day, Wednesday August 24th, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, Interim State Fair Director Sean Hennessey and several other officials joined together to break ground on the announcement.
“I couldn’t be happier to be celebrating the full return of our New York State Fair this year, and today, I am excited to begin nearly $35 million in improvements that will help make the Great New York State Fair even greater,” Governor Hochul said. “The upgrades we are making today will showcase and promote New York’s one-of-a-kind agricultural industry, as we continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country to the Fair each year.”
The $34.7 million dollar projects look to improve the agricultural facilities. Those improvements include a Greenhouse and Horticultural Center, Sheep Barn and Wood Center, Horse Stables, Goat Pavilion, and Concessions Building and Restaurant Row Streetscape Improvements.
Interim New York State Fair Director Sean Hennessey said, “What an exciting time for the Great New York State Fair! Since 1841, The Fair has been known for showcasing the best of New York agriculture and farming. Now, thanks to the Governor’s investment and Commissioner’s commitment, we will be able to bring new attention to the agricultural industry by bringing our Sheep Barn and Wool Center, Horse Stables and Goat Pavilion into the future, and enhancing educational opportunities through establishing a new greenhouse and education center. We can’t wait for fairgoers to see these new additions, starting next year.”
The location of the new construction will be behind the State Fairground’s exposition center, where the Circus is typically located.
Other improvements include construction of a new main entrance, paving of the Fair’s largest parking lot and construction of a new entrance ramp to the adjacent interstate highway. Some of the Fair’s entertainment venues were improved, while streets were straightened and given lighting and scenic improvements.
