Syracuse Sun

The Great New York State Fair is set to commence from Wednesday, August 21, through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. The fair will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Labor Day when it will close at 9 p.m.

Buildings within the fairgrounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with two exceptions: the Daniel Parrish Witter Agriculture Museum will close at 7 p.m., and the Wegmans Art and Home Center will close at 8 p.m.

The Midway, featuring various rides and games, will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, closing earlier at 9 p.m. on Labor Day.

Admission to the fair costs $8.32*, with free entry for seniors (65 years old and older) and children (12 years old and younger). A frequent fairgoer pass is available for $25.70*, allowing entry once a day throughout the fair duration. Tickets can be purchased online via Etix, over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 during specified hours, or at gate kiosks equipped for electronic ticket purchases.

Special admission days include:

- Student Youth Day (Thursday, Aug. 22): Free admission for youth and students aged 18 years old and younger.

- Law Enforcement Day (Monday, Aug. 26): Free admission for active and retired police or corrections department members with appropriate ID.

- Fire and Rescue Day (Tuesday, Aug. 27): Free admission for active and retired fire service members with photo ID.

- Armed Forces Day (Thursday, Aug. 29): Free admission for military personnel with proper military identification.

- Native Americans Day (Friday, Aug. 30): Free admission for individuals identifying as Native American.

Parking tickets are priced at $12.41* and can be purchased online via Etix or over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at the same number mentioned above during specified hours. Drivers can also pay by credit card in each lot but are encouraged to purchase parking tickets in advance.

Transportation options include three Centro bus park-and-ride locations running directly to the fair from downtown Centro hub and Destiny USA between 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., costing $1 one way for adults and $.50 for senior citizens, children aged six to nine years old, and those living with disabilities; children under six ride free.

Orange After Dark offers free shuttles for students between campus and the fair from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and Saturday, August 31.

Fairgoers can enjoy nearly 120 different food and drink vendors this year including Basilio Italian Sausage, Beak & Skiff Apple Farms Inc., Bold Coast Lobster Co., Bosco’s at The Fair among others.

Live entertainment includes music performances, street acts, circus shows, pig races, sea lion shows, daily parades among other attractions accessible with general admission tickets.

For more details about ride tickets or any other information regarding the fair's attractions and exhibitions visit the New York State Fair website.