MAIN Travel USA New York New York State Fair

The New York State Fair typically runs for twelve days, starting sometime late in August and ending on Labor Day. This year, watch for the 2012 New York State Fair to kick off on Thursday, August 23 and continue until Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012.

Meanwhile, also stay tuned for the 2012 concert lineup to be announced in June.

Major music acts at the New York State Fair have included such stars as Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, and many others who have appeared on the Grandstand stage (with an additional ticket purchase required), along with other music concerts at the Chevy Court, which is free to all fairgoers.

All about the New York State Fair

The very first New York State Fair took place in 1841, making it today the oldest state fair in the entire United States.

The fair was hosted by the city of Syracuse, but like many state fairs in the 19th century, it moved around from city to city to let people in different corners of the state participate, as it was difficult and expensive to transport livestock over large distances.

In 1890 the New York State Fair finally settled on permanent fair grounds in Syracuse, where it has remained to this day.

Today, the New York State Fair draws in more than a million visitors annually, which also makes one of the largest state fairs in the USA, and an exceedingly popular event for everyone in New York State.

The attractions at the modern New York State Fair have changed a great deal since the first fairs in the 1840s, but the fair still includes a wide variety of livestock and agricultural attractions.

Blue ribbon competitions remain popular, as do horse shows, showmanship competitions, and agricultural exhibits. Also appealing to more modern tastes, competitions have also expanded to wine, art, and talent show competitions.

Amusement park rides also remain very popular for kids of all ages, as does a traditional staple of any self-respecting state fair ... butter sculpting!

Good food and live entertainment are key ingredients for family-friendly fun, which is also in ample supply at the New York State Fair. Fair goers can take their pick from a huge variety of local dishes and more traditional state fair fare, while enjoying top-notch live concert entertainment by famous headliners.

The New York State Fair is a truly fantastic end of summer event for everyone, annually topped off with a spectacular fireworks display on Labor Day as another New York State Fair comes to a close.

Have fun!

More about the New York State Fair around the Web:

The Great New York State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, favorite food concessions, grandstand concert lineup, agricultural and livestock show schedules, directions, map, photos.

NY State Fair - Syracuse.com - News, photo galleries and updates on the entertainment lineup and related attractions.

Great New York State Fair - Wikipedia overview with historical highlights, information on popular attractions with photos and related resources.

also see -> Christmas in New York | New York Lakes & Beaches

New York Wineries | New York Fall Foliage

New York Ski Resorts