GEDDES, N.Y. — The Great New York State Fair will see enhanced security for its 2026 season. This will be done through a series of policy and infrastructure improvements, according to the Great New York State Fair. Fairgoers will not feel many of the impacts of the changes. They will primarily affect vendors, staff and public safety partners of the Fairgrounds.
For each day of the fair, cars will not be able to enter the exterior perimeter of the grounds. This will go on from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day of the fair. This ruling does not include State Fair or emergency vehicles. This new implementation is set to directly help with the safety of pedestrians.
Drivers will also no longer be able to park in the interior lots near the Infirmary, Center of Progress Building and the Horticulture Building.
For those attending the fair by RVs, those lots will also see enhancements. Fencing surrounding the Camping World Empire and Belle Isle RV Parks will be installed. Attendees will be able to enter those RV parks throughout the days, but there will be security screening at those gates. Also, vehicle access will be limited to Gate 11.
As for the tram service, it will be available for users throughout the operating hours of the State Fair. The trek will follow a two-way horseshoe traffic pattern. It will have stops along Massapequa Street, Conrail Street and Belle Isle Street. This will help quicken the tram service. The tram stop along Tonawanda Street will be turned into a cooling station this year.
Safety measures from previous State Fair years will also be in place.
These additions are to ensure all guests have a safe experience, according to Executive Director Julie LaFave.