State Fair director on final day says they had ups and downs

On the final day of the fair, State Fair director Julie Lafave said there were some ups and downs but ultimately, it was a great fair.

“Weather sometimes is a little tricky. This year was a little more tricky than normal, but I think we made the right call,” Lafave said. “But we’ve had a lot of sunny skies.”

The State Fair had to close temporarily one day last week after flooding from heavy rainfall occurred on the grounds and then closed early due to evening storms that same day. However, attendance numbers were higher than average.

“We saw one day with the highest number since 2019,” Lafave said.

Prior to the start of this year’s fair, they implemented new safety protocols which restricted parking and vehicles on the grounds during the fair’s operational hours. Lafave said they could make adjustments next year based on feedback they’ve received.

“We told [our partners] that we’re starting somewhere, be patient with us but also don’t be silent. Call us. A lot of times our partners had passes or needed special assistance called us so we could make arrangements for them,” Lafave said.

She said they will send surveys out following the fair and will conduct conversations and debriefs to inform what policies will be for next year.

One longtime vendor, James Hasbrouck, who owns deep fried specialities, said he welcomed the security changes for this year.

“I’m so glad Julie stepped up and they did something, and it’s done. You can’t wait until something happens to do something,” Hasbrouck said.

Other new things that fairgoers can look forward to for 2027 include a new milk bar, and permanent homes for the Asian and Latino villages.

“Next year, where the cookie stand is, they will not be there. That’s where the new milk bar will be however, don’t get upset. The cookies will be across from where the cream puffs are now,” Lafave said.

Fairgoers will be able to get all three flavors of milk for the 13-day fair next year and won’t have to wait till Labor Day weekend to get the strawberry milk, she said.

The Latino Village will remain toward the west end of the fairground where it is now, but the Asian Village will have a new permanent home.

“Asian Village will be in the area behind the DOT worker memorial by the Villa Pizza Fritte at the original stand,” Lafave said.

Ultimately, while there were challenges, Lafave said they are grateful for all of the visitors to the Great New York State Fair.

“The greatest reward always for any of us that work the 12 months to see this fair come into completion is seeing the kid happy with their blue ribbon, or seeing a large concert crowd or seeing someone try something new,” Lafave said. “The rewards are all around us all of the time, you just have to stop to see it.”