GEDDES, N.Y. \u2014 With less than a month to go until the Great New York State Fair opens, the fairgrounds are already buzzing with activity \u2014 even if it\u2019s still quiet compared with what\u2019s to come.<\/p>\n
The New York State Fair is 29 days away, and preparations are in the final weeks for both fair administration and vendors. Construction equipment can be heard throughout the fairgrounds as crews work to get everything ready before opening day.<\/p>\n
Fair Director Julie LaFave said the final stretch requires juggling multiple projects at once.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody’s working on five things at once and then we’re done with that, they’re moving on to the next thing,\u201d LaFave said.<\/p>\n
LaFave said the fair is balancing construction, landscaping and new attractions, with safety as the top priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve put a lot of changes and a lot of intentional thought into our safety upgrades this year, keeping our fair goers safe,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Some of the changes \u2014 including new vehicle barriers and emergency planning \u2014 are designed to blend into the background. Other work is more visible, including construction on the new Future Farmers of America building.<\/p>\n
On Restaurant Row, crews are also working on new pavers as vendors prepare their stands for the crowds expected during the fair\u2019s run. Amy Horan, owner of Horan\u2019s on Restaurant Row, said her family is checking off the pre-fair to-do list.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s just a lot of making sure all your insurances are up to date,\u201d Horan said. \u201cThere’s a lot of just making sure everything is still running properly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horan\u2019s family has been part of the fair for almost 30 years, and she described the fairgrounds as a community. She said the stand has been a central part of her children\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey don’t know anything different. This is their vacation time. Between the rides, the family at the stand, the family in the horse barn, our family now on the goat burn. It’s been a lot of fun to see the kids grow every year with it,\u201d Horan said.<\/p>\n
The fair begins Aug. 26, bringing months of preparation to a close. LaFave said the start of the fair brings a mix of emotions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a little bit of everything,\u201d she said. \u201cWe go in confident that we’ve done everything that we can control.\u201d<\/p>\n
Horan said the feeling for vendors is excitement that carries through the fair\u2019s full run.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s excitement. There’s a lot of excitement throughout the entire 13 days until you get to Labor Day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n