The 2025 Great New York State Fair officially kicked off on Wednesday, and 32,736 people were here to celebrate the very best that New York has to offer.
The day began with a visit by Governor Kathy Hochul, who was joined by State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, Fair Director Julie LaFave, numerous elected officials, dozens of Fair employees, agricultural superintendents, and representatives from The Fair’s Cultural Villages for several exciting announcements. In addition to cutting the ribbon on the new Sheep & Wool Center on the west end of The Fair, the Governor also announced upcoming renovations to the famous Milk Bar, which will bring with it the opportunity for fairgoers to enjoy strawberry milk all 13 days of The Fair. The Governor also toured the Fairgrounds, stopping by a number of exhibits and attractions, from the Butter Sculpture to Indian Village, to ring in one of summer’s most cherished traditions (even if it felt like a fall day).
Concerts also dazzled fairgoers with performances by The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA and the legendary George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic—both at Chevy Court, as well as the rising country star Nate Smith at Suburban Park, which drew 3,800 fairgoers.
Looking ahead…
PLANTING THE SEEDS: Thursday is all about our youngest fairgoers. In addition to Student Youth Day – where students 18 and under can attend The Fair for free – we’re also celebrating Agriculture Career Day, which is designed to inspire and highlight the diverse career paths available in New York’s agricultural industry and get young people excited about the possibilities for future jobs in agriculture. A central feature of the day is the “Career Challenge” scavenger hunt, where participants can visit nine exciting stations featuring hands-on activities that tie in with an agricultural career path to learn more about the various agriculture-related careers available. By completing the challenge, young fairgoers are entered for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch.
The Fair is proud to shine a spotlight on farmers, producers, and careers in agriculture as part of a continuing focus to emphasize the growing need to develop young professionals for future careers in agriculture. Activities get underway at 10:00 a.m. in front Gate 2, near the Administration Building at the corner of Tonawanda Street and Hiawatha Avenue.
BIG-TIME PERFORMANCES: We’re talking pop powerhouse Taylor Dayne at 1:00 p.m. at Chevy Court, classic rockers Cheap Trick at 6:00 p.m. at Chevy Court, and indie-pop sensation AJR at 8:00 p.m. at Suburban Park, who will likely draw big crowds. Take note: the Amphitheater also has a show Thursday evening, so we ask fans to plan accordingly!
THE PIO’S LIST: What else am I looking forward to on Thursday?
- It’s the summer of K-pop, so I’ll be checking out performances this week at Asian Village, which is located near the Gate 4 entrance, not far from the Youth Building. Tomorrow’s show is at 12:30 p.m. Asian Village is open until August 24 and recognizes the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through music, dance, traditional food, and a number of special events.
- And, our State Park at The Fair has a number of exhibits and demonstrations, from bluebird house building to birds of prey. There’s something for every nature lover. For a full list of events at State Park at the Fair, visit our site.
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