Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off The 2025 Great New York State Fair on Wednesday, highlighting a series of new enhancements to The Fair’s agricultural facilities and exhibits that will help fairgoers connect with this important industry in New York. The Governor unveiled a new Sheep and Wool Center, and horse stables, along with plans for a brand new Milk Bar.
“The Great New York State Fair has long been a place where New Yorkers celebrate the best of New York and connect with our agricultural heritage,” Governor Hochul said. “As New York’s first mom Governor, I’ve worked hard to make sure that The Fair remains an affordable place for families to learn more about our great state and to make countless memories that will last a lifetime – without breaking the bank.”
Additional Enhancements
Further agricultural upgrades at this year’s Fair include an expansion of the Taste NY program space in the Horticulture Building, allowing it to offer even more locally made products to fairgoers. New this year, the New York State Tasting Yard has moved to the Horticulture Building to join forces with the Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Marketplace, creating a one-stop shop for fairgoers to discover their favorite New York product, from craft beverages to cheese, chocolates, sauces, dips, coffee and tea, crackers, and much more. Next to the Tasting Yard, fairgoers can enjoy a new mural called “Sip the State,” designed by Caroline Corrigan as a tribute to New York craft beverages. The space next to the Tasting Yard also features a small indoor green space with Adirondack chairs, providing a spot for fairgoers to relax and enjoy their beverages and snacks before seeking out their next Fair adventure.
The Voice of the Farmer Garden is additionally expanding for the 2025 Fair. This year, the garden will newly include grain crops like oats, barley, rye, and wheat, as well as two different varieties of sweet corn and delicata squash. The garden has also added cattle panels as support structures to the crops, helping to improve air circulation and reduce fungal infections. The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden opened at the Great New York State Fair in 2023, becoming the very first statewide garden of its kind to open at a state fair in the United States. The garden, which is located across from the Expo Center near the Goat Pavilion and kitty-corner from the Family Fun Zone, is a living, interactive learning space for visitors to see many of the major crops grown in New York.
The Fair continues to highlight agriculture through agricultural exhibits and competitions, with several special days dedicated to highlighting the industry, including Agricultural Career Day, Beef Day, Maple Day, and Dairy Day. More information about Maple Day and Dairy Day this year will be announced in the coming days
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