Friday is Pride Day at The Great New York State Fair. In 2015, our fair became the first state fair in the United States to hold an official Pride Celebration. Every year since its inception, Pride Day has continued to generate momentum and enhanced programming thanks to partnerships with leading Central New York groups active in advocating for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community.
The day kicks off with the Progress Flag Raising at 9:30 a.m. outside the Main Gate. Be sure to check the Empire Theater and Chevy Court schedules for a day full of special programming. Highlights include Lily Rose at 1 p.m. (Chevy Court), the Pride Day Ceremony (Empire Theater) at 2 p.m., the Drag Us to The Fair: Amber Skyy Drag Show (Empire Theater) at 3 p.m., Neon Trees (Chevy Court) at 6 p.m., and The Lady Gaga Tribute (Chevy Court) at 9 p.m.
A Resource Fair takes place in the Chevy Court Pavilion, providing opportunities for fairgoers to socialize with members of various organizations and learn about community groups. The Resource Fair begins at 10 am and continues until 5 pm.
And, finally, the first parade of the 2025 Fair steps off from the Exposition Center at 6 p.m., featuring LGBTQ Syracuse as Grand Marshal. Parade routes follow the perimeter of the Exposition Center, go around Central Park, and down The Midway.
GONE FISHIN’: Friday is Family Fishing Day, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is offering free fishing at The Fair from noon – 5 p.m. at the pond in the Experience Area near Suburban Park. Fishing licenses are NOT REQUIRED, and loaner equipment is available.
LLAMA, LLAMA RED PAJAMA?: Or will they be donning a tutu or a pirate hat? A returning favorite, the Llama Costume Contest will take the Goat, Llama & Swine Barn by furry force at 6 p.m.
THE PIO’S PICKS: What else to keep an eye on this Friday? Jessie Murph – could this 8 p.m. Suburban Park show be a big one? Our guess is this might be one of our wild card performances.
LET’S SKIP TO THE GOOD PART: On Day Two of The Great New York State Fair, 58,372 fairgoers rejoiced in a beautiful August day to celebrate Agriculture Career Day and Student Youth Day with us! Additionally, Cheap Trick at Chevy Court drew ~13,000 fairgoers, while AJR’s Suburban Park performance attracted ~24,000.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
