Visit Syracuse "Top 10 Hits" at the Great New York State Fair

Thursday, August 11, 2016 3:44 PM by Elizabeth Judge

*Update 8/16/16: The Shoppingtown Mall/Dewitt Park-N-Ride location has been reinstated and will run shuttles every half hour during the Fair, beginning at 9:30 a.m.*

 

Take a look at our Top 10 picks for the 2016 GNYSF. Featuring old favorites, like the annual butter sculpture, as well as a few new additions, there's plenty of fun for adults and children alike! With all the changes to the fairgrounds this year you won't want to miss out on the accompanying MAP to navigate your way to all the top spots.

 

  1. Sea Lions: A favorite photo-op for kids and adults alike, the family friendly sea lion act typically offers several show times each day with an opportunity to have your picture taken afterward. Located in front of the youth activity area center this is one show you won’t want to miss!– *Bonus: PAW Patrol (1A): The popular Nickelodeon kid’s adventure series “PAW Patrol” will be making its only appearance on the East Coast this year at the 2016 Great New York State Fair. The PAW Patrol Roll Patrol Road Tour will visit the Fair from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4. The tour is free. A Fair spokesperson expects the show to attract an additional 10,000/day with inquiries coming in already from as far away as Virginia and South Carolina.   FREE  *Sea Lion photo opportunity will incur an additional cost

 

  1. Rainbow Milk Bar & Butter Sculpture: As always the 25 cent milk and chocolate milk samples will again be located in the Dairy Building. While sipping on what is sure to be your least expensive purchase at the Fair, wander over to the yearly butter sculpture, located just a few feet behind the milk stand. If dairy isn’t your thing then head across Chevy Court to the Center of Progress building and take a peek at the annual Sand sculpture you might just get some pointers for your next beach vacation.   (almost)  FREE

 

  1. Taste NY Wine, Beer & Spirits Court: Returning for its third year the Taste NY Wine Court will again be located at the Colonnade, between the Dairy Products Building and the Science and Industry Center. Featuring wine, and wine slushie, samples from across the state the wine court will see some local favorites again this year. Secondary wine tents will also be located near Restaurant row along with beer tents.   $   

 

  1. Chevy Court: One of the top draws for the Fair year after year, Chevy Court is sure to delight again in 2016. This year bringing in national recording artist such as Ke$ha, Toto, MAGIC!, Air Supply, Macy Gray, Flo Rida and Chicago just to name a few.  For a full list of show listings, dates and times visit the Fair website.   FREE    

 

  1. Wade Shows Midway: As announced by Governor Cuomo, this year’s Midway will be the largest ever featuring 15 acres of fun and over 70 rides. A slight shift from past years’ location the Midway, and nearby Kiddieland, will have a more defined space this year and will be free of large electrical cables covering the grounds. New this year will be a second roller coaster, in addition to the nation’s largest traveling roller coaster, as well as a new take on the double ferris wheel. Kiddieland (5A) also has a new spot this year, located closer to the main entrance in order to provide easier and more convenient access for families. Find a list of this year’s Midway rides HERE. Monday, Aug. 29: 10 rides for $10; Monday, Sept. 5: All rides are $1 per ride. Ride ticket information can be found at HERE.   $    

 

  1. Pizza Fritte: If the popularity of a Fair attraction is based on how long the line is, Pizza Fritte would top the list every year. The iconic purple triangle building will have a new location this year, further down Hiawatha St. between the International Building and the Midway. Another foodie favorite, Tully’s (6A), was also forced to move due to construction this year. The “Home of the Best Chicken Tenders on Earth,” will take over the building between the updated main entrance and Gate 12.   $

 

  1. Fried Food: For those who enjoy eating more fried food in one day than they will the rest of the year, 2016’s deep-fried specialty the New York Harvester will make its debut this year. Also referred to as Deep-Fried Thanksgiving, the sandwich features deep-friend turkey, deep-fried mashed potatoes, deep-fried stuffing, cranberry sauce, cheese sauce and deep-fried bacon, stacked between two slices of sourdough bread. Also returning is the popular Defibrillator mega-burger from last year. Both sandwiches can be found at the Fried Specialties booth. Owner Jim Hasbrouck will have two booth locations this year with the one on Broadway featuring both sandwiches.   $

 

  1. Potato Booth: The $1 potato with your choice of toppings is one of the best food deals at the Fair and will be returning the Horticulture Building, with only a slight move. Instead of its regular location in the back corner the stand will take over the former New York Café restaurant space on the left side of the building. Don’t miss out on the $1 Sweet Potato option while you’re there either. With all NYS toppings such as maple syrup, sour cream and butter you might just have to get one of each!   $   *But practically FREE! 

                   

  1. Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My: While not quite as exotic the NYS Fair can offer cows, poultry and horses, oh my! Returning this year, with a slightly different location is the always popular daily cow birthing center (9). Stop by to see the latest birth or text BABYCOW to 24587 to find out.   Chickens, roosters and fowl will also be returning this year after a short hiatus, the poultry building will again be full with our feathered friends this August (9A).   FREE

 

  1. NY Lottery Players Pavilion: Where you hoping to get lucky at the Fair this year? Millions of lottery tickets are sold at the Fair each year and the large yellow stand has been a popular attraction since moving next to Pizza Fritte a few years back. This year however, the NY Lottery will have a new home located within the Coliseum at the top corner where it meets Restaurant Row.   $

 

Bonus: Park and Ride Locations: Centro’s New York State Fair Park-N-Ride released information on two new locations for 2016, at Destiny USA and Long Branch Park.  These will replace prior locations at Seneca Mall and the Regional Market. In an effort to increase bus frequency, shorten wait times and move more people, buses will leave every 8-10 minutes from Destiny and every 12-15 minutes from Long Branch Park. Buses will also still run from the Centro Transit Hub and Lowe’s in Camillus Commons. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for persons with disabilities, seniors and children aged 6-9. $