Senator Griffo's Weekly Column #29: The New York State Fair is Great Every Year

The state’s biggest music and entertainment festival, trade show and agriculture exhibit is happening right now and it’s all in one place – the Great New York State Fair.

The state fair is the capstone to what is always a great county fair season.  It is a celebration of all things New York. It is a showcase for one of the state’s most important industries, agriculture, which has a $5.7 billion annual economic impact. It serves as an introduction to many of our citizens’ diverse backgrounds and cultural traditions. And it’s a platform for our best and brightest young people to show off their talents, whether it’s on a stage or in a barn.

I’ve been attending the state fair for decades with my family, friends and colleagues in government and it’s always a great time. I’m pleased to be part of two events this year.

Each year, dozens of individuals from all backgrounds come to show off their favorite recipes at the Wegmans Taste NY Demonstration Kitchen in the Art and Home Center.  I’m bringing maple syrup from Verona, corn from Rome and apples from Oneida County to make three appetizers: spicy maple nuts, apple nachos and corn on the cob with flavored butter. It’ll be an excellent way to show visitors – from Montauk to Jamestown and everywhere in between – that Central New York has some of the best produce and maple syrup in the country.

Beef Day is also one of my favorite fair days. I’ll be judging a grilling contest among local media personalities as they vie for the title of “Branding Iron Chef.” The amateurs then make way for the grill masters, as they try to create the “perfect” burger - an attempt my tastebuds wholeheartedly support.

I’ve merely skimmed the surface of all there’s to do at the fair. I encourage you to visit the fair’s website, nysfair.org, and check out the entire offering of attractions, events and concerts. Then make a plan with your family and friends to join us down at the Syracuse fairgrounds – right off Route 690 West – any day through Sept. 1.