Taking a NY Tradition to the Next Level: Ritchie Named to Task Force That Will Work to Improve the Great New York State Fair

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has been named to a new task force that will look into ways to improve the Great New York State Fair and in turn, increase tourism, create jobs and boost the state’s economy. 

“The Great New York State Fair is something that so many people look forward to and last year, attracted a record number of people to Central New York” said Senator Ritchie, who serves as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“I am excited to build on that momentum as a member of this new task force, and to look for ways we can continue to grow and improve one of New York State’s biggest—and best—traditions.  I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for making me part of this new effort, and look forward to working together to tap into the potential the fair has for generating more tourism dollars for New York State, creating jobs and boosting our economy.”

As a member of the new task force, Senator Ritchie will work with colleagues and local leaders to develop a plan to further improve the Great New York State Fair.  Specifically, the group will look into improving public transportation to the fairgrounds, enhancing the promotion of locally made food and drink and improving transportation between the fairgrounds and the amphitheater at Onondaga Lake, among other things.  The plan—which builds on the state’s recent major upgrades at the fairgrounds—is expected to be submitted to the Governor by the end of the year.  

In 2016, the Great New York State broke attendance records, attracting 1.1 million visitors from across the United States and around the globe.