Syracuse, N.Y. — On Friday, the Great New York State Fair opened its gates for the first time since last shutting them at the end of its 2019 season, a time before COVID-19.
This year, after a two-year hiatus, there were lines of people waiting to get through the gates before they opened at 11 a.m., a bit later than in past years. Within the gates, visitors could find many familiar vendors, traditions, and activities that have continued despite virus trepidation. Some longtime favorites won’t be returning this year.
A thought remained on everyone’s mind: Could the fair really be as good in the midst of a COVID influx?
Walking through the fair’s open streets, not filled with many people, could give some a few doubts. Hardly a building was crowded at 3 p.m., and only the most popular stands, like Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard’s 1911, had a line.
The midway provided the same dazzle and thrills as any, with a roller coaster, kid’s section, and a variety of games. The only difference was the palpable space between each attraction, where COVID-19 restrictions played a part, and the small crowd accentuated it. Despite the lack of people, there was no lack of fun.
By the evening, however, as the lights turned on and the energy picked up, walkways became more narrow as the people traveling on them increased, and the fair became again like it used to be. A large crowd enjoyed one of the first free Chevy Court shows, LOCASH, who hit the stage at 7 p.m.
Vacancies in fair staples could be felt by some, but many fair favorites have also continued in 2021. The sand sculpture this year can be found being assembled in the Exposition Center. The dairy building is still dawning its famous butter sculpture and classic quarter-a-cup milk.
One worker behind the dairy counter recalled there being lines in the past for a taste of the fair’s fresh milk. That wasn’t the case at least by the late evening Friday. But the rest of the fair’s duration may still have much in store.
Past fairs certainly didn’t have immunization as one of its attractions. This year, fairgoers can roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated against COVID-19 on site. Rapid testing is also available. Masks are also required inside all buildings, despite vaccination status.
Ultimately, things may be different at the fair this year, but they are still also much the same. Avid fairgoers who return each year may notice what is lacking, but others may enjoy the luster despite the odds. Some may not even notice a difference.
There’s still a lot more fair left to go.
The Great New York State Fair is open to the public from Friday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 5 starting at 11: a.m.-10 p.m. daily. The entire fairgrounds will fully close for business each of these days at 11 p.m, except for Labor Day, Sept. 6, when the grounds will open at 11 a.m. but close at 9 p.m. At these designated closure times, all fairgoers must exit the grounds.
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August 23, 2021 at 09:04PM
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