Wednesday was opening day at the great New York State Fair.
People from all over visited the fairgrounds to take part in the fun, with Gov. Kathy Hochul making an appearance as well.
“This is going to be one of the most beautiful days we’ve ever had,” Hochul said. “It’s going to be a magical time here at the state fair.”
“We want to check out the pigs race. We’re excited for that. We got the tail end of the Corgi races. That was fun too. And the circus looks really exciting as well,” said Michael Ringwood, a fairgoer.
There’s a lot to check out at the New York State Fair.
It gives people like Matt Bishop and his wife a reason to come back year after year.
“Every year for 30-plus years, give or take. Especially when the kids were little,” Bishop said. “We used to bring them and do the rides and everything.”
For Laurie Haynes, she’s been coming since she worked at the fair as a high school freshman.
“Fifty-five to 60 years. We used to work here when we were kids, and we love it,” said Haynes.
Haynes said she appreciates some of the changes made over the years.
“I think the good change was taking down the old stadium over there and expanding the Midway,” Haynes said. “It used to be very close stand and just spreading out. So there’s more room for like strollers, wheelchairs, stuff for it, more, more convenient for the people with kids and elderly.”
For some, the fair can be a reminder that fall is right around the corner.
“The thing that makes me sad about the fair is that when I’m done with the fair, it seems like summer is over,” Bishop said.
Still, it can be a chance to soak up that last little bit of summer fun.
“We just love it. Just walking around, looking at people, seeing the animals, the food,” said Haynes.
Thursday at the fair is Student Youth Day and SUNY Day, Agriculture Career Day, STEAM Day and Grape Day.