OSWEGO, NY (WRVO)—Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that the New York State Fair will return to 13 days, after the fair ran for 18 days for the first time this year.
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In a news release, Hochul said the return to a 13-day schedule will allow for participation for fairgoers and vendors, and will result in fewer conflicts with county fairs.
"Returning to a 13-day schedule next year ensures that fairgoers can once again experience all of their favorite shows, exhibits, vendors, and attractions around the New York State Fair while also supporting greater coordination with our county and youth fairs," Hochul said. "This will provide an increased economic benefit to more communities and encourage New Yorkers to experience the best of agriculture and entertainment across the State. We are ready to help and support all fairs, and to do what's best for everyone to enjoy them."
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in early 2020 that the fair would expand to 18 days, in order to bring more people to the fairgrounds. But last year's fair was canceled due to COVID-19. At the time, organizers of county fairs said they were blindsided by Cuomo's announcement, since an expanded state fair would overlap with several county fairs.
Average daily attendance at this year's State Fair was down by more than 50% from the 2019 fair, primarily because of the pandemic.
Next year's fair will run from Wednesday, August 24 to Monday, September 5.
"With this return to a 13-day Fair, we will have additional capacity to boost programming for fairgoers and support our vendors, who are the backbone of our Fair," State Fair Director Troy Waffner said in a statement. "This is a decision that will allow us to concentrate our resources and create for 2022 the best fair possible."
Hochul also said the state will look into ways to increase attendance at the state fair and at the state's county fairs, and will also review the smoking policy at the State Fair.