What you need to know before walking through gates of 2021 NY State Fair
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — One week away from the longest New York State Fair in history, opening during a global pandemic and CNY Central has everything you need to know before walking through the gates.
The fair will run 18 days from Friday, August 20, 2021, to Monday, September 6, 2021.
Parking and entrance will be cashless. You'll need to buy your tickets and parking passes online or at a kiosk with a debit or credit card.
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Gates will open each day at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
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Troy Waffner the New York State Fair Director, said "We all love human contact, but you have to cut down on it where you can."
To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Waffner said that's one decision made based on the pandemic.
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Another new change Friday is testing for the virus. Vendors, staff and Fairgoers can voluntarily get a swab all 18 days of the fair at the Art and Home Center. The vaccine will be offered there as well.
Vendors will be farther apart and masks must be worn inside all buildings for everyone no matter your vaccination status.
However, as COVID-19 case numbers are still on the rise and many are wondering, could the fair be canceled? Waffner said, "I think, at this point, we're seven days from the fair, I don't see it canceling or anything. I see it going forward. You know, could there be a few more restrictions? Yeah, and we will deal with them as they come."
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The fair will be at 100% capacity and Waffner said it's likely to welcome 80,000 to 90,000 visitors per day.
"If you don't feel safe, don't come to the fair," said Waffner. "At this point, it's really a choice that you can make. If you want to come to the fair, follow our rules. If it means wearing a mask inside, wear a mask inside, just be respectful to people around you."
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Vendors are already setting up to welcome fairgoers for next Friday, August 20, 2021, and organizers said they will announce any changes to fair rules on the fair's website and social media pages.
