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The 162nd Great New York State Fair, in Syracuse

BY MARSHALL S. BERDAN | Special to Newsday

August 10, 2008

The ferris wheel at dusk, part of the James E. Strates Midway show at the New York State Fair. (The Empire Expo Center)

While Long Island's rural roots continue to disappear before our very eyes, the surprising fact of the matter is that agriculture continues to be the Empire State's leading industry. Yet, it's just one of the many things that have come to be celebrated at the annual state fair.

According to "The Encyclopedia of New York State" (Syracuse University Press), New York's extravaganza is the nation's oldest such rite of summer. Last year's total crowd for all 12 days topped 936,000, according to Carnival Warehouse, a trade magazine. (Texas' 24-day fair is the largest overall, attended by more than 2 million last year). This year's Great New York State Fair - the 162nd - runs from Aug. 21 through Sept. 1 at the 375-acre Empire Expo Center in Syracuse and promises a spectrum of activities for not only farmers and ranchers, but all residents of the Empire State.

THE LIVESTOCK

While the New York State Fair has come a long way since the first two-day event in 1841 that attracted about 12,000 farmers, agriculture remains its primary raison d'être. Dominating the eastern side of the fairgrounds is the agriculture and horticulture complex, a network of exhibit halls, holding pens and judging arenas that still pack in the "aggies" for a little friendly competition. Better make that "a lot," as each year thousands of animals compete in the standard categories of cattle (dairy and beef), dogs, goats, horses, llamas, poultry and pigeons, and rabbits and swine. Fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products such as maple syrup, honey and wine line up for the judges as well. (Be sure to check the daily schedule).

But it's not just all for show: there are educational exhibits, such as "Moo Country" with its introduction to dairying, a hands-on milking parlor and just plain fun events such as pig races and the brand new Banana Derby, in which monkeys ride dogs. And don't slide past the butter sculpture, a gigantic fair favorite for 40 years.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Even farmers can't talk shop all day, and thus was born the tradition of evening entertainments. And while those first fairgoers were undoubtedly enthralled by their plowing contest, their 21st century counterparts have a choice of dozens of live entertainments, demonstrations and cultural exhibits. Headliners such as Toby Keith, Eddie Money, Boston, The Jonas Brothers and the Spinners perform daily on two stages. Tickets run $30-$70, including fair admission.

For the more outwardly mobile, there are custom motorcycle shows, a monster truck jam and demolition derby. Daily free performances include a lumberjack show, acrobats, sea lions, strolling performers and a 6 p.m. parade.

THE RIDES

Back in 1849, New York State fairgoers were both enthralled and frightened by the first prototypical Ferris wheel, a 50-foot rotating cylinder of wood and steel. Fairgoers this year will have more than 60 rides to choose from - including six new ones and a separate Kiddie-land. Among the proven favorites: Fire Ball, Wave Swinger, Pirate, Top Spin, the Zyklon roller coaster, and, of course, a giant Ferris wheel. (Rides cost $2 to $5 each, with $25 all-day passes available on select dates.)

And what state fair would be complete without a cornucopia of carnival "games of skill" and traditional good-for-you delicacies such as corn dogs, fried dough and cotton candy.

GETTING THERE

The Empire Expo Center in Syracuse is 250 miles from Long Island, with the fastest route being I-80 west to I-380 north just beyond Stroudsburg, to I-81 north in Scranton and continuing to Syracuse, exiting onto Route 690 West.

Daily admission: $10; children 12 and younger, free. (Advance ticket discounts available until Aug. 20.) Parking $5 at designated lots with free shuttle service and $2 all-day tram service inside the fairgrounds. Exhibit buildings open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; the midway is open until midnight.

For more information, call 800-475-3247, or visit nysfair.org. For lodging and dining options in the greater Syracuse area, contact the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-234-4797, visitsyracuse.org.