As the Great New York State Fair concluded, a spate of figures emerged underlining its prominence as a premier event showcasing New York State’s agriculture, food, beverage, and entertainment. Fair Director Sean Hennessey extolled the collaborative efforts stating, “We hope these statistics help to tell stories of the many happy memories made at the Fair.” The numbers indeed tell a tale of gastronomical delights, agriculture’s pivotal role, dazzling musical acts, and the indomitable spirit of family fun.
Food took center stage with 272,055 cups of chilled milk served, with chocolate milk reigning supreme at 11,900 gallons poured over 13 days. The Taste NY Pop-Up Market spotlighted 140 products from over 40 vendors, logging 1,857 transactions, while New York Pure Maple Booth churned out treats using 3,800 pounds of maple syrup.
In the realm of agriculture, the event underscored its commitment to fostering young talent, with 209 budding leaders immersing themselves in the industry, marking a 33% jump from 2022. The Fairgrounds buzzed with activities from animal births, including 34 baby calves, to competitive entries in diverse fields like youth competitions and fine arts, tallying more than 10,000 entries.
Chevrolet Music Series captivated the audience with 46 renowned performers, drawing massive crowds to both Chevy Court and Suburban Park. On opening day, 53,000 enthusiasts flocked to witness Lainey Wilson’s performance. Overall, the Fair hosted an impressive 474 unique events in its 13-day run. Wade Shows’ Midway reported record-high ridership, and the transportation services, such as Centro Bus, witnessed a 26% surge in ridership over 2022.
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