GEDDES -- The New York State Fair kicks off today.
The gates to the Fairgrounds just outside Syracuse opened at 8:00 this morning, with exhibit halls opening two hours later. Governor David Paterson made an appearance inside the main gate at 10:00 to officially kick off the Fair, and Trooper Sgt. Hank Henry from the State Police Troop D barracks in Oneida sang the national anthem.
The fair's twelve day run ends on Labor Day, September 6th. This is the 164th edition of the Fair.
Tonight's entertainment includes performances by Kool and the Gang on the Chevy Court stage and Aerosmith in the Grandstand, followed by a fireworks show.
CNY Central reporter Laura Hand says that, on the midway, the Strates Shows have all the rides operating except the 'Enterprise'. There's an issue with some of the bolts in the ride. New ones are being shipped in so it can pass it's safety inspections. It should be ready by Friday.
Among the upgrades this year is the new interactive exhibit in the Agriculture Museum that highlights the history of New York state's dairy industry.
This year's concert lineup also feature Lady Antebellum, Justin Beiber, Rihanna, Rush, Tim McGraw and Blues Traveler.
CNY Central will be at the Fair for all twelve days. You can follow our coverage by clicking here.
With the start of the 2010 Great New York State Fair, the New York State Department of Transportation is offering these route suggestions to help you get there in the quickest, safest manner.
-From the West - Buffalo/Rochester Area: Take the New York State Thruway (I-90 East) to Exit 39, and then follow I-690 East.
-From the East - Albany/Utica Area: Take the New York State Thruway (I-90 West) to Exit 34A, follow I-481 South, then follow I-690 West.
-From the North - Watertown Area: Take I-81 South into Syracuse to Exit 22. Follow Route 298 West (Bear Street) to I-690 West.
-From the South - Binghamton/Cortland Area: Take I-81 North into Syracuse, then follow I-690 West.
-I-690 Eastbound and Westbound Mainline, between exits 6 and 7: A temporary 3 color traffic signal will be operational to accommodate shuttle buses bound to the Fair, as well as Fair patrons with private vehicles exiting the Orange (upper) parking lots.
-I-690 Westbound Mainline: Westbound drivers headed to the Orange (upper) parking lots may use either Exit 7 or Exit 6. It is recommended that just west of the bridge passing over Hiawatha Blvd, people who choose to use Exit 7 use the right lane, and those that choose to use Exit 6 use the center lane as they approach the New York State Fairgrounds.
NYSDOT and The New York State Police are encouraging westbound drivers to use Exit 6 (the second exit) and form a single line on the right shoulder as early as possible to assure quicker access to the Orange (upper) parking lots.
-I-690 Eastbound Mainline: Eastbound drivers headed to the Brown (middle) parking lot will need to use Exit 7 (Solvay/Fairgrounds). Those headed for the Gray (lower) parking lot should use Exit 6 (Route 695 south) to the Lakeland exit to State Fair Boulevard.
-State Fair Blvd. Northbound and Southbound: New York State Police will be directing traffic for pedestrians at crosswalks and for vehicle traffic entering and exiting various parking lots, between Route 297 (Bridge Street) and the on-ramp to I-690 east and west/ NY Route 695 south throughout the duration of the Fair. Expect the potential of lengthy delays on this stretch of roadway during peak hours of event attendance.
Accommodations will be in place for “Non-Cash Entry” for E-Z Pass-Plus cardholders to the Orange and Brown Parking Lots accessible from I-690 only.
Information from the Associated Press and NYSDOT was used in this report.
