It wouldn’t be the end of the summer season without a trip to The Great New York State Fair! From live concerts and a trip on a ferris wheel, to twenty-five cent milk at the Dairy Barn and the sand sculpture, the State Fair is full of family-friendly experiences. And this year will be extra special for State Parks! 

Did you know that New York’s smallest state park can be found within the State Fair? It’s true! You can find the State Park at the Fair right behind Chevy Court on Niagara Street, where we have a Visitor Center, gift shop, mini-golf course, reflecting pool, and many unique attractions that give you a taste for all we do at State Parks. You’ll have the opportunity to meet environmental educators, costumed historical interpreters, State Park Police and Park Rangers, as well as learn about marine safety, snowmobiling, and the popular Hawke Creek Rehabilitation Center Birds of Prey show. But that’s not all.

In honor of our Centennial, we’re commemorating Thursday, August 22 as State Parks Day at the Fair by waiving admission for fairgoers who present one of the following passes at the entrance that day: Empire Pass, Access Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass, and Golden Park Program (people 65 years old and older are admitted free every day of the Fair). We’ll also have a staff videographer on-hand that day to help film your stories for the Share Your Story project that you can learn more about below!

Can’t make it for State Parks Day? Here’s a quick peek at how you can celebrate with us from Wednesday, August 21 through Monday, September 2. 

Step Back in Time with “Blazing a Trail” 

Everyone has an origin story, and we’re telling ours as part of our Centennial. The “Blazing a Trail” interactive timeline delves into more than 170 years of stories and milestone moments, divided into eight chronological eras. While digital in nature, we’re bringing the timeline to life for you to experience in person at the Fair. Explore the years leading up to the establishment of the park and historic site system you know and love today, meet some of the main characters who helped shape the system, and discover the pivotal moments that impacted the system’s legacy and longevity. 

Share Memories with the Share Your Story Project 

Do you have a favorite state parks or historic sites memory? All year long, New Yorkers have taken part in the Share Your Story project. We have been capturing and collecting your nostalgic memories online and sharing them for all to experience.

Stop by the State Park the Fair Visitor Center to share your story in person with one of our staff members. Film a short story on your phone, take a selfie in our Share Your Story selfie frame, or use our online form to help us collect special memories from our amazing visitors. 

Cross Centennial Challenge Missions Off Your List

Are you up for the Challenge? Our Centennial Challenge is a year-long program, inviting you to achieve 24 out of 100 activities in our state parks and historic sites. During the 13-day run of the State Fair, you’ll have the chance to cross up to six missions off your Challenge checklist – without ever having to leave the fairgrounds! 

This System was Built for You 

Where would we be without our visitors who take great pride in enjoying and supporting open spaces throughout New York State? As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we’re also inviting you to make a promise to Parks to help us make it to our 200^th birthday and beyond! Whether promising to join a friends group, volunteer on I Love My Park Day, or share your favorite park or historic site with a friend or family member who’s never visited, we invite you to make a promise with us at the Visitor Center. 

We hope you’ll close out the summer season this year by visiting us at the State Fair! Don’t forget to bring a favorite memory or story to share – we’ll see you out there! 

– Written by Madeleine Gionet, Director of Marketing