What a year we’ve had! From kicking off our Centennial in the outdoors with First Day Hikes, to lighting up New York on the official anniversary in April, to birthday bashes hosted at state parks and historic sites all summer long, it’s certainly been a year to remember. Visitors from near and far joined in on the festivities and participated in the different activities to help us celebrate.
Take a look at our year-in-review video that recaps all the fun we’ve had this year.
Still want to celebrate with us? Here’s a more in-depth look back at all the excitement we’ve had with you by our sides.
Created in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in 2021, New York State Parks’ Ladders to the Outdoors program launched with a goal to have children from underserved communities experience the outdoors at state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. Building upon the success of the Connect Kids to Parks program, which reimburses transportation costs for field trips, Ladders to the Outdoors staff members work closely with teachers and community leaders to plan visits and provide the equipment needed to create successful experiences.
Since the program’s inception, organizers have taken kids out on trail walks, fishing trips, bike rides, and to visit the New York State Fair. The program’s core mission “to connect kids to their New York State parks and historical sites, outdoor recreation, nature, and foster a lifelong love of the outdoors” remains the same today as it did at the outset, but now also features some welcome and expanded ambitions.
A group sporting Ladders to the Outdoors backpacks explores the New York State Fair.
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.
There’s nothing quite like a New York summer! It’s peak season at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. Camping is in full swing, whether it’s in one of our cabins, or in tents or RVs. The swimming season is underway at our beaches and pools. And if you’re looking to make the most of the season, we’ve got you covered. Our expert staff members have combed the state to suggest exciting summertime experiences for everyone. There’s bound to be something new for you on this list!
Listen to the Sounds of Summer
Performances at Artpark, left, and at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park.
Summer concerts are happening all season long, and there’s an affordable live music option for everyone. Enjoy the longer days and warmer nights with festivals and performances by world-famous musical artists at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park, Jones BeachTheater at the iconic Jones Beach in Wantagh, and Artpark in Lewiston, or boogie with your favorite local bands at a state park or historic site near you. All options offer the chance to relax and enjoy the show from a blanket or chair.
– Written by Gabriela Wemple, Excelsior Service Fellow
The nation’s oldest State Fair has come a long way since it started in 1841 as a two-day event in Syracuse _ with highlights that included a plowing contest, which was no doubt of interest to an audience that was very familiar with farm life.
Drawing about 15,000 visitors then, the Fair has grown over the decades and last year, set a record with about 1.3 million visitors at the 13-day event.
This year’s fair will run from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sept. 2, and feature more than 80 live concerts spread across five stages, 200 food vendors, 70 rides, and more than 10,000 animals.
A $120 million plan by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to revitalize the fairgrounds wrapped up last year, when the 136,000-square-foot Expo Center, the largest indoor events space north of New York City between Boston and Cleveland, was unveiled.
Earlier work at the fairgrounds included a full-service RV park for 313 campers, a larger, relocated Midway area, a new Main Gate entrance, a new exhibit area for the New York State Police, and the Sky Ride, a 1,400-foot long chairlift ride. The Indian Village, a part of the Fair since 1928, also received renovations to its Turtle Mound, the home of cultural performances..
Last year’s turnout ranked New York as the fourth-largest state fair in the nation, behind Texas (2 million), Minnesota (2 million) and New England (1.5 million).
Present-day attendance is about double what the Fair was drawing during the 1950s and 1960s, as New York and the rest of the U.S. basked in a post-war economic boom tinged by a bit of Cold War angst.
So take a little trip in the time machine, and see the State Fair as it was then, contrasted with as it is today. All photographs courtesy of the New York State Fair. Click to the first picture to start the slideshow…
And will you be seen at the Fair this year?
Former Governor Nelson Rockefeller samples a New York State apple.
Newspaper account of attendance figures during the 1950s.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo greets a young visitor to the State Fair.
How patriotic are “ewe?”
In this undated photo, “Miss Electra,” who was there to promote modern electical appliances, greets some local beauty contestants.
A chainsaw artist wields the power.
Former Gov. Mario Cuomo at a fair event in the early 90s to promote an early electric car company.
Native Americans became part of the fair starting in 1928 when the Indian Village was added.
Angeline Nuller at the Indian Village at the State Fair.
Armed forces members at the fair.
Fair crowds inspect an early model of a military helicopter that anyone who has watched the Korean War TV series M*A*S*H will recognize.
Amid Cold War fears, a model fall-out shelter to protect from an atomic blast is on display.
The merry-go-round is a popular attraction whatever the year.
Trying a hand at making the hay bale fly.
Frank Sinatra Jr. performs at the Fair.
Anyone ready for some Space Age “chic” circa 1960s?
The demolition derby tests the durability of man and machine.
A dog shows its moves in retrieval from the water.
A jet pack on display at the Fair.
A display of 1950s U.S. armored fighting vehicles draws curious crowds.
Up close and personal with a Monarch butterfly.
One of many performers who has entertained over the years.
The 1957 Fair gets positive newspaper reviews.
A word of warnng on the “perils of the midway” from one newspaper reporter.
The new Exposition Center at the Fair.
Think milking a cow is easy? Some visitors give it a try…
A citizenship swearing-in ceremony for new citizens held at the Fair.
A member of The Greatest Generation shows the colors.
Bringing home the blue ribbon at the State Fair!
Posted by Brian Nearing, deputy public information officer
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 