The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York, will open its doors on August 21st and run until Labor Day on September 2nd, spanning a period of 13 days. This year’s fair will feature the second edition of the “Asian Village,” showcasing Asian cultures and characteristics.
The New York State Fair is one of the oldest and largest state fairs in American history, attracting nearly a million visitors annually. Its roots can be traced back to 1832 when the New York State Agricultural Society was established in Albany to promote agricultural development and local exhibitions. On September 29th and 30th, 1841, the first state fair in the United States was held in Syracuse, New York, marking 183 years since its inception.
Located at the Empire Expo Center in Geddes, near Syracuse in western New York, the fairgrounds cover 375 acres. Originally focused on showcasing New York State agriculture, the fair has evolved over time to feature not only agricultural products and animals but also a variety of cultural exhibitions, music, dance, circus acts, and theatrical performances, drawing a large audience.
Last year, the New York State Fair introduced the “Asian Village” to celebrate and showcase the culture, diversity, influences, and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Tai Shaw, a Vietnamese-American and the head of “Asian Village,” was appointed as one of the six members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Asian Affairs by Governor Huochu in May.
In an interview, Tai Shaw explained his motivation for founding the “Asian Village.” Having lived in Syracuse for over 40 years, he felt a lack of belonging and identity at the fair in previous years. Recognizing the significant Asian population worldwide, Shaw believed that Asians should take pride in their heritage. He advocated for the establishment of the “Asian Village” to showcase Asian cultures and New York State’s diversity and inclusivity. The village includes representations from various Asian countries including India, Vietnam, Nepal, and Mongolia, in addition to China and Korea. Governor Huochu visited the Asian Village in recognition of its importance.
The entrance to the “Asian Village,” located near Gate 2, is adorned with vibrant Asian cultural motifs, featuring lanterns, auspicious clouds, bamboo, and plum blossoms, with the inscription “Experience the Beauty and Diversity of Asia.”
This year, the Asian Village will offer performances of songs, dances (including Chinese classical dance), dragon and lion dances, fashion shows, traditional handicrafts, and Asian cuisine.
The fair’s address is 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY. To get there by car, visitors can take the 690 highway directly west of Syracuse, accessible from the 90 highway from the west and the east, and the 81 highway from the north and the south. Once in the Syracuse area, follow the signs to the fairgrounds.
Tickets for the New York State Fair are only $8 per person (with discounts available for frequent visitors with a 13-day pass). Children under 12 and seniors aged 65 and above (including 65) can enter for free. Tickets can be purchased on the fair’s website at https://nysfair.ny.gov/admission/. For more information, visit the official New York State Fair website at https://nysfair.ny.gov/.