Preparations are almost complete for the New York State Fair, which starts Thursday. Things will look different at the fairgrounds this year, following a $50 million renovation. One of the biggest changes will be at the midway.
There is simply a lot more room for rides and attractions at the fair’s midway this year. The demolition of the grandstand and the race track has created a 15-acre rectangle that operator Wade Shows will fill with rides, games and attractions. Owner Frank Zaitshik admits it creates somewhat of a challenge.
"Because now you have this great new facility and footprint and the pressure’s on us to do a wonderful job,” said Zaitshik.
Zaitshik says that will mean 75 rides, the most in the midway’s history. There are eight new rides, including another roller coaster and a double Ferris wheel. Wade has also beefed up on the amenities.
"Every place you see, you’re going to see benches for people to sit, rest areas, we’re having things like sunscreen dispensers for the public, we’ve got phone charging stations, we’ve got lockers for people’s personal effects,” said Zaikshik.
The midway will also have a different look, with wide boulevards and teardrop lights. And the fair’s utility improvements mean no electric lines snaking between rides. Fair officials say the changes to the midway are dramatic, and make it a more family-friendly destination on the fairgrounds.
