The New York State Fair is having trouble signing acts for the Grandstand Stage this year. Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner says usually by this time of the year, the fair has the lineup for the grandstand pretty much in place. While several big name acts have been announced at Chevy Court, like Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor, only country singer Eric Church has committed to the grandstand so far.
Waffner says there are a couple of reasons for this. Some are logistical, as acts aren’t in the area the 10 days of the fair. But he also says the fair is being priced out of the market in some cases, as artists are demanding more money.
"I understand. They aren’t making as much money in record sales as they used to make, so they have to make it on tours," said Waffner. "But for our facility, which is a tough 17,000 seat facility and wasn’t built for grandstand acts, it was built for horse racing, it’s 30 or 40 years old. It’s tough to bring in a million dollar act, and then charge a ticket price of $125 or $150 and expect the ticket payer to pay it and enjoy themselves out there.”
Waffer says the fair has sent 21 offers to acts like Jimmy Buffett and Maroon Five without success. Waffner admits Eric Church could be the only entertainment act at the grandstand this year, but will still be on the lookout for acts.
"We’re not done with the fight yet," he said. "We wanted to put out a warning for fairgoers. The reason you’re not hearing about grandstand acts this year, is that it’s just a difficult year to get them.”
If no other entertainment acts can be signed, Waffner says they'll consider other ways to fill the grandstand.
"Maybe we’d take a look at maybe a couple nights of a bigger monster truck show, maybe some motorcycle racing, maybe some other motor sports," said Waffner. "We've traditionally done do two motor sports events out there. Maybe we expand that, the kind and type. As I said we’re looking at all options from anyone who has an idea. If we can’t get musical acts or comedians, it’ll be something else hopefully.”
