Geddes, N.Y. — The New York State Fair is back, and there are even more exciting things to see, do and experience this year.
We spent time with the magicians, butterflies, strong men (and strong hay-bale-tossing kids) on the first day of the 2022 New York State Fair.
Here are a few shows and exhibits we thought shouldn’t be missed:
Steve Trash calls himself an Eco-Magician. What's that mean? Find out at one of his shows at the 2022 New York State Fair.James McClendon | [email protected]
Steve Trash, Eco-Magician
Where: The Empire Theater of the Art & Home Center
How much: Free
When: Shows every day, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. No 3 p.m. show on Friday, August 26.
Why it’s great: Eco-Magician Steve Trash, for the first time ever at the fair, uses discarded or recycled items to amaze his audience. This show is perfect for children and adults of all ages, who may even be asked to come on stage and assist with a trick or two.
- James
Mighty Mike shows off century-old feats of strength three times a day at the 2022 New York State Fair.Teri Weaver | [email protected]
The Mighty Mike Show
Where: Along Chevy Court near the State Park at the Fair
How much: Free
When: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Why it’s great: He can bend a horseshoe with his hands! He can explain the tricks and strengths behind feats popular a century ago! He can make you laugh!
Mighty Mike is an old-fashioned muscle man -- complete with a 1920s red-and-white striped weightlifter unitard. He’s got a tool of tricks that includes making kids feel strong, making strangers stop and pay attention -- and most of all making his audience feel good. And that’s the strongest feat of all.
- Teri
The butterfly exhibit at the New York State FairTeri Weaver | [email protected]
The Butterfly Exhibit
Where: Horticultural Building
How much: $3 for one, $6 for two, $2 for each additional person
When: Every day during the fair
Why it’s great: It’s just flat-out magical to stand in a room with orange, black, purple, red and blue butterflies floating around. It’s also great people-watching. Some kids (and adults) start out timid, afraid of the flitting and crawling pollinators. But after a few minutes, even the most bug-averse can’t resist trying to get a butterfly to take a drink from a sugar-coated swab. Plus, it’s a good way to make new friends. “There’s one on your glasses,” a woman said to me. “What should I do?” I said, scared to move. “Enjoy it,” she replied.
- Teri
Circus Hollywood's show at the NY State Fair features high-flying acrobatics, music and comedy.
Circus Hollywood
Where: Behind the Expo Center
How much: Free
When: Shows every day, 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Why it’s great: Comedy, flying acrobats and danger. All things that make this circus great. The Coronas family, fourth-generation circus performers, brought their show to America from Europe in 1952 and have captivated State Fair audiences for years. With dazzling tricks and precise comic timing, this is definitely a show not to miss.
The Birds of Prey exhibition at the NY State Fair featured owls, hawks and even a vulture.
Birds of Prey
Where: Chevy Court near the Art & Home Center
How much: Free
When: Shows every day, 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Why it’s great: Owls, falcons and vultures, oh my! This exhibition features birds of all kinds swooping down over rows of spectators who have volunteered to be a part of the show. The expert handlers give in-depth descriptions of the birds and everything they do.
- James
- The New York State Fair History Exhibit is a scrap book of past fairs. You can see past sand sculptures, exhibit history and replicas of former butter sculptures.Teri Weaver | [email protected]
The New York State Fair History Exhibit
Where: Restaurant Row
How much: Free
When: Day and night while the fair is open
Why it’s great: Even if you’ve been to the fair more times than you can count (or remember), you might have missed this tiny walk through history. It’s a quiet place to sip your slushie or slurp your ice cream and walk back through time to past fairs. There are photos of past parades, a retrospective of sand castles and even replicas of former butter sculptures. Let the arguments commence!
- Teri
The early stages of the 2022 sand sculpture at the New York State Fair.Teri Weaver | [email protected]
Sand Sculpture
Where: Center of Progress Building
How much: Free
When: All day and night during the fair
Why it’s great: During the early days of the fair, visitors get to watch sculptors turn 360,000 into presidential portraits, tributes to first responders and celebrations of New York agriculture. Past exhibits include remembrances to 9/11 victims and responders, and even an homage to Dr. Seuss.
This photo was taken just minutes after the 2022 fair opened. What will it be? At publication, a secret. By the time you get there, the images created by Team Sandtastic will already start to shine through.
- Teri
The best thing about the New York State Fair? The kids, hands down. And this kid is doing her best to win in the hay bale throwing contest.James McClendon | [email protected]
Hay Bale Throw
Where: Beef Barn
How much: Free
When: Contests: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 1 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 2, noon.
Why it’s great: Come one, come all, and test your strength by tossing a bale of hay as far as you can. Separated by age group, contestants take turns tossing hay bales (size appropriate of course) as mooing cows and excited fans cheer them on.
- James
Sign up for the NY State Fair Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all New York State Fair news, food, music, schedules and more with our free newsletter. Get it in your inbox all 13 days of the 2022 fair. Sign up here.
Read more about the 2022 NY State Fair
- Ready for the NY State Fair? Here are 7 notable changes you’ll see when you visit
- How to get to the 2022 New York State Fair: Maps, info for parking, Ubers, trains, buses, more
- Fur-loving fairgoers: Here are the animals, exhibits, and shows you need to see at the 2022 NYS Fair
- When are the special days and free admission days at the 2022 New York State Fair?
- How to get $3 tickets and ride tickets for 2022 New York State Fair: No cash at the gate again
- NYS Fair music guide: 9 concerts that will have big crowds (and 7 that should)
- Are there any Covid restrictions at the 2022 New York State Fair?