The Great New York State Fair begins today (9/23) and runs through September 4th. There many things that we love about the Fair including the concerts, animals and the food. Maybe this year, you are looking for something new to do. Great news, here are some of the new events that are happening this year.

Family Fishing Day and "I Fish New York." It's a day dedicated to fishing in New York begins on August 27th with a tournament on Onondaga Lake. "I Fish New York" will feature members of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) chapters competing for the biggest catch from 7 am to 11 am. The New York Experience area on the Fairgrounds will have the official weigh-in and the crowning of the champion.

The Department of Environmental Conservation will have a free fishing experience from 10 am to 4 pm at the New York Experience Area pond. Kids of all ages and anglers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. B.A.S.S. boats will be on display in the area, along with various types of fishing gear and equipment.

Admission to the Fair on August 27th is free for those who show a valid sporting license at the gate. Anyone who buys a sporting license at the fair will be automatically entered into a random drawing to win a Great New York State Fair lifetime pass.

Timber Sports and Forestry Day on September 2nd. It's a day of events highlighting the state's forestry industry at the New York Experience Area. A draft horse demonstration begins the day at 10:30 am. Collegiate timber sports teams from SUNY-ESF, SUNY Morrisville and Paul Smiths College will compete in events including crosscut and bowsaw, axe throw, underhand chop, logrolling, speed climbing, and more.

Text an Ag Question. So how many times have you been at the Fair and you seen an animal and your kids ask you a question about it? You tell them you don't know or you make something up. You don't have to do that anymore. New this year, you can text an Ag Question.

Agricultural experts will monitor a text channel and answer questions texted to them. There will be signs in the barns that will provide the number to send the test message too. That's a great way to interact with your kids and learn something at the same time.

That's just some of the new activities at the Fair. So "Find Your Great" and go here to see all the activities happening at the Fair.

 

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