SUNY is ready for its 4th annual presence at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY from August 21 – September 1. Here, campuses are able to reach an array of prospective and current students, alumni, and other members of the SUNY family among the nearly 1 million annual visitors to the fair. This year’s fair theme is “Summer’s Best in Show,” offering visitors the ability to experience the best food, music, rides, games, exhibits, animals, agriculture and so much more of all the things that make New York State special, including two dozen brand new attractions and events.
While enjoying the food, fun and attractions at the state fair this year, be sure to visit SUNY at the Science and Industry Building for information on new online academic opportunities, financial aid support, alumni networking, and more. You’ll learn why SUNY is the State University FOR New York.
Here’s 7 more reasons to come to the Great New York State Fair with SUNY this year.
1. New York State Food and Drinks: If you can eat it, you can probably find it fried at the State Fair. The State Fair offers a bounty of foods grown and produced right here in New York State, such as fresh cheeses, delicious fruits and vegetables, famous Gianelli sausage, and even the Southern Fried Chicken Donut. And when you’re eating meats, cheeses and produce produced in New York, you’ll need some beverages to keep you refreshed. One way to find that is by visiting the new Taste NY Wine, Beer & Spirits Village at the Colonnade where visitors will be able to purchase wine, craft beer, liquor, and hard cider, all made here in New York State.
2. Campus Showcases: A group of SUNY Campuses will be present each day of the fair to showcase some of their interesting initiatives and opportunities. Come see multimedia exhibits, talk to campus faculty and staff, and participate in interactive events, like arts and crafts to even a flight simulator!
3. Mascots: Bears and dragons and panthers…oh my! Along with campus showcases, many of the SUNY campuses will also have their mascots in attendance at the fair. Come meet and take pictures with these lovable and lively friends, and be sure to see them during the daily parade.
4. Learn About New SUNY Programs: SUNY has recently introduced new tools and initiatives to help students with expanded access and opportunity – Open SUNY, the new seamless way for you to access the courses, degrees, professors, and rich academics of all 64 SUNY campuses, and Smart Track, the program designed to help students and families understand college costs and develop a financial plan for the future. There will be plenty of information available for you to get up to speed on these initiatives and learn how they help open the doors to college completion for all New Yorkers. Also at the fair will be information on the new New York State Master Teacher Program and SUNY’s University Police.
5. Music and Entertainment: Each day of the fair features enough music and entertainment options to satisfy anybody, from live music to action sports. This year, you can see musical artists such as Train, Carrie Underwood, Joan Jet & The Blackhearts, and more. And the best part? Young the Giant will be playing a free show at Chevy Court on Sunday, August 24 – SUNY Day.
6. Live Cow Birthing: Have you ever seen a cow undergo the miracle of childbirth? One of the fair’s most popular exhibits has been expanded this year. The live cow birthing center has been improved and made larger for better access for fair attendees and more comfort for the cows. Stop by to the FFA building to see Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine providing this opportunity to learn more about animal agriculture, veterinary science and the birthing process.
7. Relive the Experience on Social Media: We want to share the fair experience with everybody via social media. Help to showcase all of the fair’s fun and festivities with SUNY on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and be a part of the Best in Show!