New York State Fair opens Wednesday; Unveils butter sculpture

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Great New York State Fair will kick off on Wednesday. The fairgrounds in Syracuse will once again be full of food, farm animals, music from all-star acts, games, and more.

The fair has already unveiled its 56th annual butter sculpture, which depicts a family relaxing on the bank of a river on one side while showing a dairy farmer planting a tree on the other side.

The American Dairy Association North East says the sculpture highlights how dairy farmers protect the environment while producing milk. Dairy farmers often plant trees along rivers and streams that run through their farms to prevent soil erosion, which improves water quality and provides a habitat for wildlife.

Rochester’s own Danielle Ponder is among the musical acts at the fair this year, which are all free with admission. Here’s what you need to know:

How long does the fair last and how much is admission?

The Great New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2. You can buy tickets here.

Admission to the fair is $8 while parking costs $12. Admission is free for people 65 or older and for children 12 and under. You can also buy a pass to enter every day of the fair for $25. The fair grounds are at 581 State Fair Blvd. in Syracuse.

What shows are at the Chevy Court?

All concerts at the Chevy Court series are free with admission and include Grammy winners and internationally acclaimed artists. The concerts will run from 1 to 6 p.m. at the stage near Gate 1.

Rochester’s own nationally-touring singer Danielle Ponder will take the stage at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The former Monroe County public defender creates music that weaves pop, R&B, blues, and soul. She sang in the News10NBC studio after we spoke with her on Rochester in Focus.

Seats are on a first-come first-seated. You can see the full lineup here.

Which shows are at the Suburban Park?

Concerts at the Suburban Park are also free with admission. Each concert begins at 8 p.m. at the stage at the western end of the fairgrounds.

Some of this year’s performers are modern rock band Chevelle, the R&B group TLC, and seven-time Grammy winner Big Boi from the rap group Outkast. You can see the full lineup here.