Governor Hochul launches county fair passport program

By Blake Jackson

New York State is investing in its county and youth fairs through a variety of initiatives. The state's Department of Agriculture and Markets announced $500,000 in funding for fair promotion through the Agricultural Fairgrounds Advertising, Promotion, and Education Program (AFAPEP). This program aims to increase fair attendance and educate visitors about the importance of agriculture.

"County and youth fairs are essential for connecting New Yorkers to their local agriculture," said Commissioner Richard Ball. "This funding will help fairs improve their marketing and educational programs."

AFAPEP grants of $10,000 each have been awarded to 50 agricultural and horticultural organizations running county fairs. This funding can be used for various marketing activities, including social media campaigns, app development, website improvements, and signage.

Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a County Fair Passport Program to further encourage fair attendance. This program, launching before the 2024 fair season, will incentivize visiting multiple fairs by offering passport stamps at each location. Additionally, a $1 million marketing campaign will target New Yorkers and tourists to promote these fairs throughout the state.

"We appreciate this funding opportunity to improve our fairs' educational and promotional programs," said Julia Reynolds, President of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs. "This will allow us to better connect the public with agriculture."

These investments come alongside the significant economic impact of county fairs in New York. According to a 2013 study, these fairs generate $6 billion in economic activity and create over 4,000 jobs annually. Beyond economics, fairs offer a fun and educational experience for families, showcasing local agriculture, food, music, and New York's rich agricultural heritage.

County fairs typically run from July to mid-September, with a full list of participating fairs available online.

Photo Credit: istock-ligora