By Blake Jackson
The Great New York State Fair will celebrate Maple Day on August 31, 2026, highlighting one of New York’s most iconic agricultural products and the producers behind the state’s thriving maple industry.
Sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers Association, the event will take place in and around the Horticulture Building, offering fairgoers a variety of educational and interactive maple-themed experiences.
“New York is proud to be one of the nation’s leading maple-producing states, and Maple Day at The Great New York State Fair gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hardworking producers who make this industry such a sweet part of New York agriculture. Maple production is rooted in tradition while continuing to evolve through innovation and education," New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.
"I encourage fairgoers to stop by the Maple Experience mobile classroom, meet the next generation of agricultural leaders, and learn more about how New York’s maple producers turn sap into a product enjoyed around the world.”
A featured attraction is The Maple Experience, a 24-foot mobile classroom that showcases the process of producing maple syrup from tree tapping to final packaging. Interactive displays and demonstrations will highlight both traditional and modern maple production techniques.
Students from Morrisville Central School FFA will present live demonstrations throughout the day, while visitors can participate in maple trivia contests and sample authentic New York maple syrup.
Fairgoers will also have the opportunity to attend a maple caramel popcorn demonstration in the Wegmans Demonstration Kitchen and meet the maple mascot, Leafy.
New York remains one of the nation’s leading maple-producing states, ranking second nationally and supporting more than 2,000 maple producers. In 2025, the state produced 829,000 gallons of maple syrup, reflecting the industry’s continued growth and importance to New York agriculture.
State officials say Maple Day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate this success while educating the public about the traditions, innovation, and products that make New York maple a recognized favorite across the country.
Photo Credit: ny-state-fair
Categories: New York, General