By Blake Jackson
The Empire Room at The Great New York State Fair is returning with a refreshed experience that combines entertainment, food, drinks, competitions, and plenty of space for visitors to relax.
Located inside an air-conditioned area of the Fairgrounds, the venue offers expanded programming at no additional cost beyond regular Fair admission.
A major attraction is Harvey’s Garden’s self-service beer wall, which features a variety of beers for guests to sample. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available, and visitors can bring food purchased anywhere throughout the Fairgrounds into the Empire Room.
The venue will feature free daily activities designed for a wide range of interests. Theme programming includes a Taylor Swift-inspired day featuring Swiftie Bingo, a Cruel Summer tribute performance, and a friendship bracelet exchange.
On September 5, visitors attending the Trace Adkins concert can enjoy country-themed bingo and line dancing. Other entertainment includes DJ Nights, a Silent Disco, and a Buffalo Bills Pep Rally.
The Empire Room will also introduce new food and beverage competitions. Trivia Games hosted by Syracuse Trivia Company and Music Bingo will be open to Fair attendees.
The first-ever “Best of The Fair” awards will recognize standout vendor offerings in categories including Savory, Sweet, Fried, Mocktail or Non-alcoholic, and Alcoholic beverage.
Visitors can vote for the “People’s Choice” from August 26 through September 6, while judges and a selected fairgoer will evaluate entries and announce winners.
Harvey’s Garden is adding another interactive contest, inviting guests to compare two slushy flavors, Betty Blueberry and Pete Pickle, and choose a favorite.
Additional competitions include the State Arm Wrestling Championship on September 6 and the inaugural Fair Olympics, featuring events such as Milk Jug Holding, Corn Shucking, and Husband Calling.
“We had an opportunity to bring something truly unique to this space, so being able to provide more entertainment at no added cost to the fairgoer is a huge win. The partnership between Michael Greene and Harvey’s Garden and our new Events Superintendent, Isaac Rubenstein, has allowed us to bring fun, fresh programming to The Fair," said Fair Director Julie LaFave.
"We’re excited to see the Empire Room become a new destination for fairgoers to relax, enjoy a drink, catch some great entertainment, and discover something they might not have experienced before.”
The Great New York State Fair runs August 26 through September 7, with concerts included in admission.
Photo Credit: ny-state-fair
Categories: New York, General