Opening Day at the 2025 New York State Fair

There are certain traditions that become markers of the seasons, little rituals that make summer feel complete. For me, the Great New York State Fair has always been that. It’s the unofficial grand finale of summer—a celebration of everything that makes this region feel like home.

I grew up here, in every sense of the word. From the early ’90s until 2003, the fair wasn’t just a destination; it was my summer stage. I spent countless hours in the horse barns, showing in 4-H, braiding manes, polishing boots, and waiting for my turn in the ring. That show ring, with its mix of nerves and excitement, was as familiar as my own backyard. Those years shaped me in ways I still feel today—the discipline, the thrill of competition, and the pure joy of being surrounded by animals and people who shared the same passion.

Fast forward to now, and my role at the fair looks a little different. No show clothes, no early mornings mucking stalls—just a mom sharing a piece of my history with my family. For the past four years, Scott and I have taken Roux to the fair, and it’s become one of those things we look forward to all year long.

Opening day this year was cold, a little less sunshine and a little more gray skies and drizzle, but it didn’t slow us down. We started at the Expo Center, which is hands-down Roux’s favorite spot every single time. This year’s theme was Ice Age, and he was absolutely captivated by woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Watching his face light up in that way—pure awe and wonder—makes the extra layers and soggy shoes worth it.

Of course, I can’t go to the fair without wandering over to the Toyota Coliseum. Even though it’s been years since I stepped into a ring to show on my own horse, I can’t help but plan our trips to State Fair around the schedule of events at the Coliseum. Opening day was all jumping – my favorite. Sitting there with Roux, pointing out the horses, and telling him, “Mom used to do this,” was surreal. To him, it’s just a cool story. To me, it’s a lifetime ago and yesterday all at once.

And then there’s the food—because what’s the fair without something deep-fried and absolutely unnecessary? We shared a blooming onion (my personal non-negotiable), grabbed milk from the milk bar for 25 cents, Roux got his special ice cream and, of course, made time to see the iconic butter sculpture. Some things never change, and I love that about this place. We even snuck in some Twin Trees pizza and the best sausage at the Fair, or so they say. It’s a staple, and we’ve loved it forever.

One of the best parts of the day was how Roux seemed to dance his way through the fair. Everywhere we turned, there was music—country near the barns, musicians by the midway, and then the big stage at Chevy Court where a band was throwing down the very best ABBA hits. By then the rain had turned to straight mist, but Roux didn’t care. He splashed through puddles, spinning and stomping like the fair was his own dance floor. I joined him, because how could you not? There we were, rain-soaked and laughing, moving to the music with everyone else who decided a little weather wasn’t going to ruin a good time. Core memories made with him, memories I’ll cherish for years to come.

Even with the rain, the fair worked its magic. It always does. It’s more than rides and games and food—it’s a living scrapbook of memories, and now I get to add new pages with Scott and Roux. And next year, we’ll be bringing another little fair fan along for the ride…

Here’s to summer traditions, old and new. See you next year, NYS Fair.

-Al