The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
STATE FAIR OPENS
GEDDES >> The Great New York State Fair kicked off on Thursday with 41,923 people in attendance.
This total is down 4,780 people, from the last year’s first-day total of 46,703.
Another 74,558 attended on Friday.
This year’s butter sculpture is created from nearly 800 pounds of unsalted butter, and features scenes from throughout New York State, with landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty, (depicted as a cow holding an ice cream torch) and a wheel of cheese. In addition, are children dressed in clothing representing different seasons enjoy milk, yogurt, and cheese which are produced throughout New York state.
“This year’s sculpture is all about celebrating locally-produced dairy,” said Audrey Donahoe, of DonDale Farms, in Frankfort. “Our 5,400 dairy farmers are hard at work, 365 days of the year making nutritious, wholesome milk.”
The 800 pounds of unsalted butter used for the sculpture came from O-AtKa Milk in Batavia. Artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken created the butter sculpture, as they have ever since 2003, fair staff report.
Fair organizers also say that this year there is still a huge focus on agriculture at the fair. One new activity highlighting state agriculture is the TasteNY experience highlighting New York-made products
“Thousands of visitors
“Featuring a variety of New York-made products – from wine, beer, and spirits to maple and dairy to fresh fruits and vegetables – the Taste NY experience will highlight the best of what our agricultural and culinary industries have to offer.”
— New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
are expected to attend the 2013 Great New York State Fair later this month, making it the perfect showcase for Taste NY,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “Featuring a variety of New York made products – from wine, beer, and spirits to maple and dairy to fresh fruits and vegetables – the Taste NY experience will highlight the best of what our agricultural and culinary industries have to offer. Fairgoers will have many ways to experience Taste NY at the State Fair, with unique activities like the Taste NY Trail and Taste NY Marketplace. With something for everyone to enjoy at the State Fair this summer, this is an event that New Yorkers cannot pass up.”
Gospel Weekend continues today with music all day at the Talent Showcase.
Monday and Tuesday are Senors Days, with people age 60 and over admitted free.