Great New York State Fair begins

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The New York State Fair kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 24. The state fair director tells News10NBC’s Syracuse affiliate that visitors can expect enhanced security this year, with wands upon entry.  

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Smoking marijuana is allowed in six designated areas around the perimeter of the fairground. Some longtime food vendors are not returning this year, including Gianelli sausage and Dinosaur Barbeque. However, the fair added 15 new food and drink vendors to their lineup of 100 places to eat and drink.

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There’s a new, unique drink at the state fair from 1911, a distillery in the Syracuse area. Its creation for the state fair this year is called the “Mermaid Melonade.” It has rock candy on the bottom, and in the center, there’s frozen lemonade. Plus honey melon vodka.             

See the complete list of food and options here.

The fair runs from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5. For more information, please click here.