Despite freezing temperatures, summer feels like it’s coming early this year as the New York State Winter Fair arrives at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend. 

Steve Becker, the fair’s promoter, originally came up with the idea for a winter fair about a year ago as an anecdote to Syracuse’s notorious winter weather. He described the fair as three days full of live entertainment, music, food and activities for visitors to enjoy. 

“I figured if winter is going to be the thing everybody knows about us, we should at least have some fun during it.” Becker said. The fair would include a variety of elements inspired by both the summer fair along with the winter season.  

In the middle of winter, attendees can enjoy amusement games and rides, fair food and games from the comfort of the indoors. For those who don’t mind braving the cold, a snowman building contest will take place outside the Exposition Center, where the winning team will receive a $100 savings bond for each member. 

“There’s going to be a little for everyone,” Becker said. “We really want to make this an event that will become as big as the New York State Fair one day. But for now, we really like how the fair turns out and what we can offer our local and greater communities.” 

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Vendors will include Rob’s Salmon Smokehouse, Sarita’s Food and The Limp Lizard Bar & Grill, Nick Ford, the manager at the bar and grill recommends fair-goers try the Walking Taco, which includes ground beef, lettuce, tomato and cheese drizzled with southwest ranch inside a Doritos chip bag.  

Among the live entertainment, guests can look forward to a set from The Fabulous Ripcords, a local Syracuse band.  

The group has been playing for nearly 15 years and have remained close in both their personal relationships and harmonies. They attribute their success to their ability to stick together and remain a “real band.”

“Nowadays, there just aren’t that many bands, at least not in the traditional sense,” said Rex Lyons, the band’s leader. “I feel like you really get your money’s worth with us — we got some extremely talented people with us and you can hear music from all angles.” 

Lyons said he is excited not only for their performance, but also for the fair as well. His band and he have never been to the fair before and anticipate sharing their music with the larger crowds. Their set will take place on Friday, starting at 6 p.m.  

“One thing I love about Syracuse is just how many talented people there are here,” he said. “I mean really, it’s like no other town I’ve ever seen… couple that with the great support we get from the community and you get a great time.” 

Fair directors said they still expect large turnouts, despite the cold weather, anticipating a weekend attendance in the tens of thousands. 

“I really appreciate the fair, as I’m sure the locals do,” Lyons said. “Around this time of year, cabin fever is pretty common — this fair just might save us all.”

The New York State Winter Fair will run Feb. 8-10.

— Asst. Feature Editor Diana Riojas contributed reporting to this story.

Published on February 6, 2019 at 9:19 pm

Contact Leah: ltoney@syr.edu