This year’s New York State Fair is scheduled to run from Aug. 21 through Sept. 7. That’s five days earlier than usual, and five days longer than usual. Nine Counties across the state thought the new schedule would conflict with their county fairs. Herkimer County Fair Manager Gerry Elthorp had concerns over losing their exhibitors to the State.

"That was the issue that… the exhibitors exhibiting at the fair, you know our animal exhibits, our youth exhibits…that was our biggest issue here," she said.

There were also concerns whether vendors would be able to fulfill their obligations with both the County and State contracts. The State is working out issues with vendors, but have come up with agreeable terms for the nine affected counties. Those agreements are valid for the next 2 years.

"They’re going to allow the exhibits to come in late, and on the same schedule as last year, and that’s a guaranteed. That’s not going to affect the exhibitors at all, and that was our biggest concern was our youth, and our exhibits was our main concern."

The Governor’s plan to extend the Fair will cost an additional $4.9 million, which is subject to the State Legislature giving their final approval. Another uncertainty is whether people will attend both the State Fair and local County Fairs.

"I don’t know the attendance is going to be affected because they still have the rest of the week after our fair is over to go to the State Fair. Those going to the State Fair are going to go to the State Fair probably the same time as they always do. I don’t really feel as though it’s going to affect our attendance a great deal."

There may be other events that are affected, but it does appear the State is willing to work with those venues on finding solutions.