Governor Kathy Hochul opened the 2025 Great New York State Fair by announcing new improvements to its agricultural facilities. The event, which runs from August 20 through September 1, includes the unveiling of a new Sheep and Wool Center, updated horse stables, and plans for a new Milk Bar. These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to emphasize the fair’s agricultural heritage.
During her remarks, Governor Hochul highlighted continued investments in the fairgrounds. “We do make investments. We believe in supporting institutions like this that have been here for over 184 years. It’s part of the New York story, and I’ve been coming here since I was a young girl, brought my family, we all showed up here,” she said.
She also announced $35 million in upgrades this year to various areas including Chevy Court and Suburban Park, with an additional $3 million dedicated to renovating the dairy bar facility. The milk bar will now offer strawberry milk alongside traditional vanilla and chocolate flavors.
Governor Hochul addressed challenges faced by New York’s farmers due to tariffs and increased costs for supplies such as aluminum, steel, and wood shavings imported from Canada. She noted that some farmers are paying significantly more for these materials than before. The governor also referenced labor issues affecting agriculture workers due to immigration enforcement actions across the state.
Hochul drew on her personal background growing up in an agricultural family and her experiences participating in 4-H as a child. She emphasized the importance of organizations like FFA and 4-H in developing leadership skills among young people involved in agriculture.
In addition to focusing on agriculture, Governor Hochul recognized local leaders present at the event and honored Linda Brown Robinson by dedicating the Pan-African Village at the fairgrounds in memory of Van Robinson for his work uniting communities divided by infrastructure projects.
The Great New York State Fair remains one of the most affordable state fairs nationwide according to organizers (https://nysfair.ny.gov/), continuing its tradition of connecting visitors with New York’s farming industry while offering diverse cultural attractions.
The opening ceremony concluded with elected officials joining Governor Hochul on stage for a ribbon-cutting to mark the official start of this year’s fair.
