The Fair By the Numbers: Celebrating the 2025 Great New York Stat...

With Growing Youth Agriculture Participation and Record-Breaking Concert Attendance,
the 2025 Fair was Truly Unforgettable

Five weeks after gates closed and the proverbial dust has settled at the Fairgrounds, it's time to take stock of another incredible year at The Great New York State Fair. With nearly a million visitors in 2025 - including vendors, exhibitors, farmers, foodies and thrill-seekers - the 13-day event served as a high point in spotlighting the very best in the state.

"Since 1841, The Great New York State Fair has been a symbol of community, celebration, and agriculture," said NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "This year, it was inspiring to see fairgoers and honored guests alike recognizing that The Fair is fundamentally rooted in agriculture and showcases the best of New York State-all within an inclusive, diverse, and family-friendly environment."

Fair Director Julie LaFave added, "Our 2025 stats tell stories of joy, discovery, and community. Whether it's the focus on food and agriculture, the roar of live concerts, or the amazing work of our partners, everyone plays a part in making this event legendary."

Let's talk numbers-and what they really mean! The following stats highlight The Fair's ongoing role as the ultimate hub for fun, food, and farming excellence in New York State. With a staggering 925,989 visitors, the 2025 Fair was truly unforgettable.

FARMING, FUN, AND FUTURE LEADERS!

Agriculture remains the heart of The Fair. Visitors of all ages explored the vital role farming plays in our daily lives, from sustainable practices to innovative technology -connecting tradition with tomorrow's innovations and inspiring future farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to carry on this proud heritage.

Highlights include:

• 315 youth leaders, aged 12-18, participated in Agriculture Career Day-an 87% increase from 2024. The event featured nine interactive stations exploring careers such as equipment engineering, food product pricing, soil conservation, and more. In partnership with the Department of Labor, 25 FFA members from across the state facilitated the activities.
• In its third year, the Voice of the Farmer Garden (VOFG), planted and maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, has donated over 700 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries across the City of Syracuse to date.
• The Dairy Cattle Birthing Center celebrated its 12th year, welcoming 29 adorable calves during The Fair, bringing the total to over 425 calves born on the grounds. More than 200 farmers and volunteers helped bring these 'udder miracles' into the world.
• Over 350 competitive categories recognized excellence in agriculture, art, home crafts, and more. You can a find a list of winners here.
• The expanded Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Tasting Yard showcased over 290 unique products from more than 85 vendors, offering visitors a chance to sample and purchase local foods, beverages, and gifts.
• Exciting plans are underway for the new milk bar, slated to be operational for the 2027 Fair.

SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF THE FAIR!

Every year, the food scene at The Fair makes it a compelling destination-and 2025 was no exception. Here's a taste of this year's delicious highlights:

• 293,285 cups of chilled milk poured at The New York State Milk Bar, with chocolate milk comprising nearly 80 percent!
• At the Maple Booth, thousands of gallons of pure maple syrup turned into sweet treats: 9,177 maple ice cream cones, 2,900 maple milkshakes, 3,000 servings of maple popcorn, and over 1,100 pounds of maple sugar shapes.
• Fairgoers devoured more than seven tons of Peachey's doughnuts-equivalent to the weight of a school bus! One playful customer joked, "Can you just pour the whole glaze pan over my head?"
• The new Cream Puff Stand, located in the Dairy Products Building, was a crowd favorite, with vanilla and Dubai chocolate cream puffs leading the way. Owner Michael Tadros shared, "Many customers said the cream puffs reminded them of their childhood bakery in Central NY."

MUSIC, MAGIC, AND MEMORIES IN THE MAKING!

Music lovers flocked to Chevy Court and Suburban Park, where 41 headline acts rocked the stages-including chart-topping artists like Lil Jon, En Vogue, and Taylor Dayne, plus family favorites Blippi and Kidz Bop kept the youngest fairgoers smiling.

The largest concert venue in Central New York hosted The Fair's second-largest crowd of 49,000 fans for Jessie Murph on August 22, and third-largest audience for Shaggy with 48,000 in attendance on August 31.

More than 1,650 events and performances across the Fairgrounds, from cultural dance shows to magic acts, kept the entertainment rolling all 13 days. The Talent & Regional Showcases spotlighted rising stars from across New York, with top performers earning their place in the spotlight.

TECH TALK!

This year, technology played a pivotal role in enhancing the Fairgoer experience like never before. The official New York State Fair app launched just days prior to opening, offering an intuitive, interactive platform for visitors to purchase tickets, navigate the grounds, plan their day, and maximize their time at The Fair. To date, more than 38,000 downloads have been recorded.

In addition, the Fairgrounds introduced Fairgrounds Alert System Texts (FAST), delivering timely, critical updates on weather, security, and other important information directly to subscribers via text message. More than 7,200 fairgoers, vendors, and staff members opted in to receive these real-time alerts, helping to ensure everyone stays informed and safe.

On social media, engagement soared as fairgoers shared their experiences, made plans, and connected with The Fair. Content across Facebook and Instagram garnered a total of 21.4 million views-an impressive 260% increase since August 8. Top-performing posts included weather updates, concert recaps, and nostalgic features such as the Butter Sculpture, which captivated audiences and ranked among the most viewed content.

GETTING AROUND MADE EASY!

Thanks to Centro, more than 390,000 rides were provided from Downtown Syracuse, Park-N-Ride locations, and the Fairgrounds-up 18% from last year! Additionally, Oswego County's Park-N-Ride program provided 629 rides to the Fairgrounds. While on site, our fleet of Fair trams also transported approximately 100,000 fairgoers to and from designated tram stops in and around the Fairgrounds.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The countdown begins-just 321 days until The Great New York State Fair opens its gates on Wednesday, August 26, 2026! Get ready for more fun, food, friends, and unforgettable moments.

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state's CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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