New York State Fair opens with classic concerts and dizzying midway fun
NYS Fair opens with classic concerts, dizzying midway fun
Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend the annual summer-closing event at the State Fairgrounds.
The Great New York State Fair’s annual celebration of all things Empire State officially began Wednesday.
During its 13-day run through Labor Day, the event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.
Fairgoers will have plenty to choose from between viewing exhibits and traditions such as the 800-pound butter sculpture to thrill-seeking on the midway rides and taking in any of more than 45 concerts at the Suburban Park or Chevy Court stages, ranging from Lil Jon to Lynyrd Skynyrd to All Time Low.
Considered one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the country, the agricultural and entertainment tradition dates back to 1841 when the first two-day State Fair was held in Syracuse.
Back to the club with Taylor Dayne
Once the rain gave way to sunny skies Thursday afternoon, it wasn’t just the weather that was turning up the heat at the Chevy Court stage.
“New York, are you ready?” pop diva Taylor Dayne called out from backstage as a countdown clock ticked down on display screens.
Fans responded with screams and cheers as Dayne launched into “Prove Your Love” and everyone’s nostalgic return to ‘80s nightclubbing began – even if they were sporting a bit of gray this time around.
Having performed for more than three decades, Dayne confidently commanded the stage with ease, belting out familiar hits with her signature powerful vocals.
Dayne found ways to connect with the audience, whether it was a back-and-forth response during “With Every Beat Of My Heart” or slipping into the crowd for “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” and shaking hands and taking selfies with her fans. Before returning to the stage, she cheerfully danced with Amber Galloway, one of the concert’s sign language interpreters.
Before her Grammy-nominated “I’ll Always Love You,” Dayne found one more chance to share her appreciation with the crowd.
“When I sing a song like this, I realize it’s not just about getting married anymore or making babies that night like it used to be,” Dayne said. “But this is my song of celebration for all of you and thank you for 37 years.”
Dayne closed her hour-long concert with 1987 breakout single, “Tell It To My Heart,” elevating the crowd’s energy to one last fever pitch.
And not unlike the best of those nights out in the ‘80s, Dayne’s fans lingered around after as if they wanted the club to stay open a little longer.
George Clinton brings the funk
