While the dog days of summer may bring muggy weather to our neck of the woods, it also brings the time of the year I look forward to most: fair season. One of my favorite parts of the fair is the time I get to spend with my grandchildren. I love to watch them as they run around without a care in the world, eat the foods only their grandparents will give them, and play their favorite game: “I Got It.” Although their focus may be on the cotton candy and stuffed animal prizes, when they get older, their appreciation will shift, and they’ll recognize all the hardworking individuals who make our part of the state so special. One thing about fair season that remains regardless of age is the excitement of gathering with the community and spending quality time with wonderful people.

The state government recognizes what a special event the fair culture serves throughout the state and is investing $5 million to help make our fairgrounds even better. For the first time in nearly a decade, fairgrounds can apply for infrastructure funding assistance to make our already great county fairs even better. The state recognizes how significant these fairs are to local economies throughout New York, and wants to give back in the hope improvements made with this fund will bring back visitors for years to come.

With the improvements and new attractions added to our fairs, the aim is to encourage travel across the state while giving residents the opportunity to visit our “Taste NY” locations along the way. These locations, strategically placed along New York’s thruways, are home to a collection of goods produced right here in New York. It is a win-win for all parties involved and is exactly the type of thinking I want to see more of from our state. To learn about the various “Taste NY” locations throughout our state and help with planning your next travel route, click here.

This fall, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will release a detailed list of eligibility requirements as well as an application for this grant program. This will allow county fairs across the state time to prepare project proposals for next year’s fair season. Grant funding will be based on first-come, first-served and will not exceed $200,000. For any county fairs interested in applying please register using the Grants Gateway located here. I also encourage any county fairs with questions on how Grants Gateway works to call the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-2195.

New York’s various county fairs continue to be one of the amazing attractions that make this state so special and this program will only add to the excitement of these festivities. I welcome your thoughts or questions on the county fair grant program or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.