New York State Fair 2023

My daughter and I went to the New York State Fair, since we live in the city where it’s held each year. Its not the sort of thing I would personally travel to see, but they do have tons of unusual food options and cute animals on exhibit so it’s fun to stop by. When my child was younger she loved to go on certain rides and visit the fun-houses, but as an adult she prefers doing that with her friends now instead of on our visits to the fair together (though I always offer the opportunity). 

We visit a few times most summers and have seen many attractions and trends pass. The shock of such increased prices on everything this year, seems like it shouldn’t be upsetting anymore, but it did affect my enjoyment. I’ve also seen groceries double in price and learned to live with it, yet somehow it was still appalling to consider a deep fried onion on a paper plate worth $16! Maybe I’m wrong though!? 

The prize winning arts and crafts projects are a favorite sight I love to find at the fair. Quilts and knitting projects, crochet, beading and so many other handmade things to look at, the most exquisite and careful works you can imagine. It’s very inspiring. Sometimes I think I should try and compete, but I remember the one time I looked into what’s involved and it’s way more paperwork and organized communication than I’m willing to expend on something that’s supposed to be my v chill hobby. It’s impressive what the winning crafters have knitted and sewn, etc, and I also learned they are total nerds 

There was a “long sleeve dance” happening on stage in an area called the Asian Pavillion, I’ve seen that in kung fu movies and it was an exciting moment at the fair that brightened my mood. I got a white wine slushy to drink, and that was heartening as well. I didin’t wear sunscreen and turned a bit pink from the sun, but I’m ok with it, really. My daughter declined to wear sunscreen but was protected by wearing a hat.

The best place at the fair this year, for me, was in a large air-conditioned expo hall. It was an exhibit with dinosaur themed photo ops, and I really loved it, because it made me look and feel so tiny! I had a nice time despite my complaints and general negativity, I’ll probably even be back at the fair again before it’s over.