![](http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/newyork/file-172-.jpg")
Sweet Fair Deals
What’s sweeter than taking a big bite into State Fair fried dough? Taking a big bite into State Fair fried dough while saving a couple bucks. New this year, the New York State Fair, running Thursday, Aug. 23, to Sept. 3, is making all the great food you love a little lighter on your wallet with the new Best Bets Bargain Book.
The book includes 100 coupons featuring the best deals at the Fair. The Best Bets Bargain Book includes sections such as “Things to Eat and Drink,” “Things to Do,” and “Things to Buy,” to make navigating the busy streets a little less hectic.
For an advance price of $4, you can enjoy this year’s Fair all the more with this convenient pocket-sized book. They are available State Fair box office, 581 State Fair Blvd., and at local Tops, Wegmans and Price Chopper stores. When the Fair opens Aug. 23, the price will increase to $5.
For a complete listing of Best Bets Bargain Book coupons, visit www.nysfair.org/bargain.
Nation Building
The Westcott Street Cultural Fair seeks local artists and craftspeople who want to peddle their wares during the annual event, which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 23, noon to 6:30 p.m., on the 500 block of Westcott Street, near the Westcott Theater.
Artisans have to pay a fee of $45 to set up a booth if they apply before Friday, Aug. 31. The fee doubles to $90 if they wait until September. The cultural fair also is looking for groups who want to march in the event’s parade, which will assemble at 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Westcott Street and Euclid Avenue.
To apply or volunteer to help out for a couple hours, visit www.westcottfair.org or the event’s Facebook page, or call 703–6848.
Walk for Wellness
Ophelia’s Place, also called Café at 407, 407 Tulip St., Liverpool, will join forces with the National Eating Disorders Association to hold a walk to raise money and awareness in an effort to combat eating disorders. The walk will take place at Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park from check-in at 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26.
Ophelia’s Place is a local non-profit offering support groups for those affected by eating disorders, as well as raising money against and awareness about the disorders. The organization is looking for people to join its walking team or to create their own teams. To register, find the Syracuse walk at nationaleatingdisorders.com. People interested can also contact Jodie Wilson-Dougherty at director@opheliasplace.org or at 451-5544.
Marathon Musicians
Performers of all flavors around Central New York should take note: The Empire State Marathon needs some roadway entertainment, and just about anything will fly. The marathon will take place Oct. 21, starting and finishing at Alliance Bank Stadium. Achieve Fitness, the organization behind the road race, wants performers who can help keep the atmosphere high-energy for the runners, who will be tackling the 13.1-mile half-marathon distance or the entire 26.2 miles.
They’re primarily looking for upbeat musical acts like bands, cheerleading squads, drum lines and deejays. However, the organization also wants acts like mimes, clowns, color guards and dancers to apply. Email entertainment@empirestatemarathon.com to apply or for more information. Musical acts applying should include a full setlist and link to a website where the organization can hear your music. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.
