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State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Darrel Aubertine was preaching to the choir while speaking at the State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 24 when he said, “More than anyone else, Joe {LaGuardia} oversaw the growth of the Fair that is now a 12-day event that draws almost a million people a year. Joe lived for the Fair and tonight we celebrate his legacy.”
The ceremony dedicating the Joe LaGuardia stage was well-attended by LaGuardia’s family, led by his wife Carol, and by about two dozen cheering friends, including former Fair directors Tom Young, Peter Cappuccilli Jr. and Bebette Yunis, and former assistant director Matt Morgan, now a member of Aubertine’s staff.
Fans entering the Grandstand for concerts this year passed beneath huge banners with photos of the late former marketing director and text that read “In Memory of the State Fair’s Music Man. Thank You Joe LaGuardia for Three Decades of Service to the Great New York State Fair.” Future plans, according to Morgan, include the hanging of scrims—massive draperies—on the sides of the stage in further tribute to LaGuardia.
It was a joyous celebration for LaGuardia supporters, especially several former Fair employees, who said that they haven’t attended for years due to their feelings toward current director Dan O’Hara, who was not in attendance. Carol LaGuardia accepted a plaque that matches one being hung in the backstage building and gave a heartfelt speech thanking Aubertine and those gathered to support her family. She kept her remarks brief in deference to something her husband used to tell her. “Joe always said, ‘Carol, don’t tell them how the clock is made, just tell them what time it is.’” Friday night was Joe’s time.
What’s New
For seasoned fans of the New York State Fair, it’s not easy to see the expo from a new perspective, but that’s exactly what they can get this year at the 165th Fair by climbing the stairs to the second floor of the Center of Progress Building’s Grand Central Café. There are new windows facing north, toward Chevrolet Court, and south, toward the Art and Home Center, all with clear glass and screens replacing the translucent windows that had been there and allowing views not seen before. Benches are placed on the north side, making for a new and unobstructed view of the Chevy Court stage.
Down at ground level, several terrific animal acts highlight the new attractions. The butterfly tent in the Horticulture Building is a delightful experience with beautiful monarchs making for a rare and joyful experience. It’s one of the few Fair events with an admission charge, but it’s only a buck and well worth it.
Just outside, near the reflecting pool, a new show featuring birds of prey is thrilling. While the Raptor Project occupied that space for years, this one rises to the challenge and adds something different: an awe-inspiring demonstration on the adjoining lawn.
Bixby’s Rainforest Experience has some fascinating critters rarely seen around here taking part in a 15-minute presentation on an inflated green-and-yellow stage. Opening day featured Mika, a kinkajou, and DJ, a ring-tailed lemur, introduced by a young host who did a couple of simple magic tricks and talked about conservation and recycling. It’s not a bad show for kids, but it sure can’t make up for the absence this year of the dog stunt show that has been phenomenally popular in that area.
Fans of homegrown animals will find it easier to locate them with colorful new signs on the outside of barns revealing what’s inside in English and Spanish.
