Big Changes for NYS Fairgrounds Planned

Acting New York State Fair Director, Troy Waffner and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney are proposing revamping the over century old fairgrounds outside of Syracuse.

The plans call for eliminating the grandstand and the mile-long dirt racetrack, opening up about 70 acres.

A new amphitheater is being constructed nearby at Onondaga lake and Waffner says that negates the need for a grandstand on the fairgrounds.

Waffner says many of the iconic buildings at the site are original, need repair and are difficult to maintain.

Fair and county officials are proposing using part of a promised $50 million New York State grant to also build a recreational vehicle park.

Waffner says the improvements will help move the New York State from a "fair of the past to a fair of the future."