New this year, the New York Beef Council and Beef Producers Association are partnering with the Food Bank of CNY to collect beef donations for those in need. Fairgoers can visit the Beef Barn to participate in the “Pound Out Hunger” campaign, where they can swing a sledgehammer to pound a vehicle donated by Ben Weitsman & Son of Syracuse. Participants can pay $2 for one swing or $5 for three swings. Proceeds from the event will go toward beef purchases for New Yorkers in need.

The Beef Barn will also have activities open to everyone starting at 9 a.m., including a scavenger hunt, a hay bale throwing contest, and personality quizzes. People who visit the Beef Barn can also take selfies with industry mascot Beefman, get to know New York beef farmers face-to-face, and see award-winning beef cattle. Activities in the Beef Barn will help attendees learn more about the beef industry.

Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said, “Beef Day is always a popular day at the Fair because there are so many different activities to participate in. It’s fun to watch people scramble to make the perfect burger in the cook-offs, but it’s also great that everyone gets to learn where their food comes from.”

State Agricultural Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The beef industry is so important to New York State and with the way it’s growing, it’s a great time to learn more about it. Everyone who visits the Fair on Beef Day will see all of the hard work that goes into making our food.”

Commissioner Ball will kick off the Beef Day festivities at 10 a.m. in the Chevy Court Pavilion by reading a proclamation that celebrates the beef industry.

Beef Day continues with the 22nd Annual media grill-off, called “Branding Iron Chef,” in the Chevy Court Pavilion at 10:15 a.m. This competition challenges local television and radio members to create a burger masterpiece in one hour.

The 11th Annual “Create the Perfect Burger” Contest will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Chevy Court Pavilion, as 10 Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters will compete for the title of “Perfect Burger,” to be determined by a panel of judges. Three winners will also receive $875 in prizes for their chapters.

New York Beef Council Executive Director Jean O’Toole said, “Beef Day is a celebration of our New York beef producers and educates fairgoers about beef from farm to fork. There will be many interactive activities where attendees are encouraged to ask questions about cattle. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn and hear the passion farmers have in raising our food.”

This year, Beef Day falls on the same day as Fire & Rescue Day, where free admission is offered to any active or retired members of a fire department or emergency services organization, and the second Senior Citizen’s Day, where free admission is offered to all seniors 60 and older.

About the Great New York State Fair
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 23 to September 4, 2017. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “Find Your Great...,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.

The 375-acre New York State Fairgrounds is undergoing the most significant transformation since it first opened its gates in 1890. The $50 million plan, announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, revitalizes the grounds in many ways, improving the quality of the fairgoer’s experience and providing greater economic benefits for the region. Improvements include the dramatic new Main Gate— the arches of which recall the carriage gate that greeted fairgoers in 1900, a larger, 15-acre Wade Shows Midway that will hold more rides than ever, and the brand new 315-site Empire RV Park with underground water, sewer and electrical service. The plan will better position the New York State Fairgrounds as a premier year-round, multi-use facility that can attract more events and visitors from across the nation. Renderings can be viewed here.

A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website. Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, and enjoy photos from the Fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

Media Contacts:
Jola Szubielski
Public Information Officer
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
518-457-0752

Dave Bullard
Public Relations
New York State Fair
315-487-7711 x 1377