I went to the New York State Fair on Friday night.  It was one of those perfect evenings where everything just fell into place.  The traffic was reasonable – relatively light for the amount of people at the event.  My cousin Jackie and I found a great parking spot within minutes of driving down State Fair Blvd in Syracuse, New York.

We were there for the Toto concert.  They played in Chevy Court at 8:00 pm.

We had enough time to hit the bathroom before finding a seat.  I suggested my favorite one in the whole place, the lavatory on the second floor of the Art & Home Center.

It isn’t a heavily trafficked area, hence super clean and no queue for a stall.  I’m actually not sure if there is an elevator to get up there – I mean, there must be, although it is one of the oldest buildings at the fairgrounds.  The Art & Home Center is home to Arts and Crafts competitions with Fine Art upstairs.

Here are some pictures of the art on display.  Photography, drawing, painting, sculpture with different divisions based on age.  It is sort of a hodge-podge of work.  The giant ribbons indicate the winners, but you kind of need your readers to decipher the category and age brackets of said winners.

They make the most of the display area with art hanging in close proximity covering all the walls and doors plus work on stands resting on several tables scattered around.

For those of you who have attended The Fair and never knew this existed, you’re welcome.

Competition is inspiring for the winners, especially for school-aged children, because it offers validation and perhaps a nudge in the direction of the arts career-wise.  For adults, it is a chance to add to one’s resume, another award/group exhibition, which could lead to more of the same, as well as future gallery representation.  Hey, you never know.

Here is the link to the web-page where you can download entry forms for New York State Fair competitions.

The Fair continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2016.  For more information, visit their website here.  Last year, I actually went to it twice after a decades long hiatus.  I have plans to go at least twice more this year!

As for the concert, Jackie and I scored 5th row center seats about one minute before the concert began.  It was the craziest thing!  Later, we walked around with friends who’d messaged me after seeing my face on the giant screens then established a rendezvous point at the wine pavilion, lol.  (“Was that you?” “OMG, yes!”) Perfect night.  So fun!