SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — The New York State Fair is kicking off its 12-day run with national touring acts and a new operator for the rides on the midway.
The gates at the fairgrounds in the Syracuse suburb of Geddes open at 8 a.m. Thursday.
Kellie Pickler leads off the fair's entertainment lineup with a free afternoon concert at Chevy Court, followed by the Barenaked Ladies at night. Other acts performing free concerts include Ashanti on Sunday and the Doobie Brothers on Labor Day, Sept. 1.
Country music star Brad Paisley kicks off the concerts in the Grandstand with a Thursday night performance. Other Grandstand performers include Pitbull on Saturday, Kid Rock on Monday and Jason Aldean on Aug. 30.
The fair's midway includes more than 60 rides provided by Wade Shows.
Amtrak is once again this year offering train service to the New York State Fair.
Governor Andrew Cuomo says he urged Amtrak and track operator CSX Corporation this week to reach an agreement to continue the annual service.
Cuomo says providing passenger service to the fair was more complicated this year because freight traffic has increased. Amtrak wanted to make sure passenger trains with fair stops were not delayed by heavy freight traffic.
