Taste NY is making a big splash at the 2024 Great New York State Fair with its expanded presence in the Horticulture Building, right next to the Maple Booth. This year, fairgoers can expect to find an array of New York food and beverages made by local farmers and small businesses. The Taste NY Pop-Up Market and Marketplace will offer an extensive selection of products sourced from across the state, giving visitors the opportunity to sample and shop for unique items.
One of the highlights of the fair will be the Taste NY Tasting Yard, located at the Suburban Park concert area. This outdoor patio-style beverage experience will feature 13 craft breweries and cideries from different regions of New York State. Visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of local brews while taking in the musical acts at the fair. This is a great opportunity for producers to connect with new customers and showcase their world-class craft beverages.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball expressed his pride in the growth of the Taste NY presence at the fair, emphasizing the importance of supporting local farmers and producers. Fair Director Julie LaFave echoed this sentiment, highlighting the diverse range of food and beverages that New York has to offer.
The Taste NY Marketplace and Pop-Up Market in the Horticulture Building will feature over 80 vendors offering more than 300 unique products. From sweet treats to gourmet nuts, fairgoers will have the chance to discover their new favorite locally made foods and beverages. The Marketplace will also host daily samplings from up to 12 New York food and beverage producers, providing a new experience each time visitors stop by.
In addition to the food and beverage offerings, Taste NY is partnering with the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Urban Farms and Community Gardens Program to showcase the State’s unique growing spaces. A virtual reality experience will allow fairgoers to „walk through“ a community garden, highlighting the importance of local food systems and community engagement.
The Horticulture Building will also feature interactive exhibits, seminars, and product booths from various agricultural organizations. Visitors can explore colorful plant and flower arrangements, get up close to a working bee colony, and even cuddle with baby goats. The New York Maple Center will offer a variety of maple products, while the Suds & Spuds booth will serve up delicious baked potatoes with all the toppings.
To add to the excitement, the „Find Me at the Fair“ contest will give fairgoers the chance to win prizes by interacting with New York State-themed selfie stations at county fairs across the state. This initiative aims to promote New York’s food, beverages, and agritourism while celebrating the diversity and quality of agriculture in the state.
Overall, Taste NY is dedicated to highlighting the best of New York agriculture and supporting local producers. The program has been a driving force in promoting New York’s food and beverage industry, bringing in over $100 million in economic impact to producers over the years. With its presence at the Great New York State Fair, Taste NY continues to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the state and provide a platform for producers to connect with consumers.