The New York Times ran a speculative piece on the decline of
state fairs across the nation, WITHOUT ONCE MENTIONING OUR OWN N.Y. STATE FAIR!
They mentioned the ones sinking into financial debt in the midwest (Illinois), the ones teetering on the brink of extinction in the west (Nebraska, North Dakota) and even a few that are seemingly in good shape (Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Georgia and Washington).
Nothing about the Great New York State Fair. Are they embarrassed about living in a state that also celebrates the smell of manure, tractor pulls and all things deep fried? Or are they just so self-absorbed in their own fabulous lives, so amply detailed in myriad soap operas, sit-coms and feture length movies?
“A state fair is not a business,” said Pat Haley, a state representative from Huron, S.D., home to a fair whose preview night is Aug. 30. “A state fair is a social event, much like a family reunion.”
If that is so, most downstate residents do not consider themselves part of our family.