When is Senior Day and do I get in free? And can I rent a wheelchair or electric scooter? (NYS Fair mailbag)

Jun 25, 2023

Ron Delosh (left) and Daisy St. Laurant of Watertown were the first people in line for this year's State Fair. They arrived at 6:30 a.m. Behind him is John Matthews of Onondaga Hill.Charlie Miller | [email protected]

Geddes, N.Y. — We asked readers to pepper us with questions about this year’s New York State Fair, and boy did you ever. I’m still going through more than 100 inquiries. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll track down people who do. (Believe it or not, State Fair officials are busy at this time a year.)

I’ll try to answer a few each day leading up to the Fair, which opens Wednesday, Aug. 23, and runs through Labor Day. I’ll also do my best to answer your inquiries throughout this year’s run. I’ll be on the grounds every day and night, and start each day by offering my recommended food and drink menu and provide a schedule of the day’s highlights.

If there’s something you want to know, send me an email to [email protected] or text me at 315-382-1984.

Here are answers to a couple of the most-asked questions still stuck in my inbox:

Q: The Fair has always had at least one Senior Day, where those of us over 65 get in free. Will there be a Senior Day this year? And how does it work?

— Rose S., Paul F., and myriad others

A: There is no formal Senior Day this year. However, in a way, every day is Senior Day at The Fair. Those who are 65 years and older get in for free. You might be asked for your ID at the gate, but you’ll get in very quickly.

Oh, and get this, every day is also Kid Day. Children 12 years old and younger get in for free too.

Q: Are there electric wheelchairs to rent?

— Barbara E. and Vince M.

A: You certainly can rent them. Scooters are $65 for a day; wheelchairs are $25. Rental hours are 9 a.m. until close daily. Equipment is available at three locations: inside the Main Gate (Gate 1), inside Gate 3 and outside Gate 10. You may also rent a scooter or wheelchair by reserving online at this link or calling (888) 441-7575. Early reservations are recommended. More information is available by clicking here.

Here’s a map that might help you out.

Map of the New York State Fairgrounds

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Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at [email protected]. (AND he pays for what he and his guests eat and drink, just so you know.) You can also find him under @HoosierCuse on Twitter and on Instagram. Sign up for his free weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here.

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