Tonawanda News — For the first, New Yorkers are being asked to choose a theme for this summer’s Great New York State Fair held near Syracuse.
State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said Friday that residents of the state have until March 15 to submit a theme.
“This is just one more way we are giving New Yorkers even more of a stake in their 2013 Great New York State Fair,” Aubertine said. “New Yorkers are creative, innovative and they think big. I want every New Yorker to start thinking big when it comes to this fair. In the end, this fair belongs to all New Yorkers and all New Yorkers deserve to have their voices heard when it comes to the premier attraction in New York state.”
Thomas Ryan, the fair’s director, said the annual celebration covers topics such as the state’s economy and culture, as well as its institutional strengths, though a lot of emphasis is also centered on agriculture. He added that theme submissions should aim to convey these messages. Recent themes have included “Discover America in the Heart of NY” and “It Just Keeps Growing and Growing.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for one lucky New Yorker to name the theme of one of the largest events of the year,” Ryan said. “I know that I’m walking into the Fairgrounds with a lot of ideas, but I want to hear even more ideas from my fellow New Yorkers. I’m looking for great ideas on a new theme and also looking for feedback on how we can put on the best possible show in 2013.”
On March 18, Aubertine and Ryan will view the submissions and narrow them down the next day. The winning theme will be announced April 1.
Aubertine said when submitting theme ideas, residents should include their name, area of the state and a number where you can be reached.
The 2013 Great New York State Fair will run from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2. Theme ideas can be submitted by e-mail at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.
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