Geddes, NY — 2024 is now the Year of the Goat. At least at the New York State Fair.

Welcome back everyone, we’re sure to have another 13 exciting days of music, food (and drink) and fun ahead of us. And don’t forget the farming.

One of the newest attractions in the Horticulture Building will certainly be one of the most visited on the entire fairgrounds this year. For $10, you can cuddle with one of the 100 Nigerian Dwarf goats for as long as you like. The Steinmetz family does not set a time limit for your goat visit.

Local media caught their first glimpse of these tiny bucks on Tuesday morning. What was supposed to be a drive-by photo opportunity turned into the highlight of the afternoon. These tiny guys come right up to you, they sniff you, they kiss you. They put a smile on your face… and a little drool.

You can read more about these pygmy goats in Steven Featherstone’s wonderful story this week.

OK, here we go: The gates for this year’s fair open at 9 a.m. By now, there are probably about a dozen people lined up to be among the first visitors. Last year, there was a crowd before 7 a.m. because people wanted to sit in the front row to see Chubby Checker perform. He’s the 1 p.m. Chevy Court act again this year. Of course, they’ll first stop by the Dairy Building to see this year’s butter sculpture, which was unveiled Tuesday.

For the 10th year, syracuse.com has “commissioned” 30 reporters and photographers to cover everything from the tastiest desserts to the best dishes you’ve never heard of and everything in between. You can find our coverage of Operation Funnel Cake ’24 all day long on syracuse.com.

Speaking of food, every morning I offer you a menu of food and drinks that I discovered during my time at the fair. So, let’s get to eating!

Today’s menu

I’m at the fair every day and night, and hey, a man’s got to eat (and drink). I write about food and drink for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard, so I might as well give you suggestions while I’m working here. But I’m no expert. I rely on readers to tell me what’s good. If you find something that makes your belly happy, text me at 315-382-1984 and I’ll try. Maybe I’ll eat or drink with you and pay the bill.

Breakfast: By the time you read this, I’ll have been at the fairgrounds for a few hours. After meeting the first guests at the entrance at 6am, I’ll make my way to the Indian Village for the most important meal of the day.

I fell in love with the cornmeal here at a food preview on Tuesday. The cornmeal is made from red Mohawk corn and simmered with milk or water until creamy. It reminds me of my old childhood favorite, Cream of Wheat, but without the wheat, of course.

A 12-ounce bowl costs $8 and you can top it with nuts, granola, different kinds of dried seeds, and vanilla maple syrup. It’s healthy too. It balances out the turkey leg I’ll eat at 10 a.m.

Lunch or dinner: Toss & Fire has placed three wood-fired pizza ovens in the far corner of Chevy Court. To warm myself up on this cold day, I opt for the Bold Coast Lobster Mac Pizza ($25). It’s macaroni with beer cheese, mozzarella, and fresh Maine lobster from the Bold Coast Lobster food truck about 100 yards away.

Beer of the day: Normally we would go to the beer garden tent on opening day and order a cold beer. But today’s weather forecast suggests we should reconsider.

Erinn McDowell is the garden’s owner and cicerone. (It’s like a wine sommelier…but for beer.) She suggests we drink the Buried Acorn Hot Whip IPA. And why not? This brewery is so local that you can stop by their shop before or after your day at the fair.

“Their flagship IPA is something everyone needs to try at least once in their life,” she said. “Don’t be intimidated by the confidence of this beer, it’s a little juicy, a little hoppy and really fun.”

By the way, their daily recommendations are $1 off. Cheers!

» Detailed daily schedule for Wednesday, August 21

Concerts

» Chubby Checker, 1pm at Chevy Court

» 90s throwback: Digital Underground, Tone Loc & Color Me Badd, 6pm at Chevy Court

» Joey Fatone and AJ McLean, 8 p.m. in Suburban Park

Today’s forecast: Pack a jacket. But hey, it gets better from here on out.

Fair principles

Hours: The fair is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Midway is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., but closes at 9 p.m. on Labor Day.

Tickets: Admission to the fair is $8 for an adult. Seniors 65 and older are admitted free. Children 12 and under are admitted free. You can purchase tickets in advance online. You cannot purchase tickets with cash at the entrance – you must purchase them on your phone or at a kiosk at the entrance.

Park: Parking is $12 per car this year, up from $10 last year. You CANNOT pay with EZ Pass Plus, but you can pay with a credit card at the entrance to the parking lot. You can also purchase parking passes in advance online.

Further rules: Smoking is only permitted outside the gates in designated areas. You can bring coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pets are not allowed unless they are working dogs or participating in a competition. Visitors must wear a shirt and shoes. Last call for alcohol is 10:30 p.m. each day.

State Fair Newsletter: Stay up to date on all the New York State Fair news, food, music, events and more with our free newsletter, emailed to you each morning. Click here to sign up.

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Charlie Miller finds the best food, drinks and entertainment in all of Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984 or 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 at @HoosierCuse on Þjórsárdalur and further Instagram. Sign up for his weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here.