August is upon us and that means two big things in central New York: The New York State Fair and back to school shopping. Through Aug. 22 or while supplies last, you can buy advanced sale New York State Fair general admission tickets at the Fingerlakes Mall customer service center for just $6 each.

Why fight the traffic and pay for parking, when you can ride in air conditioned comfort and be let off right in front of the main gate? You can take Centro Bus from the Fingerlakes Mall to the state fair from Aug. 23 through Sept. 3. Park at the mall and leave the hassles to Centro.

Tickets for Centro Bus to the fair are also available at the mall customer service center now and will be available for purchase during the fair near the cinema entrance to the mall. The cost is $2.50 one way for adults and $1.25 one way for seniors and children ages 6-9.

Upcoming events at Fingerlakes Mall include a Saturday, Aug. 11, car show presented by Enterprise Rent A Car in association with AmeriCU and Auburn Federal Credit Union. From Aug. 23 through 25, Fox Dealerships will present “The Big Used One,” featuring the best deals of the year on used cars.

Bass Pro Shops hosts New York State Boaters Safety Courses from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 14 and 16, for Class 1, and Class 2 will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. There is a $35 fee, and interested participants can reregister by calling Bass Pro Shops customer service at 258-2700.

Then the New York Bowhunting Safety Course will be held at Bass Pro Shops from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 21 and 23. The class will be taught by Ralph Grey and is mandatory for new bow hunters. The class size is limited; to register, call 259-2700. There is no fee for this class.

Diane La Rue is a marketing consultant for Fingerlakes Mall.