Most county and state fairs have deep roots in agriculture. Adults and children often come to look at prize-winning animals from the state's farms.

But at the upcoming New York State Fair, visitors can do more than see all that the state's farms have to offer. This year's fair will offer new opportunities for people to taste the bounty, too.

Opening this weekend, the annual fair hosts hundreds of entertainment and educational events and attractions. Among the fun will be interactive exhibits at which people can taste wine or buy fresh food all from within the state.

And throughout the fair, visitors will be able to watch professional chefs prepare gourmet meals using nothing but home-grown products.

“This has always been an agricultural fair,” said Fred Pierce, spokesperson for the event. “We really think it's an excellent opportunity to educate people about the food we eat and where it comes from.”

As the wine industry has expanded through the Finger Lakes region in recent years, so has the fair's focus on wine, Pierce said. There will be two separate wine courts this year - one near the coliseum and one near the grandstand - featuring nothing but New York labels.

People will be able to taste the varieties one glass at a time or purchase bottles to open at their own tables. And for the first time, visitors will be able to enjoy a glass while taking a stroll. Previously, wine tasting was limited only to the court area, Pierce said.

“The development of the wine industry in the upstate area is an incredibly positive thing,” he said.

Don't drink wine? The Pride of New York program will turn an entire fair building into a giant grocery store featuring food products from around the state. Shoppers can pick up fruits and vegetables, milk, specialty cheeses and more.

Past fairs have always had farmers' markets, but this will be the first time all of these products will be available at one spot for a single shopping experience, Pierce said.

“These are things you wouldn't necessarily associate with upstate farming,” he said. “Some of these products, like pastas and sauces, are based on old farm recipes.”

Pierce said all the delectable exhibits tie together, as it is a goal of the fair to promote locally grown products. It helps that the products are “excellent,” he said, and people might be surprised by what they can buy.

“You probably didn't know that all of this stuff is being made in your own backyard,” Pierce said.

Christopher Caskey

253-5311 ext. 282

christopher.caskey@lee.net