SYRACUSE - The state's budget crisis is hitting the New York State Fair.

State and fair officials say they will cut back the number of grandstand concerts from 11 to seven in 2009 to save money.

Last year, the state budgeted $3.5 million for national entertainment acts in the 16,000-seat grandstand. That budget will drop to $2.5 million next year.

But state officials say they will offer four more free concerts in Chevy Court. Typically, the entertainers playing at the venue are up-and-comers or entertainers whose greatest successes are behind them.

Meanwhile, the state announced Monday it's seeking bids until Dec. 1 from promoters to manage next year's entertainment and hopes to make a choice by Dec. 5.