6 feb. 11, 2019
dailyorange.com
Winter fair fever By Diana Riojas, Kelsey Thompson and Haley Robertson the daily orange
T
he sounds of a bass guitar and saxophone echoed through the speakers as crowds began to gather around the stage. Couples, initially bobbing their heads and grooving in place, stripped off their winter jackets and began twirling in circles in bygone jitterbug fashion. As The Fabulous Ripcords’ horns blared, a little girl stared up at the Ferris wheel overarching the Exposition Center, her eyes entranced by the kaleidoscope of colors swirling before her. Guests meandered around the 110,000 square-foot venue, some with a wine slushie and others with a fruity frozen treat in hand, walking between booths and past strollers. It was a frigid winter night in Syracuse, marked by high-speed winds and belowfreezing temperatures. But inside the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds, the inaugural Winter Fair was just getting started. The first New York State Winter Fair wrapped up Sunday night after three days of live entertainment, rides, vendors and food. Lines for the Ferris wheel, Scrambler and Zero Gravity rides stretched to nearly 50 people at times, while hundreds of people sat in front of the main stage for live entertainment throughout the weekend.
ENTERTAINMENT Seventeen acts were scheduled to perform throughout the three-day event, including live music, magic, martial arts demonstrations and dancing, among others. Jay Gould, the bass player and one of the vocalists for The Fabulous Ripcords, said his fellow bandmates and he were excited to play the first Winter Fair after having performed at the summer rendition several times. The band, who have been performing together for 16 years, were looking forward to sharing their New Orleansinspired music with new audiences. “Well, it’s a little chilly outside, but it’s not so bad in here,” Gould said on Friday night, laughing. “It’s hard to compare the two, but it seems like a fine venue and I really hope they continue it.” The Winter Fair Stage, located at the back of the Expo Center, featured several rows of bleachers for spectators to sit on during the performances. But as the lineup continued, the bleachers disappeared in a sea of visitors, with hundreds standing around the stage for a
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3 3. The inaugural New York State Winter Fair was held at the New York State Fairgrounds’ Exposition Center from Friday to Sunday. The three-day event featured live music and entertainment, along with dozens of food and artisan vendors. haley robertson feature editor
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