It's officially New York State Fair season!
Centered in Syracuse, New York, thousands upon thousands of people flock to the fair from all across the country. Last year alone, just under one million people visited the fairgrounds, and this year, that number is expected to grow.
As I grew up just a half an hour from the fairgrounds, and I have attended the fair at least once every season, which usually begins the last week of August and ends on Labor Day. This year, the festivities begin on August 25 and end on September 5, giving you plenty of time to join in on the festivities. At the New York State Fair, there is always tons of food, concerts, animals, sights, and activities to see and do.
And did I mention food? There are tons of options, from fried Oreos, to the best baked potatoes you could ever imagine, to foot long fried dough, and famous barbecued meats. However, as a vegan during fair season, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what you can eat out of some many things. Therefore, I bring you my New York State Fair vegan eating guide!
1. Strong Hearts. Strong Hearts. Strong Hearts.
For anyone that lives near Syracuse and is a vegan/vegetarian, you've probably at least heard of Strong Hearts Café. Added to the International Building at the Fair in 2015, Strong Hearts dishes out all vegan food, including vegan chicken wings, sandwiches and milkshakes that I would honestly die for. Last year, they even brought a signature milkshake flavor, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, and this year they have created an entirely new surprise flavor that I'm sure will be just as delicious.
Both at the fair and in their restaurants, I've witnessed a whole bunch of people eat at Strong Hearts Cafe, including meat-eaters, and I've never seen anyone that doesn't like the food. In my opinion, if you're looking for some vegan food that won't let you down, Strong Hearts is your number one go-to vendor at the fair this year.
2. Eat styles of food that you've never tried before.
There are tons of Greek places that offer vegetarian items that can easily be made vegan by taking out simple ingredients, like feta cheese. King David's is a reputable Greek vendor, and they will cater to your dietary needs if you ask. Likewise, most of these places have clear vegetarian labeling, making it easier on you to make the meal vegan.
Also, there are many lesser known vendors offering many different cuisines that you should keep your eye out for this year. These vendors are often simple, tiny booths that offer a wide variety of foods and drinks that you can't get anywhere else. For instance, there is a booth in the Pan-African village that makes fair versions of African dishes, and they offer a few vegan options.
So, like I said, just keep your eye out, as you never know what type of foods you'll find!
3. Plan to snack your heart out.
Places like Strong Hearts offer full meal plates that will fill you up and make you feel full for hours, but if you don't want to just choose one food, choose to snack! The fair is full of vendors offering weird and tasty food. Vegan snacks include roasted corn (no butter) and the famous baked potato (no cheese, sour cream, butter, or bacon). Not the mention, almost every stand has fries, most of which have separate fryers. Also, the Dr. Vegetable stands offer fried vegetables, including eggplant fries, that can be made vegan.
4. Don't be afraid to ask a vendor if they can make a dish vegan.
Honestly, like I said, don't be afraid to tell the people taking your order about your veganism. More often that not, the vendors at the fair are small businesses that are happy to have secured a place at the New York State Fair, and are more than content with helping you out in any way that they can. Obviously, some of the more meat centered venues, such as the barbecue places, might not be able to help you out that much, but other vendors will be happy to help, so just ask!
I hope this article helped some of you vegheads headed to the fair this season!
