State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine today announced the following events running from Thursday, May 16 – Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the New York State Fairgrounds:

The Fairgrounds will host one of the largest cancer-fighting fundraisers in the region on Saturday, May 18 when the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s 2013 Central New York Race for the Cure returns.  Hundreds of women who are fighting or have fought breast cancer will be there to walk, run or move their wheelchairs over a course that covers the Fairgrounds.  They’ll be joined by an even larger contingent of friends, family and supporters who will walk or run with them.  They can choose either the 5K or 1 mile courses to run or walk.  The race begins at about 10 a.m.

An emotional part of past events has been the parade of survivors, who walk as a group onto the Chevy Court stage for a ceremony to make a powerful, visual statement about a woman’s ability to live with, and survive breast cancer.

The Central New York event is part of a national network of such fundraising events.  More than 100 events in 2011 drew participation from more than 1 million people.

Also at the Fairgrounds this weekend, the first of two New York State Horse Breeders Association shows begins.  From Thursday, May 16 – Sunday, May 19, horses and riders will be judged in more than 500 classes.  Events take place throughout the day at the Toyota Coliseum and are free for the public to attend.  The event concludes the following weekend.

The New York State Fair runs from August 22 – September 2, 2013.  The Fair’s theme is “Sharing the Bounty and Pride of New York.” 

In addition to the annual New York State Fair, the Fairgrounds host dozens of agricultural events throughout the year, including some of the Northeast’s most prestigious horse and livestock shows.

The home of the Great New York State Fair is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website.  Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook or follow NYS Fair on Twitter. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas on the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.