State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine today announced the following events running from
May 3 – 5, 2013 at the New York State Fairgrounds:

There will be horses and alpacas on display at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend.

The Empire State Arabian Spring Horse Show brings to the Toyota Coliseum the stately horses bred for centuries for their friendliness and courage.  The event will feature All-Arabian and Half-Arabian horses from throughout the United States and Canada for a three-day dressage event.  The show begins at 8 a.m. each day beginning Friday.  Admission is free.

The 4-H Arena, in the meantime, will play host to the Pinto Horse Association of New York Spring Fling All-Pinto Horse Show.  People will be able to see the horses, with their distinctive coats of two-toned large patches, as they take part in events designed to test the horse and rider’s control, showmanship, and riding ability.  The event begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is free.

The Northeast Alpaca Expo will feature hundreds of alpacas, which will be judged on the quality of their thick coats.  Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family that are raised for their hair.  Alpaca fiber goes into all kinds of clothing and bedding products.  Judging begins at 8 a.m. Saturday.  Organizers plan to use a small camera to show and listen to judges as they discuss the qualities of each entrant.  Seminars on a variety of alpaca-related issues are also scheduled.  Admission to the Exhibit Center event is free.

“Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical,” completes its run in the Empire Theater, telling the story of a young girl’s search for love through the music of the early rock n’ roll era.  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students.  Group discounts are available through the show’s website, thetalentco.com.

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

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.