Stepping Out

The Midway beckons

Long Island welcomes the Empire State Fair

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It’s fair time at Nassau Coliseum. The newly reinvigorated arena shares some summer fun with area residents with the debut of the Empire State Fair.
Circus-type spectacle, including animal acts, along with musical entertainment, plenty of thrill rides for all ages, and midway action are all a part of this summertime extravaganza, which runs for 11 days, now through July 30.
For those who are still enticed by circus acts, the All American Thrill Show picks up where Ringling Bros. left off. Fairgoers will be dazzled by these adept daredevils, as they walk the high wire, swing on the flying trapeze and dangle skillfully from a 90-foot swaypole, high above the crowds.
And then there is that fair favorite — Swifty Swine’s Racing Pigs. A mainstay of the fair circuit, all the way from the great state of Texas, they’ll have fairgoers going “hog wild.” Watch this group of potbellied speedsters sprint, oink and jostle their way around the track at “Pork Chop International Speedway” and cheer on your favored porker to win. Everyone has plenty of chances to see these hogs in action, since they go at it five times a day.
More animal antics can be found at the Commerford Petting Zoo, where kids can get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals from the four corners of the globe — a favorite spot to take selfies. Kids can meet and greet the animals and even go for a ride.

The entertainment lineup features hypnotist Steve Baynor, who is ready to unleash the power of the subconscious mind with his combination of wit, stage presence and charisma, according to those who have seen him perform. “Hypnotizing people is something I love,” says Baynor. “Each show is as different as each personality is different. Every show is a challenge with new people and new experiences.”
Gemini Lombardi, a familiar face on the regional comedy scene, is ready with some laughs, when he performs his high-energy act, July 24-25, July 27 and July 30. The quick-witted Brooklyn-born entertainer’s show combines magic, stand-up and ventriloquism to delight kids and adults. He also brings several “friends” along with him as part of his routine, including Sonny, Betty and Smokey the puppy. As he says, “I do a little bit of comedy and a little bit of magic. What you laugh at, that’s the comedy. What you don’t, well, that’s the magic.”
“It’s a warm family-friendly show and it always amazes me to see how the kids react. I am so looking forward to appearing at this event. It’s going to be wild and fun.”
Of course, what would a fair be without rides? The carnival midway features over 50 rides and attractions, including a large Kiddie-land for younger visitors. From the thrilling Zyklon roller coaster, the Fireball and the Cliffhanger to the large portable Ferris Wheel, there are plenty of rides for all ages. That Ferris Wheel, transported all the way from Holland, is considered the fair’s main attraction, according to organizers who proclaim it to be the largest of its kind. Once you have had your fill of the rides, check out the midway and try your luck at one of the classical carnival games.
This fair, which occupies the Coliseum parking lots, will keep everyone amused for hours. It’s operated by the same group that runs State Fair Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, who have now ventured forth to Long Island. “This has been a family business for so long it’s in our blood,” says Al Dorso, State Fair Group’s president. “Our fourth generation is now working on our fairs, so family and wholesome family fun is tremendously important to us.”

Empire State Fair
When: Opening Night Preview July 20, through July 30. Admission is $12 for fairgoers 13 and older; Unlimited Ride Hand Stamp is $27.
Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. Visit www.empirestatefair.com for information, discounts and promotions.