As summer winds to a close, it means two things: school is about to start and it’s time for The Great New York State Fair! The fair has always been a big deal in my family; we pack a backpack, get our most comfortable clothes and shoes on, and make our pilgrimage to Syracuse. It’s an all-day excursion and we don’t stop until the rides close! We are lucky to have the State Fair in Central New York, as it has something to offer everyone. Here is my top 5 list of reasons to visit the fair this year between Aug. and Sept. 5, 2016.

1. Chocolate Milk for a Quarter in the Dairy Barn

I don’t know how it happens, but when that icy cold chocolate milk, (or white if you choose), comes rushing out of that spigot and foams up in that cup it tastes just like a creamy milkshake. Also in The Dairy Barn is the Butter Sculpture. The sculptor carves a scene inside a refrigerated area, which is displayed throughout the fair days. It’s a tradition that began in 1969 and still continues. Here is last year’s sculpture:

2. Twin Trees Pizza

One slice is never enough, and they know it because they offer two slices and a drink for a great price. The crust is just the right thickness and the cheese is the perfect amount. The sauce has great flavor, but doesn’t overpower the other tastes, and the pepperoni is crisp on the turned up edges. Wash that down with a big Pepsi and that is one happy tummy.

3. The Center of Progress Building

Everything from new inventions to jewelry to food and product demonstrations that are very interactive. Need your cellphone charged? Head on over there. Need a new slicer that can slice, dice, chop and store your vegetables? That’s your building. But the number one, must-see attraction in The Center of Progress is The Sand Sculpture. It takes almost the entire week to complete, so you can see it in stages if you go more than one day. It is amazing what the artists transform a mound of sand into with the most crude of instruments.

4. Chevy Court Concerts

With all the expenses that go along with a new semester, anything free sounds good, right? Even better than that is when something that has to do with music and entertainment is free, which is what you find at Chevy Court. This year’s free concerts include X Ambassadors, Chicago, Daughtry, Macy Gray, Kesha, Flo Rida and many more.

5. Horse Shows at the Toyota Coliseum

Walking around and through the horse barn, you can see all the work that each rider goes through to get their horse ready for competition. From washing the horses to braiding their tails and manes, to putting their saddle and bridles on, as well as getting dressed themselves, is all a pre-show to when they parade into the coliseum and line up for competition. You can watch horse and rider sailing over jumps or the horse pulls that will amaze you and each horse pulls unbelievable amounts. The horses and their grace and strength always deliver a great show.

The official state fair website, nysfair.ny.gov has all the information you need to make your visit memorable. Don’t just believe my list, make plans to visit the fair this year and make your own list.