The Great New York State Fair begins this week upstate

If you want to see a horse show, check out butter and cheese sculptures, and eat some of the best food the state has to offer, The Great New York State Fair is the place.

From August 27 to Labor Day, September 7, the New York State Fairgrounds will be host to the fair, held annually by

Everything from “Beef Day,” where there will be a grilling contest to a petting zoo with zebras. It’s a family-friendly 12 days for all ages.

State agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles will be offering vision test services and driver’s license renewals.

Meanwhile, jobs seekers can search for employment at the Department of Labor’s stand or order and EZ-Pass at the Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation booth.

“Each year we strive to make the Great New York State Fair better than the last and by providing more educational activities and convenient access to state services, we are seeking to enhance the experience and provide more value for attendees,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “I urge every New Yorker to plan a trip to the Fair and experience the very best this state has to offer.”

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a three-acre state park located within the fair and participate in an 18th century chocolate making demonstration.

Seniors 60 years and older will be offered free admission on September 1st on Senior Citizens Day.

Ticket prices are $10 for daily admission, except on Thursdays when it will be $3 and Labor Day $1. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close either at 11 p.m. or midnight on specific days.

From New York City, visitors can board Amtrak and stop at the Amtrak New York State Fair Stop on Gate 11, a special platform that only operates for the fair’s 12 days.

For more information and more directions on how to get to the state fair go to http://nysfair.org/