Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

August 21, 2008

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868

Commissioner Ash Invites Visitors to State Park at the Fair

Highlights of New York's rich history and nature on display

"The State Fair offers New Yorkers an outstanding opportunity to sample and enjoy so much of what New York State has to offer - including our great state parks," said Ash. "Whether you stop by to play miniature golf, learn about the environment, or just get away from the crowds and relax in a scenic location, the State Park at the Fair highlights the best of what's found at our state parks."

Ash noted that while the State Park at the Fair is the smallest park within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation agency, it offers big-time fun for all ages. Hands-on activities, giveaways, interesting demonstrations and exhibits include the mini golf course that's become a family favorite; a visitor center to help visitors plan their next trip to discover New York's beauty and history; a Birds of Prey/Raptor exhibit; a gift pavilion; a boy Scout campout; and other general information about the agency.

Throughout the week, the many interpretive and recreational opportunities available at the 178 state parks and 35 state historic sites in New York will be highlighted. Programs take place mornings between approximately 10 am and 2 pm and afternoons between approximately 2 pm and 6 pm. They include:

• A costumed interpreter from Lorenzo State Historic Site will give a lesson on what class was like in a late 19th century rural school. Friday morning, Aug. 21.
• Meet a uniformed soldier from the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site to learn about military life in the Revolutionary War. Saturday afternoon, Aug. 22; Sunday morning, Aug. 23.
• Test your nature identification skills with environmental educators from Saratoga Spa State Park. Monday morning, Aug. 24.
• Discover the rich history of Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site with historic re-enactors. Wednesday morning, Aug. 27; Thursday morning Aug. 28.
• Discover "Animals from the Wilds of the North Country" with an educator from the Robert Moses State Park Nature Center. Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27; Thursday morning, Aug. 28.
• Learn about Native Americans with educators from Ganondagan State Historic Site. Friday morning, Aug. 29.
• Find out about mammals in the state parks of the Finger Lakes region with environmental educators. Saturday morning, Aug. 30.
• Try your hand at some 18th Century games with presenters from the Herkimer Home State Historic Site. Sunday morning, Aug. 31.
• Drill with militia from the Fort Stanwix National Park and Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site. Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31.

"Visit the State Park at the Fair and get inspired about the adventures that await in your own backyard," Ash said. "With a few weeks of summer left and the beautiful autumn scenery around the corner, it's an ideal time to get outside and visit one of the many close-to-home state parks across the state."

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.