The day will begin with the raising of the Haudenosaunee flag. This will mark the first time in the Fair’s 175 year history that the flag has flown at the Fairgrounds. It symbolizes the end of hostilities among the nations and the burial of weapons beneath the Great Tree of Peace.

Fairgoers will be treated to a cultural performance at 1:00 p.m. on Chevy Court when dancers representing the Six Nations will perform social dances. Those dances provide a window into Haudenosaunee culture.

Following the social dances, an Upstate band that’s been nominated for national honors will perform. Syracuse’s The Ripcords are fronted by cousins Irv Lyons, Jr. and Rex Lyons, who are members of the Oneida and Onondaga nations, respectively. The band plays a mix of blues, roots rock, country, and swing music. They’ve won a Syracuse Area Music Award for their 2009 debut album, and were nominated for Debut Group of the Year by the Native American Music Association.

In addition, the Fair’s Regional Artists Variety Stage will feature Indian-related musical groups. Those artists will be announced at a later date.

“We are committed to being the state fair of all of New York and this is one of several enhancements we’re making to highlight the diversity of culture in our state. Haudenosaunee culture is vibrant and alive. I am very excited about this and hope that everyone will take a moment to embrace and extend their understanding of the Six Nations and its people,” said Waffner.

“We are very pleased and grateful that the New York State Fair is recognizing the Six Nations and is providing a showcase for the culture of native people and entertainers,” said Hill.

Members of any Indian tribe receive free admission that day. Traditional dances take place three times each day during the Fair on the Turtle Mound in the Indian Village. Traditional crafts are for sale in the village and the village’s restaurant is open throughout the day. On Six Nations Day, the restaurant serves a Thanksgiving dinner of turkey and all the trimmings, available at lunchtime until the food is gone.

The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 27 – September 7, 2015. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “Summer’s Best in Show,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.

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 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, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, and enjoy photos from the Fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

Media Contacts:
Joe Morrissey
Public Information Officer
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
518-457-0752

Dave Bullard
Public Relations
New York State Fair
315-487-7711 x 1377