“You don’t have to tell us that trains matter. Every day, freight trains roll by our front gate to keep our neighbors in business and thriving, and every year, Amtrak delivers fans of the Fair right to our doorstep. We’re excited to partner with Amtrak to show our fairgoers why traveling by train is not only fun and comfortable, but an important part of our transportation future,” said Waffner.

Amtrak Train Days will be set up near the historic train display. During the first four days of the Fair, guests can get a taste of the Amtrak experience through a traveling exhibit featuring interactive elements and informative graphics. Moving through the exhibit, fairgoers can sample the comfortable seats provided on Amtrak’s trains, note the delicious food available on-board, and discover how a train trip can enhance their travel plans.

For youngsters, the Chuggington Kids Depot, based on the popular animated television series, features a train playset with wooden and die-cast trains, an arts and crafts area, and a photo booth. Families can keep their captured memories with the option to have their photos emailed to them. Other offerings from partners such as NOOK by Barnes and Noble and Operation Lifesaver will be available for the whole family to enjoy!

This is one of many stops for Amtrak Train Days this year, as they spread the word about train travel. A full schedule of events is available at www.amtraktraindays.com.

Amtrak announced the schedule of arrivals and departures for the special train that stops at the Great New York State Fair. The train stops at Gate 11, a special platform that operates only during the 12 days of the Fair each year. Information about the special stop, as well as tickets for purchase, can be found at Amtrak New York State Fair Stop.

“We are delighted to bring the Amtrak Experience to the 2015 New York State Fair,” said Matt Hardison, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President & Chief of Marketing and Sales. “This dynamic and interactive exhibit allows visitors to see, hear, and feel the benefits of passenger rail travel. We look forward to celebrating Amtrak Train Days with fairgoers of all ages.”

“There is no better way to experience all that the Great New York State Fair has to offer than travel by rail,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said. “Governor Andrew Cuomo and I are proud to sponsor this special Amtrak service directly to the State Fair. From the State’s finest locally produced foods, to eye-opening exhibits, to world-class entertainment, sit back and let Amtrak do the driving. It’s worth the trip!”

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2014, nearly 31 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter (@Amtrak) and check out our blog at blog.amtrak.com.

About New York State Fair
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 27 to September 7, 2015. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its 2015 theme, “Summer’s Best in Show,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment. This year’s tagline – “New Attractions, Old Favorites, Timeless Fun” – highlights the more than two dozen new events and attractions and the expansion or enhancement of several Fairgoer favorites.

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:
Jola Szubielski
Public Information Officer
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
518-457-0752

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