The Pan-African Village is often referred to as one of the hidden gems of the State Fair, with lots of unique music, food and vendors. Now, a small, but significant change is helping introduce the village to more fairgoers than ever. Gabrielle Lucivero has more from the Pan-African Village.
GEDDES, N.Y. -- You don't have to be an expert, you just have to have a positive attitude.
"I had a chance to try the djembe today! Which is something I've never done before,” said Geraldine Addona, a North Syracuse resident.
The Pan-African Village at the New York State Fair is packed full of things to see and do. And now, with the addition of a brand new fair entrance right next to the village, organizers are hopeful even more people will stop by to explore.
"It's exposing fairgoers to a new area of the fair that maybe coming in another entrance they would never even know was here so it's great,” said Pan-African Village co-coordinator Vanessa Johnson.
Johnson runs the tent that features several different free activities for kids, though it's not only kids who want to get in on the action.
"I tell you, the adult come in and they ask can we do this craft too? Or what about this food, and I'm like, oh try it,” Johnson said.
With no shortage of hands on experiences, all you have to do is pick out what you want to try first, and then maybe try it a few more times after that.
"It broadens our experience with other cultures and so things that we might not have been exposed to or tried out you get the chance to do it here in a very friendly environment,” said Corinne Fix, a Syracuse resident.
Good food, good performances and good company, all right inside the gates to the Pan-African Village.