Around this time last year, the New York State Fair had Carrie Underwood, Journey, Jason Aldean and others lined up to play the Grandstand. But as of now, only one act has been booked for this year's fair and that's troubling officials. Elizabeth Jeneault explains what they and community members have to say about the dilemma.
GEDDES, N.Y. -- Despite putting 21 offers on the table, the New York State Fair has only been able to book Eric Church for the Grandstand at this year's fair.
Officials say it has been difficult to book other Grandstand acts during the fair's short window. They also say they've been getting priced out and don't want to book an artist if it means they'll have to raise ticket prices.
"The costs have been soaring with the Grandstand artists and I understand, they're not making as much money off their record sales so they have to make it off their tours," said Troy Waffner, acting director of the fair.
While the Grandstand's lineup is weak, Chevy Court's isn't. Many who have seen acts perform there before say they would have purchased tickets for those concerts had they been held at the Grandstand.
"I would have paid to go see the band that I saw at Chevy Court, it just happened to be free," said Anna Walter.
"I wish they actually had a concert where I could pay for them because I could control the seating instead of waiting hours and hours and hours to find seats," said Dave Gabriel.
While officials say people likely would pay to see Snoop Dogg and other Chevy Court acts this year, they say it doesn't make sense to simply move them to the Grandstand.
"They're there because it's what the fairgoers have come to expect," said Waffner. "It's what has worked for us. There's also a lower overhead cost for us at Chevy Court. When we go into the Grandstand, you're talking about major costs."
While the fair plans to continue to pursue Grandstand acts, officials say times have changed, and if that means Chevy Court outshines the Granstand, they believe fairgoers will be OK with that.
The amphitheater, which is currently under construction, is expected to host one concert during the fair this year. It will eventually replace the Grandstand, which fair, county and state officials say is outdated and no longer a great concert venue.