From the vendors to state employees, there are a few thousand workers at the New York State Fair. However, not many can say they’ve worked more than a half of a century on the grounds — except for two.

Both Kathy Tuzzolino, 77, and Jim Crosby, 74, are employed by the state and have worked at the fair for 56 years each.

Tuzzolino has been a dispatcher in the state fair’s maintenance office since 1996. However, her career as a full-time fair employee started way before that — in 1967.

“I ran the Horticulture Building for eight years. I hired my own people. I mowed the lawns, I shoveled the snow,” Tuzzolino said.

It’s evident that Tuzzolino has truly done it all at the fair, from filing paperwork to gassing up golf carts. Her office walls are adorned with old photos and even a wooden plaque that includes the number “56” to highlight her years of service.

She said longevity at the fair is in her blood, as her mother Angela worked here for more than 50 years as well.

“She had 52 years, retired in ’96 and still kept coming another 10,” she said.

While Tuzzolino said she still feels good, she explained that it’s her co-workers that keep her going.

One of those special co-workers is Crosby, who like Kathy, has 56 years of state fair experience under his belt. Crosby also started in 1967 but has always been a part-time employee.

From May through August, he’s known as a jack of all trades on the grounds. He can do just about anything when it comes to setting up the grounds and assisting vendors.

“First off, lay out the grounds for the vendors, get the vendors moved in. Lay out the grounds for the entertainment,” Crosby said.

While Crosby can always be found doing something rigorous, he said he still enjoys the job every day.

“The biggest thing is being a part of the biggest show that New York State puts on every year. And then working with all the great folks that we work with on a daily basis and being part of the team that puts this whole thing together," he said.

The staffers said they never would have predicted they’d be here this long. Neither Tuzzolino nor Crosby, though, has plans of stopping anytime soon.

“I’ve never even thought about it. I feel good, I’m healthy, I can keep up with the best,” Tuzzolino said.

Tuzzolino said she was blessed to be able to work at the fair for several years with her mother, who helped her learn so much about the job. Crosby said he has worked with some great fair directors who have always treated him with respect.