The New York State Fair is filled with vendors both new and traditional. In fact, one vendor told us this year will mark his 62nd year selling his popular product at the fair.

Grazi Zazzara Sr. and his popular pizza fritte have generational roots, and it's a tradition Zazzara says is a favorite for him and his customers. 

“It’s a great way to end the summer,” said the Villa owner.

Zazzara can’t remember a time when he didn’t work at the State Fair. His dad, opened the Villa selling pizze fritte back in 1960.

Zazzara was just 5-years-old, but has worked at the fair since then.

“It’s in my blood. I’ve got to come back here. It’s not for the money, it’s not for anything. It’s just to be here and carry on a legacy, that my dad started,” he said.

Zazzara said his dad actually lost money his first few years at the fair. However, the unique family recipe would begin to win over fairgoers and the Villa would become one of the most popular stands on the grounds.

Today — you’ll usually find long lines at the Villa for the two foot long hot fried dough treat rolled in sugar.

“It’s a great business. But, ours is unique. We don’t put the toppings on it, we don’t do the powdered sugar. We don’t put cinnamon, butter. Ours is ours. And, that’s it, and we kept it, and we keep it the same and it’s still working," he said.

Zazzara has worked at the Villa for 62 years, but today he also operates soda, ice cream and lemonade stands at the fair.

Preparing for the fair and catering to customers is certainly no easy task.

“It’s a lot of work. People think, OK just go up there and open up a stand for a week. I’ve been here for two months right now getting ready for the different stands that we have an perfecting our pizze fritte," he said.

Despite the long hours and hard work, Zazzara said he loves it and wouldn’t want to miss this end of summer tradition.

“I plan on staying here at the fair until I go meet my maker," he said.

Zazzara also runs a concession stand in the Expo Center. The main Villa pizze fritte location can be found at the corner of Broadway and Cayuga Ave on the fairgrounds. That’s right next to the Eatery.