CONTACT:   

Jola Szubielski I Jola.Szubielski@PROTECTED I 518-457-0752

Dave Bullard I Dave.Bullard@PROTECTED I 315-487-7711 x 1377

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2016

Bicyclists can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Onondaga County's trail along Onondaga Lake and a day at the Great New York State Fair on the brand new "Ride For $5 Day," Wednesday, Aug. 31, Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner announced today. 

Created in cooperation with Onondaga County and sponsored by Mello Velo Bicycle Shop of Syracuse, Ride For $5 Day involves a group ride that begins at the Salt Museum at Onondaga Lake Park at 9:30 a.m.  Riders then travel along the western shore of Onondaga Lake on the Onondaga Lake Trail.  The ride passes through the new Lakeview Amphitheater concert venue and ends with a ride through the brand new Main Gate of the Fair. 

All riders must wear helmets and must sign a waiver before participating.  The ride is free. The discount admission price is available to anyone riding a bike to the Fair that day even if they do not participate in the group ride and is good for only that day.

Once inside, bikes will be checked into a secure parking area with staff on hand, provided by Mello Velo.  The bike shop will also staff a tent outside the Science and Industry Building for the day, offering free light adjustments and lubes for bikes, product demonstrations, and will be selling bike accessories and other items. 

"This is a wonderful way to see the beauty of our area and enjoy a great day at the Fair at the same time.  The trail is well-suited to even novice riders or families with youngsters riding their own bikes.  And the Fair is gearing up for its most exciting year ever, with many new exhibits, rides, and fun foods.  I know it will be an impressive sight to see so many riders come through our gates and I'm looking forward to making this an annual Fair event," said Waffner.

"Riding your bike along the scenic loop the lake trail through Onondaga Lake Park and Lakeview Park is a great way to start your day at the New York State Fair," said County Executive Joanie Mahoney.  "We are pleased to be a part of this promotion and hope to see a big group of bikers at the Salt Museum on August 31st."

"We've witnessed such great camaraderie and community growth over the past six years cycling in the city with new and old friends during our shop's Thursday night fun rides. We are thrilled to participate in this inaugural group ride to the Great New York State Fair celebrating cycling for all. It's going to be a fun day and we get to promote what we love best - biking," said Sara Morris, owner of Mello Velo. 

The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 25 to September 5, 2016.  The Fair's mission is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.  

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@PROTECTED.