Learn more about NYS Fair’s new midway show: its rides, ticket prices & experience [Video]

Along the Midway at the New York State Fair

Nicole Kendall (left) and her son, Will (age 9) carry the prizes they won on the midway Aug. 24, 2013. They are visiting from Philadelphia. The 2014 New York State Fair will have a new midway operator, Wade Shows.

(David Lassman | [email protected])

SYRACUSE, N.Y.– Shortly after news broke that Wade Shows would be the midway operator for the New York State Fair, the company’s website temporarily crashed under the weight of curious onlookers.

“My phone was blowing up,” said Frank Zaitshik, president of Wade Shows. “It’s a big deal.”

Wade Shows on Wednesday won the bid to provide rides, games and food on New York’s midway, ending the six-decade-long run by the James E. Strates Shows at the Geddes fairgrounds.

Zaitshik said he knows the pressure is on – from state officials, industry competitors and long-time fairgoers – to deliver a new take on midway fun without shocking customers with dramatic price changes or unfamiliar …