Lady Houdini to Make Her Great New York State Fair Debut Joining a Riveting Roster of Free Shows and Strolling Entertainment

Find Your Favorite Activity on Special Entertainment Map Linked Here

The escape artist who surpassed Harry Houdini’s record for completing the most Water Torture Cell escapes will perform the feat twice each day during the Great New York State Fair. Lady Houdini leads this year’s showcase of grounds entertainment acts, which includes a mix of new acts, fan-favorites, and requested returns to delight fairgoers.

When they watch Lady Houdini’s act, spectators can expect to witness her hold her breath for five minutes underwater while methodically breaking free of obstacles, including padlocks, handcuffs, and leg shackles. Starting next Wednesday, August 23, Lady Houdini will perform two shows daily in the Central Park area, located across from the Poultry Barn.

Another new act that fairgoers can look forward to seeing starting next week is “Groovy” Guy Collins. Groovy Guy started juggling on the streets of Paris when he was a teenager, now, decades later, he’s an international street performing sensation whose skills have been featured on The Travel Channel. He juggles, unicycles, and walks on ropes – all while weaving in mischievous magic. Groovy Guy is performing at The Fair on a limited engagement. Look for him during the first six days of The Fair, from August 23 through the 28, with three performances each day.

Fair fans who attended the 2019 Fair might remember Rock-It The Robot. This gentle giant – back by request – stands nine-feet tall and walks, talks, and rocks. He has a built-in sound system that helps him interact with fairgoers through conversation, song, and dance. Rock-It’s animated face is full of expression, making him seem all the more life-like. Look for Rock-It between The Exposition Center and The Midway every day around 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. This place is also where fairgoers want to be if they want to catch music on the move around 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. Can you keep up with The Strolling Piano as it plays your favorite tunes while rolling merrily along?

The Sea Lion Splash Show is another highlight on the list. Starring Californian and South American Sea Lions, the 45-minute Sea Lion Splash Show is educational and entertaining. From selfies, to balancing, handstands, performance tricks and more – these smiling sea stars do it all! Three shows are scheduled Monday through Friday, with an extra show added on for Saturday and Sunday.

Speaking of entertainers who like to “ham it up,” how can fairgoers not squeal with delight when they watch the Hollywood Racing Pigs face off in races three times a day? The Family Fun Zone is the place to be to check out the porky competitors, take in a Circus Show, and stroll through the Petting Zoo.

Steve Trash, Eco-Magician is coming back to the Great New York State Fair for the second year in a row. First introduced to audiences in the Empire Theater last year, this Rockin’ Eco Hero and PBS host mixes his passions – magic, music, and ecology – to deliver a unique show packed with laughs. He’ll be back on the Empire Theater Stage every day except August 25* at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

*On August 25, Steve Trash will perform along The Colonnade between the Science & Industry Building and the Dairy Products Building.

Fair fans can also look forward to the return of mainstays including Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Bandaloni the One-Man Band, and the Birds of Prey exhibit at the State Park at The Fair.

Hilby, an Ithaca native – who just may be The Fair’s most requested performer – comes back on Tuesday, August 29. His act promises juggling, circus skills, impeccably timed comedy, and poetry-in-motion from the top of a unicycle. Show times are at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.

Each day during The Fair, Bandaloni the One-Man Band will be rocking and rolling behind the Horse Barns around 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Listen to the hits played on his all-encompassing musical machine, The Granpod, with humor and novelty tricks sprinkled in.

Finally, Birds of Prey invites fairgoers to fly on over to State Park at The Fair, where they can witness majestic birds and learn about them through daily demonstrations scheduled for 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. each day.

“The Great New York State Fair provides top-quality entertainment at every turn. From a streetscape perspective, strolling performers and surprises are sprinkled throughout The Fairgrounds, and we tried to stagger shows so that fairgoers can catch as many shows as they want to see,” said Interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey. “We’re always looking for ways to showcase variety, and this year’s line-up is a good blend of favorites and new wonders. I, for one, can’t wait to watch Lady Houdini, whose moniker conjures up stunts from someone who just might be the most well-known magician and escape artist of our time! Bring it on!”

All grounds entertainment acts and performances are included in admission to The Fair. Admission tickets – on sale now – are $6 for adults, and free for those who are 12 years old and younger, and ages 65 and older.

Activities of interest, a complete schedule, and guide of where to find all grounds entertainment Acts are provided on a special map called Showcase of Stars: Entertainment at The Fair. Fairgoers are encouraged to look for the stars on the map to find the locations of performers they’d like to see. Music Note icons depict places that will be playing live music. Grid letters and numbers are consistent throughout all maps to help fairgoers plan their activities. Plus, new to The Fair this year, visitors may scan an “Entertainment Finder” code on their phones to see a list of all programming and schedules.

The Great New York State Fair opens one week from Wednesday, August 23, and continues through Labor Day.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun through photos on Flickr, as well as by engaging with the Fair on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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