Remember those days at the fair, when you’d just walk around eating everything in sight because it all smelled so good? Riding all those rides that now, thinking back on it, were probably the most unsafe devices of your childhood?

The New York State Fair in Syracuse brings thrills and excitement to people of all ages, and makes anyone feel like a kid again. It has finally come to an end this year. The absolute best day to go to the fair is the first day. Many rides and games are half price, plus fewer people go so you can avoid the crowds.

The fair is known for attracting big musicians at both free concerts at the Chevy Court and ticketed concerts at the State Fair Grandstand. On its first day alone, the fair had Maroon 5, Train and Gavin DeGraw, and all were excellent.

Train was perhaps the best at relating to the audience, though, as lead singer Patrick Monahan went through the crowd, posing for photos as he sang. He even obliged a fan by singing “Marry Me” as the young man proposed to his girlfriend.

Other performers at the Grandstand included Cee Lo Green, Selena Gomez and Lady Antebellum.

Some of the free concerts included the likes of Big Time Rush and Bruno Mars, perhaps the most crowded free concert at this year’s fair.

Fans scouted out spots for the Bruno show early in the morning. Latecomers probably could only hear him. People pushed and shoved to get a closer look at the young musician, and police got involved to keep people moving, as the crowds were creating a “potential fire hazard.”

Besides the concerts, there are many other attractions at the fair.

The food is just tremendous. There are booths with cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, taffy, corn dogs and more everywhere you turn.

If you don’t feel like eating at one of these establishments, there is always the International Food Building, which has the best food by far. As the name states, this building is known for serving food from around the world.

You can also head to the Dairy Building, where you can get a cup of milk for 25 cents or perhaps an ice cream cone to cool down.

If you don’t feel like eating or if you’re lactose intolerant, you can always just marvel at the butter sculpture in the center of the building.

As with any fair there are tons of rides that are ridiculously overpriced, games with vendors who hassle you until you win something for your “girl” and weird attractions, such as the two-headed raccoon.

Unfortunately, the fair came to a close on Sept. 5, but there is always next year.