He samples a maple milkshake and enjoys the traditional sausage sandwich lunch on Governor's Day.
In his last official trip to the New York State Fair, Gov. David Paterson promised he’d be back in the future.
"I think you’ll see me again," said Paterson, who boasted that he made six visits to the state fair before he was governor, the first at age 17.
The 375-acre fairgrounds opened at 8 a.m. for its 12-day run, welcoming visitors from across New York State for food, fun and entertainment for all ages.
After headlining the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Paterson visited the Pan-African Village, tasted a maple milkshake at the Horticulture Building and observed a moment of silence at the memorial for victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Paterson said the fair’s goal of promoting the state’s assets -- from agriculture and industry to culture and arts -- only grows stronger.
"Although the fair only comes once a year, what it does for the spirit and the immense pride of the people of New York cannot be measured," Paterson said.
But his tour also included some changes that fair organizers have made in recent years.
In the newly-renovated International Pavilion, Paterson stopped by the New York Brew Pub and Wine Bar, which will serve Syracuse Pale Ale and Hazlitt Red Cat to patrons.
His tour of the dairy products building included a 25 cent cup of white milk and a sample of beef chili.
For lunch, he picnicked at the Dinosaur BBQ, enjoying a traditional sausage sandwich. At 2 p.m., he will take the stage at Chevy Court to introduce the R&B group En Vogue -- who he mistakenly referred to as boy band N’Sync at the opening ceremony.