ANDREW M. CUOMO RICHARD A.

BALL
Governor Commissioner

August 9, 2018

Dear County Fair Partner,

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is proud to host our Great
State Fair, which showcases the heritage and diversity of our state. We do all we can to
foster a fun and educational atmosphere of inclusion, tolerance and respect for all New
Yorkers, as well as out-of-state visitors.

As you know, the State Fair requests that vendors refrain from selling or displaying
products that may offend and those that could pose a public health or safety concern. Our
vendors have complied with that request.

We respectfully urge you to join us in this effort and ensure that all of our fairs are a safe
gathering place for our families and community members by discouraging vendors at
county fairs from selling or displaying items that run counter to our great state’s long
history of inclusion for all.

New York State stands firm against bias and intolerance of all kinds and our fairs, which
are a critical component of our agricultural economy and social fabric of our communities,
should represent the very best of New York.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Ball
Commissioner
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

10B Airline Dr. Albany, N.Y., 12235│ (800) 554-4501 │www.agriculture.ny.gov