The Great New York State Fair took place from August 26, – September 7, 2026 in Syracuse, NY, ancestral lands of the Onondaga Nation. The newly renamed Haudenosaunee Village inside the fair hosted all Six Nations across eight booths filled with handmade art from their respective territories.
The Women’s Hut showcased demos of Haudenosaunee women and their hand made work. The Six Nations building is another row of artists working on their most recent items and selling them as they are made. The art, homemaking, and agriculture buildings are filled with work from each community to be judged and awarded ribbons and money. There is also an activity area for fair goers to shoot a ball with a wooden lacrosse stick and shoot a bow and arrow. The Soup House offers traditional Haudenosaunee cuisine and daily specials.
Daily social dance shows run three times a day with a representative from each nation/community. The second week of the fair, each nation is responsible to host a day of entertainment for the village. This year, Seneca Day was hosted by all three booths; Tonawanda, Cattaraugus, and Allegany. Jamie Jacobs told the Creation Story as women danced ladies dance on the mound. The smoke dance contest is always held on Indian Day, many elders, locals, and Haudenosaunee from across the state come to compete.
Artists from the Allegany Territory included Gina Maybee, Tami Watt, Sandy Ludwick, Penelope Minner, Debbie Hoag, Bill Crouse, Gloria Heron, April Pierce, Randy Redeye, and Breann Redeye. Karen Farmer from Onondaga filled in the other space in the booth. Kelvin George danced as the Allegany representative.
Kelly Bomberry won ribbons in the homemaking and agriculture categories. Patsy Brooks won all first ribbons for her canning items. Youth artist Acelyn Jacobs won first place for her ribbon skirt and second place for her medallion. Blaine Tallchief won second place for his moccasins.
Artists from the Cattaraugus Territory included Kelly Edwards and Rachel Schindler. Nicole Hill represented the Cattaraugus territory as their dancer. Mary Jacobs and Sam Jacobs showcased their hand made work in the Women’s Hut.
“Selling at the Cattaraugus booth was such a meaningful experience for me. The appreciation people had for my artwork honestly blew me away. Starberrie Studios is about creating art that heals me and you, all while sharing our culture, stories and traditions. I always say these dreamcatchers make themselves. When it takes an unexpected turn, I like to say one of the artists who came before me must have had another idea. That’s part of the beauty of creating by hand. Every piece has its own spirit, its own story, and no two will ever be exactly alike. Being able to share those pieces and see people genuinely appreciate our culture and my artwork at the Fair meant more to me than I can put into words. I can’t wait until next year!” shared Rachel.
To join your local agricultural societies, contact the VP for your territory. The Cattaraugus VP is Mary Jacobs. The Allegany VP is Tami Watt. Please check the newsletter for future meetings and updates.
