Our communities depend on fire and rescue workers and members of the military to run towards danger to keep us all safe. In an expression of our gratitude for their service and sacrifice, National Grid is proud to announce its sponsorship of two community donation days at the New York State Fair, which offer free admission to these individuals.

In celebration of Fire, Rescue and EMS Day on Tuesday, Aug. 26, all active or retired members of a fire department, emergency services or EMS organization will receive free admission when presenting a photo ID from the department they serve or served, courtesy of National Grid.

Active duty or veteran members of the military will receive free admission on Thursday, Aug. 28 for Armed Forces Day. To enter the Fair, present a valid military identification card, DD-214 form or state-issued photo identification card with a veteran designation.

“National Grid has proudly supported the New York State Fair for decades,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s Central New York Regional Director of External Affairs. “It’s a showcase of what makes the Empire State a great place to live, work and play. Sponsoring Fire, Rescue and EMS, and Armed Forces days are a way for us to say thank you to those who put themselves in harms way for our safety, and ensure access to this great community event.”

"We are deeply grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of our fire, rescue, EMS, and military personnel,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “Their bravery helps keep our communities safe, and we’re proud to partner with National Grid to honor them through these special days at the Fair. It’s a meaningful way to say thank you and celebrate those who serve."

In 2024, nearly 5,000 individuals received free admission to the Fair from National Grid’s sponsorship of these days.

The Fair will also commemorate these days with recognition and remembrance ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial near the Horticulture Building each day at 11 a.m. to honor both those who serve and are no longer with us. The daily 6 p.m. parades will pay tribute to each group on their featured day.

The 184th annual New York State Fair, the oldest state fair in the United States, will take place Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Learn more about these and other special fair days at nysfair.ny.gov.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.