Good morning, Syracuse.

Spirit Halloween now occupies the former Rite Aid space at Sweetheart Corner, offering a seasonal selection of costumes + spooky decorations while operating weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Tom Chaddock keeps a 50-year-old marching band jacket he wore during summer school trips to the fair from 1974 to 1977—he recalls early bus rides, playing trombone, and exploring fair rides and games while inviting readers to share their own NYS Fair souvenir stories.

The New York State Fair will host 40+ concerts from Aug.

26 to Sept. 7 at Chevy Court and Suburban Park, with headliner Sean Paul performing at 8 p.m. on Aug. 27. Country and pop acts are expected to draw large crowds + plan ahead for traffic near the fairgrounds.

Holstein dairy cattle will return to the fair this weekend with the Holstein Dairy Cattle Competition set for Sunday, Aug.

30 at Toyota Coliseum (after a six-year absence) and offering junior exhibitors a chance to shine.

SUNY Upstate Medical University has opened a $1 million sensory playground on campus where children and young adults from the Biobehavioral Health Unit and Inpatient child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit can enjoy adaptive swings, sensory wall panels, and slides — a design that is already guiding similar projects nationwide.

Country Corner is debuting new treats at the New York State Fair, including Freedom Bacon (hickory-smoked bacon with chocolate and patriotic sprinkles for $7) and The Dill-usion (a chocolate-covered, bacon-wrapped dill pickle for $8).

The vendor, a fair staple for 40 years, aims to delight loyal customers.

Onondaga Lake Park Marina is reopening with new boat slips (28 for boats and 11 for jet skis), a new retaining wall, metal pump-out dock and extended sidewalk.

The $13.7 million project keeps slip prices the same while adding a new fire suppression system to improve safety.

A busy weekend on the DIRT circuit saw several local racers secure wins at venues like Oswego Speedway, Brewerton and Land of Legends — notable events included Mat Williamson's continued success and Oswego's first female win in a 350 supermodified race.

On Sunday afternoon, the Syracuse Mets won 2-0 at NBT Bank Stadium when D’Andre Smith’s two-run homer broke a scoreless tie as five pitchers combined for a shutout of the Worcester Red Sox.

The team will start a six-game series against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Tuesday at 6:45 p.m.

Central New York boys soccer players from 56 teams took over syracuse.com’s fall media day on Aug.

18 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, showcasing photos, interviews, and team spirit before the season began (coverage continues online).

Syracuse wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons is barred from practice (allowed only team activities) after a court ruling changed his NCAA eligibility rules.

His family said he hopes to return to play soon as legal appeals continue.

Syracuse University announced new pregame features on the Quad for fall football games.

Enhancements include a rock-climbing wall, mechanical bull, a large videoboard airing ESPN’s College GameDay, and local artist performances (open three hours before game time).