Local chapter operating parking lot and hosting blood drive 

The Great New York State Fair is returning, and the American Red Cross of Central and Northern New York is proud to be a part of it. 

Thanks to the generosity of Crucible Industries, the Red Cross is once again offering convenient parking across from the fair’s main gate. The donation to park is $10, with proceeds supporting Red Cross programs and services. The lot will be open every day during the event’s 18-day run, Aug. 20 – Sept. 6.  

Volunteers are needed to safely direct traffic into the lot, direct vehicles to available spots, and sell refreshments and merchandise. Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts are available. For each shift worked, volunteers will receive complimentary parking on the day of their shift, and a fair admission ticket to be used on any day of the fair. 

For information, and to sign up, visit redcross.org/nysfair 

Continuing another fair tradition, the Red Cross is operating a blood drive each day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bloodmobile will be stationed near Gate 4. The Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. There is an emergency need for donors to give to ensure blood is on hospital shelves when patients need it.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Schedule an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.