Take the grandkids to the fair this year!

Yes, you can, and the grandkids can ride free!

Amtrak this summer will once again provide service directly to the New York State Fair, offering families from Rochester and communities in western New York a convenient and affordable way to travel to the state's largest annual event this summer.

"For many families, this service is a very attractive option," State Fair Director Dan O'Hara said. "The train ride itself is a fun family outing. And a child with an adult can ride for free."

For families traveling to the fair, Amtrak is offering a special New York State Fair Kids Ride Free promotion. With Kids Ride Free, children and youths ages 2 through 15 may travel for free with the purchase of a qualifying adult ticket.

The New York State Fair Kids Ride Free promotion is only available on travel to and from the New York State Fair on specific trains. To obtain the discount, refer to code V112 when making a reservation. It may not be combined with any other promotion. Tickets must be purchased a minimum of three days prior to travel and will be available for purchase Aug. 1 through Sept. 4, 2009.

"Every fall, thousands of New Yorkers travel to Syracuse for the fair. This year let the fun begin even before you arrive by taking Amtrak," said Tom Connolly, Amtrak's District Superintendent.

Eastbound trains from Rochester, Buffalo and other points west will discharge passengers at a temporary stop near Gate 10 at 9:45 a.m. (Train 284) and 3:30 p.m. (Train 64), Mondays through Saturdays; and at 9:45 a.m. (Train 284), 3:30 p.m. (Train 64) and 5:55 p.m. (Train 288) Sundays and on Labor Day, during the Fair. Westbound trains will leave from the Fair at 12:53 (Train 63), 4:06 (Train 281) and 6:57 p.m. (Train 283) daily.

Families from Albany and other points east of Syracuse can also use the train for an afternoon at the Fair on Sundays and on Labor Day. They can arrive at 12:53 p.m. (Train 63) and leave at 5:55 p.m. (Train 288) on Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and Sept. 7,

The 2009 New York State Fair will run from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.

For more information on Amtrak's direct service to this year's New York State Fair and for more information on traveling with Amtrak,, visit Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL to speak with an Amtrak reservations agent.