2014_09_01_fair_kc02.JPG

File photo, 2014. New York State Fair officials say no merchandise with the Confederate flag will be sold at the 2015 fair.

(Kate Collins | kcollins@syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Vendors in past years have sold items at the New York State Fair with the image of the Confederate flag.

That won't happen this year, a state spokesman says.

Fair officials have contacted the two vendors who stock the merchandise and they have agreed to leave the flags at home. The fair undertook a review of vendors this week and contacted these two Thursday.

Here's the fair's full statement from fair spokesman Dave Bullard:

"The Great New York State Fair is a proud symbol of the heritage, diversity, and great promise of New York State. Our state and our Fair represent inclusion and respect for all. The Fair requests vendors to refrain from selling or displaying items that may offend or in cases of public health and safety. Our vendors have always complied with these requests. The Fair is aware of two vendors who have sold Confederate merchandise in the past. They have agreed not to sell such merchandise at the State Fair."

Contact Teri Weaver anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2274

