Local Woman Crowned Princess Spotlights Oneida Culture at New York State Fair | Local

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As the New York State Fair winds down, 2025 remains Oneida Year at the Six Nations Agricultural Society Indian Village.

Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Village marked Oneida Day, highlighting the culture and traditions of the Oneida people.

Elaina Cook of the Oneida Wolf Clan served as this year’s Village princess.

Each year, a representative is chosen to embody the values and culture of their people, and Cook was honored with the role.

NEWSChannel 2 spoke with Cook right after she performed a social dance, a task she undertakes three times a day during the fair.

Cook spoke about the significance of her position, saying it allows her to be a positive role model for younger girls, including her sister, who aspires to be a princess in the future.

“It’s awesome to be native, and it’s a very proud thing to be,” she said.

Cook said she has been visiting the Indian Village since childhood and even celebrated her birthday at the fair.

Cook and her family live in Oneida.

The Great New York State Fair runs through Monday, Sept. 1.

For more NEWSChannel 2 coverage of this year’s New York State Fair, click on the linked stories belowl. 

With just one more day of the New York State Fair left, NEWSChannel 2 visited Saturday night to experience the fair under the night sky.

Terri DiNitto of DiNitto Farms in Marcy received the “Industry Legend Award” at the 2025 Women’s Day Breakfast during The Great New York State Fair.

The Great New York State Fair is celebrating Fire, Rescue and EMS Day, offering free admission to first responders.