Gallery: 60 years of Paul Basilio’s State Fair sausage

Basilio's Italian Sausage has been serving up food at the New York State Fair for 60 years. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

Paul Basilio founded the sausage stand in 1956. It was originally named for his brother, famed boxer Carmen Basilio. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

John "Set" Cerio began working at Basilio's in the 1980s. He took a break from working the stand but returned two years ago. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

There is no hard copy recipe for Basilio's Italian Sausage, each year the staff taste the meat blend until it's just right. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

Basilio sees repeat customers every year. They always come back for their favorite fair meal. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

"One loaded" is the most popular item on the menu. It consists of a sausage sandwich loaded high with peppers and onions. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

Valerie Basilio manages the sausage stand every year. She makes the trip from South Carolina every August to "pay the checks." Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

Basilio's number one seller is "one loaded." A sausage sandwich piled high with peppers and onions. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer

Gary DiGeorge has been a cook at Basilio's for 15 years. His parents worked at the stand before him, since it opened in 1956. Moriah Ratner | Staff Photographer