FAIRLEA, W.Va (WVVA)-- Friday the State Fair of West Virginia opened for business.
Opening Day brought timeless rides, carnival food, and competitions to West Virginia. Fair officials hope it reminds families of as many memories as it will create again this year.
"It reminds people of their past," said Fair CEO Marlene Joliffe.
"It's definitely a tradition," said fairgoer Sandrah Jewell. "And it's something we can all do together."
The fair has something for everyone, whether it is a warm cinnamon bun, cute animals, tractors or crazy rides. And this Opening Day was a draw for many families who told WVVA they love it.
"It's not very crowded," said Ethan Jewell. "You get through the lines faster."
But to those whose job it is to actually run the fair, Opening Day is about much more than that.
""For all the employees here who have worked hard, it's a huge sigh of relief to feel like we finally got it off the ground," said Joliffe. The first day is like a dress rehearsal, and when it goes off without a hitch, they know they are in for a great week. "I'd say this is pretty successful so far," she said.
Opening Day also gives fair officials a chance to change things that don't work so everyone can get the experience they came in looking for. "Now we want to fine-tune anything that seems to be off and fix it so we can make the next 8 days even better," said Joliffe.
