LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Fair officially opened Friday morning, and thousands of people headed out to enjoy a cool Friday at the fairgrounds.
From the food to the entertainment, patrons told us that the fair has something to offer for everyone.
"Oh, the food!" Sharon Pettus explained. "My corndogs, my smoked turkey legs."
Some of that food is a little interesting, to say the least.
Cajun shrimp on a stick? It's the fair, why not?
Scott Williams and his family said they came out on day one for the fried pies, as well as the livestock shows.
"The animals, and the shows that they have here," he added,
There's something for everybody— an important task with how many visitors the fair expects to see this year.
Dan Sawyer, who does marketing for the fair, said that they're expecting nearly half a million people this year.
"A lot of things to look forward to, it comes once a year so we love when people come out here," Sawyer said. "Whether it's the food, the rides, the entertainment, it's a lot of fun."
If you think you'll see the same things you saw in years past, Sawyer said you should think again.
"There are six brand new carnival rides, they've never been to Arkansas before," he explained. "Thrill rides for the thrill seekers, some new rides for the kids."
Along with the new rides and food, there are also new rules to be aware of.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., anyone under the age of 18 will need an adult with them who is 21 years or older.
Those we spoke with who have come in years past explained how the curfew is a welcome sight.
"A lot of youth running loose, some were untamed, some were tame," Pettus said. "I think it's a positive move, I sure do."
Of course, there were some who pushed back on the decision. However, Sawyer said that at the end of the day, keeping the fair safe and family-friendly is what they're striving for.
"The policies and practices that they put in place, we feel are really going to help the overall experience, the attendance numbers, and the revenue that the fair generates, to help the community as a whole," he described,
The fair runs through October 22, and opens daily at 11:00 a.m.