Shrieks of terror and delight filled the air, the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs brought back memories of fair's past and the bright lights and peppy music surrounded the midway.
It was the opening night of the Iredell County Agricultural Fair, and everything was familiar.
Ladies and gentlemen and boys and girls of all ages walked through the midway and exhibit area at the fairgrounds Monday night, enjoying the final hours of Labor Day.
It was a good turnout for opening night, said fair manager Jim Head.
The Ferris wheels and the food tended to rank high for fairgoers.
Breanna and Lisa Hartness were enjoying what remained of 8-year-old Breanna's day off from school.
The American Renaissance Charter School student said she loves going on the Ferris wheel every year. It ranks right up there with cotton candy.
"We didn't have to wait long in line," said her mom, Lisa, who said funnel cakes were her favorite part of the annual fair.
For others, the fair provided a stroll down memory lane.
County Commissioner Steve Johnson remembers being in awe of the Ferris wheel at the Anderson County Fair in Anderson, S.C.
Sherrills Ford resident Kirby Cook and Elma, N.Y., resident Bob Bove said they got their first fair-going experiences at the Erie County Fair.
Bove said he used to love with the games, but when he turned 12 he became a fan of the food.
Cook was at the fair with his two granddaughters Riley, 3, and 16- month-old Reagan Shoffner.
Rydell Cowan remembers attending the Iredell County Fair for the first time when he was in kindergarten. He said he's always loved the food and the aroma.
Now, he works at the fair, serving turkey legs and fried chicken with New Life Missionary Church.
For some, the rides that used to fascinate them as children have been replaced by exhibits and people watching.
Kiwanis Volunteer Brian Lybarger said his first fair experience was the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. Back then, his big thing was the rides.
"They were fun," he said.
Today, he enjoys going into the exhibition halls to look at the displays.
N.C. Department of Labor Chief Ride Inspector Jonathan Brook said every ride at the fair checked out. A team of inspectors was at the fairgrounds from 7 a.m. until the fair opened to check everything out.
Monday was Tifani Chavez's first time at a fair. The 16-year-old said her ex-boyfriend and some friends convinced her to attend.
"I loved spending time with my friends and the animals," she said. "I wasn't expecting them to have foreign animals. They have a dog over there from New Guinea."
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement