State Fair Number 130 Opens Under Cloudy Skies

The North Carolina State Fair opened Friday to mist, clouds and periods of rain, but the visitors came anyway, sloshing through wet parking lots to partake of the state's favorite fall festival. Footprints sank into the muddy midway as WRAL-TV5's Bob Langford made sure his were among the first.

He discovered that the two most popular things to do early on at the fair are riding the rides and watching other people ride the rides. As predicted, the longest lines led to the newest and most expensive ride at the fair -- the Top Spin.

Despite predictions of rain and wind, crowds of people flocked to the fair's first day from all around the state to ride the rides, sample the wares, admire the livestock and try their luck on the games of chance. Fair officials say there were more people on the fairgrounds Friday morning than they expected. Wake County traditional schools were out, so many fair goers were youthful and eager to sample some non-cafeteria food.

Most people are aware that there are plenty of indoor events at the fair, so rain isn't likely to deter them.

Tickets for the fair are $6 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 - 12. Anyone age 5 and under or 65 and older gets in free.