The gates are open at the Wisconsin State Fair. Thunder and a heavy downpour during the official opening ceremony, at 9:30 a.m., forced many fairgoers to take shelter under nearby tents.
Adult admission at the State Fair, which runs through August 13, is $12.00 at the gate.
But Thursday, people arriving before 4:00 p.m. that bring two healthy, non-perishable food items to donate to the Hunger Task Force will get in for just $2.00.
Fair oers showed up bright and early Thursday to take in all types of attractions.
"We like to look at the animals, to look at all the cows and the pigs," said Linda Carlton, of Greendale.
"I like the animals," said Berlyn Richarz, "especially the horses."
Richarz and her grandfather, Bob Citkowski, of Oak Creek, have attended opening day at the State Fair together for eight straight years.
"I look forward to it a lot," she said. "Although there's a lot of people here, so it's hard not to lose him."
Vendors around State Fair Park enjoy interacting with fairgoers.
Claire Jacquez, of Brew City Pizza, said she likes watching people try all the different foods available.
"The number one food item we came out with, a few years ago, was the pizza cone," Jacquez said.
"It's just great to see people's reactions and see how excited they get about all the food, because it's food they haven't seen before," Jacquez added.
