INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Fair got underway Friday night with officials doing all they can to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time.
The fair runs for 10 days, but fair manager Paul Annee said opening day is one of the most thrilling.
"Seeing all the kids and families of all different ages with smiling faces and see the community interacting with each other, just to see people happy, that's what makes me happy," he said.
The Marion County Fair has been bringing families together for more than 90 years.
For some people, it's for the food and the rides. But for most people, like Norman Cosby, it's making memories.
"In this day and age, to spend time with the young ones and lead them in the right direction and allow them to enjoy things in life," he said.
With 75,000 people visiting the county fair over the 10-day run, organizers said they put a lot of thought and effort into their safety strategy, including using open gate technology at the entrance – the same system used at the Indianapolis 500.
"We are very confident that nothing gets in that shouldn't get in and it will be a fun family fun fair," said Annee.
You'll also see IMPD patrolling the area and firefighters on scene just in case.
"Safety is critically important for any event and it's critically important to us. It's the first and foremost responsibility to keep our fairgoers safe," said Annee.
A safe and free to have a good time.
"We want all of our kids to go home the way they came in, nobody getting hurt or have any emergencies and have to shut down anything," said Cosby.
The fair runs for 10 days and closes at 11 p.m. each night. For more information about tickets visit MarionCountyFair.org.