CLAY COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 The Clay County Fair is back, and opening day brought big crowds to the fairgrounds for rides, animal exhibits and classic fair food.<\/p>\n
Thousands of people filed in to witness the bright lights, live music and the screams from the attractions.<\/p>\n
One of the first stops: the duckling exhibit, where visitors watched baby ducks swim and tumble into the water. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re really just getting accustomed to swimming in the water,\u201d one worker said. \u201cThey\u2019re only about ten days old. And, yeah, they\u2019re pretty easy to work with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Across the fairgrounds, the place was filled with families and groups of friends making memories. For some, the fair is about the rides \u2014 and the small wins that come with getting someone to try something new.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got her, my little sister, to go on a ride I\u2019ve been trying to get her to go on for three years,\u201d 14-year-old Samuel Smith said. \u201cI\u2019m really happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others said it\u2019s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back year after year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people, the nice workers and all the great rides,\u201d Hunter Cox said, \u201cIt\u2019s amazing. It\u2019s just a good experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
And fair food was on the list \u2014 turkey legs, corn dogs, pizza and of course fried Oreos.<\/p>\n
Wade Meadows said events like the Clay County Fair give people a chance to take a break from everyday stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great because it just adds some place to get away from the drama, get away from the stress and just go somewhere and have some fun,\u201d Meadows said.<\/p>\n