What can opening day involve?
Fairs may hold ribbon cuttings, parades, flag ceremonies, music, speeches by officials or special first-day activities. Some open with livestock arrivals and judging, while others begin with exhibits and entertainment.
Do not assume any ceremony or event. Read the organizer's schedule and news releases, and look for notes about timing and location.
Look at the fair's past opening day coverage in local news, if available, to get an idea of how it usually begins, and then confirm that it applies this year. Treat every listing as a starting point and confirm times and locations on the day, since details can shift.
- Ribbon cuttings or flag ceremonies, if the fair holds them
- Parades or musical openings
- Livestock arrival and early judging
- Special first-day activities listed by the organizer
How do we find out what is planned?
Look at the fair's website, social media and press page, and sign up for the organizer's updates if available. If the details are unclear, call or email guest services.
Check again close to your visit. Plans change with weather, safety or operational needs, and the organizer will post notices.
Sign up for the fair's newsletter or follow its official page, but beware of lookalike accounts that share outdated or incorrect details.
- Official website and news page
- Verified social media account
- Guest services phone or email
What are the advantages of opening day?
Some visitors like opening day because exhibits are fresh, the grounds are clean and some staff and volunteers are eager to talk. Others prefer later days with fewer crowds. Which is better depends on the fair.
Exhibitors may still be setting up, and some judging may happen on or near opening day. Ask the fair for the schedule of classes if you want to watch.
If you have a child exhibiting, ask the advisor about check-in times and what visitors can and cannot do during setup.
How do we handle the crowds?
Arrive early, know your parking plan and expect lines at gates, food stands and popular exhibits. Bring water and sun protection, and take your time.
Agree on a meeting point, keep children close and know where first aid and guest services are. If you have a medical need, plan ahead for breaks. Lines are usually longest in the first hour, so bring patience, snacks for children and a plan for a restroom break.
- Arrive early
- Check gate hours
- Agree on a meeting point
- Be patient with workers
- Pack water and sun protection
How should we treat exhibitors and workers on opening day?
Opening day is busy for everyone who puts on the fair. Thank volunteers and give them room to work. If an exhibitor is still arranging a display, wait for them to finish before asking a question.
Respect barriers and signs that mark areas not yet open. Staff may need time to finish setup, and rushing past a rope can be a safety problem.
Offer a smile and a thank you to the person at the gate or the information booth. They often have the longest days of the entire fair. Agree on how your group will meet again if someone steps away for a moment, since crowds make phone calls hard.
What if there are problems or delays?
Gates may open late, a ceremony may move indoors, or a ride may need a safety check. Stay flexible, listen to announcements and follow staff instructions.
Check the weather from the National Weather Service. A rainy opening day may shift events and reduce crowds, but it also changes the ground conditions, so wear suitable shoes.
Keep a flexible plan with a backup indoor activity in case of rain or an unexpected closure.
- Listen for announcements
- Follow staff instructions
- Wear shoes that handle wet ground
How can we make opening day a family tradition?
If you enjoy the first-day mood, take a photo at the gate each year and keep a small record of what you saw. Children love to compare year to year.
Share your tradition with the fair by tagging the official account, if your family is comfortable with it, but avoid sharing details about children that could identify them.
Key takeaways
- Opening day events vary, so check the organizer's own pages.
- Expect crowds, and plan your arrival, parking and meeting point.
- Be patient with workers and exhibitors still setting up.
- Stay flexible for delays and weather.
- Start a simple annual photo tradition.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.