John Sykes, president and CEO, The Park of East Texas Inc., speaks at the Senior Day event at the East Texas State Fair on Friday Sept. 21, 2018. Seniors 55 and older were treated to special entertainment and door prizes on the opening day of the fair. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The umbrella George and Shirley Lane planned to use to fend off rain at the East Texas State Fair on Friday turned out to be a great shield from the sun.

Sharing an order or tornado potatoes they ordered from the Tater Hut, the two said they’d enjoyed their first experience attending the local fair.

“Great food, awesome livestock and it’s not raining yet,” Mrs. Lane said when describing their experience. 

The couple were among the many East Texans who came out to the opening day of the East Texas State Fair on Friday.

The fair pays homage to the region’s agriculture heritage and offers daily shows and attractions. The midway includes a collection of thrill rides and games, while the exhibit buildings house everything from arts and crafts to agriculture displays. 

One of the biggest attractions is the food, with dozens of vendors offering offering fried favorites and sweet treats such as chocolate fried bacon and fried cheesecake. 

This year’s fair could be a soggy one, as the National Weather Service predicts chances for rain and thunderstorms through next Friday.

But the threat of wet weather didn’t deter folks from checking out the first day of the annual event, which runs through Sept. 30 at the fairgrounds, 2000 W. Front St.

Friday marked the 49th Annual Senior Day at the East Texas State Fair. The morning featured door prizes, refreshments, bingo, a painting class and a variety of entertainment.

Bob and Mary McArthur were awarded Senior Day Longest Married couple for their 63-year union, and Bob McArthur, 90, was given another award for being the oldest man present at the event. 

At 106 years old, Alice Bradshaw was awarded Senior Day Queen for being the oldest woman present at the event. 

Check out our gallery of photos from the event on focusinon.me.

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