FONDA - Adults and children walked through the gates of the fairgrounds Tuesday on a warm opening day of the 167th Fonda Fair.
The day's temperatures were in the high 70s, and a cool breeze kept fairgoers from getting too hot.
Gary and Rob Henry were at the fair Tuesday with their mother, Julie.
"I've been coming out every year since I was little, but it just got so expensive after a while," said Julie Henry. "We've been coming back, though, for the last couple of years."
The boys said they were excited to enjoy the rides and see a tractor pull Tuesday.
The Animal Enterprises Petting Zoo and Racing Pigs appeared to be a big attraction.
Christian Salsbury of Amsterdam visited the animals with his grandmother, Sue Ellen Harrington of Gloversville. The boy petted goats, pigs and a baby camel at the petting zoo.
"I like the turtles and the piggys, but they're really loud," Christian said over the squeal of a demanding piglet.
Harrington said she enjoys taking her grandchildren to the fair, and has been bringing them for the last five years.
The family then went to watch the Miss Fonda Fair pageant at the event pavilion. Christian's sister Haley was competing in the pageant.
Bob Rodd was at the petting zoo watching his grandson Aiden Hoag feed the goats and pigs.
Rodd has been coming to the fair for at least 55 years, but said he enjoys it more now that he gets to bring his grandchildren.
"Once they get too much to handle, you just drop them back off with mom and dad," Rodd said.
Debbie and Ken Hinkle traveled from New Jersey to see the fair. Ken Hinkle is originally from the area.
"We try to come up when the fair is on," said Debbie Hinkle.
The Hinkles took their granddaughter Zoe Koutsoutis of Gibbstown, N.J., around the fair for the day. Zoe also was meeting new friends, having found a couple new playmates to enjoy the rides and games with.
"She's been on at least six rides," Debbie Hinkle said. "She hooked up with a couple other little girls, so they've been going all around the fair together."
Megan and Josh Gonzalez of Canajoharie were at the fair with their mother, Sandy. The two played on the bumper cars while their mother watched from the side.
"I really like the bumper cars. They're the most fun," said Josh Gonzalez.
The family tries to go to the fair yearly, and Sandy Gonzalez said she was impressed with the atmosphere this year. She said she was thankful for a warm and dry start to the fair.
"It's nice and clean here, and the atmosphere is also very nice," Sandy Gonzalez said. "I have to say that it is very nice and very safe here."
Today, the fair will feature half-priced admission for senior citizens until 5 p.m. and free admission for children younger than 14 until 5 p.m.
Highlights today include horse shows and a modified tractor and truck pull, which will begin at 7 p.m.
Kerry McAvoy covers Montgomery County. She can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com.
