Day one at this year’s Fair started out hot and sunny and the crowd was light, as opening day generally is. That gave your State Fair Hound a chance to scope out what’s new, stock up on milk bar tickets, gawk at some cows, catch up with Fair friends and chow down on a falafel sandwich served up by Nader Hatem at King David’s.

We also caught some fine guitar picking on the Dairy Building stage performed by Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb, a duo that has gained an international following. It seems odd to see such an esteemed act playing in the neighborhood of the butter sculpture, but it’s a great chance for fairgoers to enjoy a free show that in other venues would deservedly command a considerable admission charge. They are playing Friday at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Our favorite new attraction—and this is no surprise—was the New York State Fair history exhibit in the Grange Building. We also perused the new Onondaga Lake wing in the Center of Progress, walking up the handsome new concrete steps to find an exhibit that was much more eclectic than we expected. Watch for photos and full reports on these new displays over the next couple of days.