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Maryland State Fair Is Officially Underway

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- Thrill seekers--listen up! The Maryland State Fair comes around only once a year, and Friday marks the first day.

Gigi Barnett takes a look at some of the old traditions and new attractions offered this year.

Here it comes again--the 11 best days of summer. The Maryland State Fair starts this weekend. For some, the first day is the best day.

"You get here early and then get on all the rides, get all the rides out of the way. And then once the people start coming, we go eat," said Sean Farmer.

Sounds like a plan. So, what's on the menu at the fair?

"Deep fried anything. Yeah, the deep fried Oreos," some visitors said.

A pure sugar rush. Maybe feast on French fries, too, and then get on the rides.

"The Zipper," one visitor said.

"That big blue thing that goes in a circle," said another.

"The Fireball," another visitor said.

There are more roller coasters this year, thanks to a new section for younger riders.

"We saw other fairs that had a separate kiddie land for the younger children and we thought we would try that. And what it will do, is give us some more room out in the main midway for roller coasters," said Max Mosner, Maryland State Fair general manager.

"Oh, I think it's a lot more people," Libby Murphy said.

The state fair has changed quite a bit since Murphy won the Miss Maryland State Farm Queen Pageant back in 1947. But one thing, she says, stays the same:

"It's a big tradition. And I hope it goes on forever," she said.

While there's fun to be had by all ages at the Maryland State Fair, security is tighter than it's been since the year after 9-11. That means no more coolers and no more backpacks or large bags.

Remember, the last day of the fair is Labor Day, September 1.

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