As is tradition, Amy Perry and son Christopher attended opening day of the North Idaho State Fair on Friday. 

The Athol residents caught the act of “Paz” and the Major League Circus Show, and it was as good as billed. 

“Really funny,” Amy Perry said. 

“Especially the flaming bats. That was really good,” Christopher added. 

Grant Allbritton of Post Falls held an 8-year-old, 45-pound, 4-foot-long American alligator on day one of the fair. 

He smiled for pictures as he cradled the docile creature in his arms.  

“Not at all what you would expect,” Allbritton said. “It’s almost like a beanbag.” 

Over at another arena, a new attraction with stunt dogs packed the grandstands as the crowd cheered with each trick.

Flaming bats, alligators and clever canines are just three of the hundreds of exhibits, games, rides, food booths, critters and seemingly endless activities that will be going on through Aug. 25. 

It’s the 102nd year of the North Idaho State Fair, with the last 71 of those at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.  

“That’s a long time,” said Jerry Johnson, fair board president, during the opening ceremony. “We make a lot of memories here.” 

Nearly 170,000 people attended the fair last year, and organizers believe they could top that this year. 

After a rainy morning, the skies cleared and sunshine broke through, leading to a strong start for the much-loved event that brings in young, old and every age in between. 

Alexcia Jordan, fair general manger and CEO, was pleased  

“It just has come together,” she said. 

The foursome of Erin Mueller, Melodi Hays, Debbie O’Brien and Glenda Kohoutek, known as Sapphire and wearing red, white and blue, sang the national anthem. 

“It was pretty cool,” Kohoutek said. 

The friends said they always attend the fair and find it filled with friendly people.

“It gets better each year,” Kohoutek said. 

Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare, in a short speech, said the fair is a place of new opportunities, new people and new ideas. 

He said the fair is where people come together, put aside differences, focus on common interests and learn from each other. 

And one other thing.

“Have fun,” Mattare said, “lots of fun.” 

The fair continues today. Gates open at 11. 

    Erin Mueller, Melodi Hays, Debbie O’Brien and Glenda Kohoutek are all smiles after singing the national anthem to open the North Idaho State Fair.
  

    A stunt dog tries for the catch in front of a crowd at the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.
  

    Christopher Perry of Athol joins "Paz" for a picture at the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.
  

    Maurice Wagner takes part in opening ceremonies of the North Idaho State Fair.