Brothers Micah and Jaydan Svoboda arrived at the opening day of the North Idaho State Fair with big smiles and high hopes. 

They were looking forward to pretty much everything but weren't sure where they wanted to start.

"Well, we just got here," a smiling Micah said after posing for pictures with his brother on a hot Friday afternoon. 

Thousands of young and old poured through the gates for the first of a 10-day run at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. 

Food, music, games, rides, exhibits and critters and creatures big and small awaited to the delight of happy fairgoers that has attracted generations for more than a century.

Lisa and Mark Koolmees made the trip over from the Spokane Valley for opening day. They love shopping, watching, eating and listening —  and the North Idaho State Fair is a great place to do that and more. 

"There's so many fun things, different things," Lisa Koolmees said.  

The grand opening ceremony at 4 p.m. at the main gate featured several speakers, including Jerry Johnson, chairman of the fair board. 

He mentioned that it was budgeting and taxing season for government agencies. Many are seeking property tax hikes. 

Johnson said the fairgrounds are "100% self-supporting." 

"I just want you to know, none of your tax dollars go into the North Idaho fair or the Kootenai County Fairgrounds," he said. "We hold events year-round. This is our premier event. We work really hard, the whole board and the whole staff, to make this a great place for the community." 

Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan said the fair was a multi-generational event that unites toddlers to those in the 90s. 

The fair's displays reflect "the kind of things that embody our North Idaho lifestyle," Duncan said.  

Coeur d'Alene Mayor Dan Gookin said the city appreciates and supports the fair and passed a resolution a few years ago stating as much.  

"We also made a commitment which I hope the county agrees with to keep the fair right here in the heart of the city," Gookin said.  

The Koolmeeses said they'll be back.

"Tuesday is free senior day," a grinning Mark Koolmees said. 

The North Idaho State Fair runs daily through Aug. 30. 

This year's lineup includes the return of motocross, daily sea lion splash show, concerts with Walker Hayes and Lee Brice, the award-winning Gem State Stampede and the youth sheep, swine and small animal sale.

Tickets, info: nisfair.fun 

    Tim Vulles holds his hat during the national anthem at the grand opening of the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.
  

    Competitors and their small animals line up during the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.
  

    Lisa and Mark Koolmees enjoy the North Idaho State Fair on Friday.