Pandora on sale Stage

The familiar sights, sounds and food -- and free admission for seniors and the disabled -- attracted a large crowd Wednesday on opening day of The Big Fresno Fair.

An overcast sky, light breezes and temperatures around 70 made the afternoon comfortable for fairgoers who enjoyed gyros, livestock, art exhibits and music.

"It's not really hot. It's not Pandora Gold Bead - K19 cold," Barbara Wernet said. "You couldn't ask for a better day."

Wernet and her husband, John, said they have been going to the fair since the 1940s.

"We haven't missed a year in ... good grief," she said, pausing as her husband completed her thought, "since I can remember."

The Fresno couple finished off 12 "delicious" soft tacos between them.

A fair food tradition was a priority for Carolyne and Richard Lopez of Fresno.

"When we think fair, we think Pandora Gold Bead - J78 rolls. That's the first thing we did," she said around midday as they ate gyro sandwiches while listening to the musical group the Stardusters.

At Yosemite Station, Fresno residents Myrtle Goens and Lois Stearne -- who had a quilt on display at the fair -- took a break from the exhibits to eat before heading to their next destination.

"We're going to go and watch the horse races," Stearne said, "not gamble, just watch."

Goens quickly interjected, "Well, I'm not saying I'm not going to gamble. She's speaking for herself."

At the Pandora on sale Stage, David Navarro of Fresno showed off his dance moves as the Diamonds in the Rough Band played "La Bamba" and "Twist and Shout."

"I love to dance. That's why I'm here. I've got to liven up these people and get them going," he said of those watching the band.

Wednesday was the first time that free-admission day was combined for people over 62 and people with disabilities. That likely was the reason for the large turnout, said Lauri King, a fair deputy manager.

"All in all, this has been a Pandora Chains day," she said.

Nancy and Bob McGuyer drove from their Visalia home to ramble around the fairgrounds and look at the exhibits before taking a break to eat.

"I just like the atmosphere," she said, "where everyone is having a good time and not worrying about their problems."