This is the 122nd Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. (Giselle Rhoden / LPM)Funnel cake and corndog aromas filled the air Thursday, marking the opening day of the 122nd Kentucky State Fair. From now until Sunday, Aug. 30 Kentuckians from all over the commonwealth will visit the Expo Center.This yea r, the fair welcomed a new water ride “Swamp Splash” to its Thrill Ville grounds. Longtime fair-goer and Louisville resident Ashley Sawyer said she plans to let her kids handle the rides. She came for the food.“They have gigantic turkey legs and tons of free samples,” Sawyer said. “Don't eat before you come, and also get the ribeye sandwich.”There’s a method to the fair madness, Sawyer said.“We check out all of the booths, including booths that don't sell anything. It's just as long as we support Kentucky for sure. Our daughter's name is Kentucky,” she said, holding a newly-purchased bag of homemade soup mix from a local vendor.Marcus Workman and Alona Thompson eyed their favorite state fair foods: corndogs.Workman said opening day is the best day to do some shopping.“I got some hot pickles. I got some Dano seasoning. We got some fudge,” he said. “The first lap is just to observe, and you might grab a few things, look around, might get it cheaper, come back to it. So yeah, it's a system.”For Thompson, another long-time fairgoer, she offered some advice to first time visitors.“Come comfortable, ready to walk, and just enjoy yourself,” she said. ...read more read less