INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indiana State Fair opened on Friday for the summer.

It’s the 167th edition of the time-honored tradition.

The fair opened with brief remarks by Gov. Eric Holcomb and fair organizers.

Miss Indiana State Fair Alexxys Stanish was making the rounds Friday morning ahead of a busy slate of judging livestock shows.

She says she grew up going to the state fair, and it’s surreal to see her official portrait on display for the crowds.

“Now, I get to see all the behind-the-scenes stuff and all of the events that a lot of people don’t really know about,” Stanish said. “I’m about to go judge some cages for the cat show. The kids decorate their cages, and I didn’t think that that was a thing until just now.”

This year, the theme for ...