Sunshine and smiles were on full display Sunday during opening day of the 96th West End Fair in Gilbert.

Unlike a year ago when festivities kicked off under rain clouds, a large crowd packed the fairgrounds for the first sampling of food, rides, exhibits, vendors and entertainment."We're very fortunate because this fair really depends on good weather," said Tom Hodgdon, West End Fair vice president. "We have a good crowd today and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."Two of those people were Maria and Troy Lausch of Effort. The couple came for an opening day lunch, which has become a tradition in their household."We come to support the local churches and organizations operating the stands," Maria said. "It's good food and you know it's the biggest fundraiser for a lot of these groups, so it's nice to help out."By the end of the week, Hodgdon expects the crowd total to eclipse 100,000 barring any days washed out by rain.Board member Julie Weiss highlighted a few things to look for at this week's fair."We're going to have a butterfly guide in our agricultural education arena, the state honeybee queen will be on hand and on Saturday we'll be having a sangria and Bloody Mary contest," she said. "We really wanted to promote our local wineries and think this is a great way to do it."Physical improvements to the fairgrounds include electrical upgrades, an updated RV/camper section and tree trimming.The usual favorites are back including rides from Goodtime Amusements."My little guys are having a blast," said Faith Smith of Jonas. "This is something they look forward to each year. Its kind of one last blast before it's time to go back to school."As popular as the rides are, there was no shortage of people Sunday in the exhibition barns including those housing horses, dairy and beef cattle, rabbits and more.For Gretchen Behrendt of Kunkletown, bringing her grandchildren to see the animals is one of the highlights of the fair each year."That is the first place we always go, before we eat or anything," she said. "It's great how up close and personal you can get. They really have a great time looking at the animals."The diversity found within the fairgrounds is what keeps the event special in its 96th year, Hodgdon said."Each year we grow, but we're still proud we are a country fair," he said. "We still have cattle entries and people are still entering vegetables and making bread. We're very proud we have stayed true to the roots of the fair."The fair runs through Saturday.Gates open at noon each day.