Even a gentle, but persistent mist couldn't dampen spirits as the 2012 Nebraska State Fair kicked off.
The new Sky Tram took flight as planned, which was a major accomplishment, given a truck carrying parts was in a wreck two weeks ago.
Workers with Wade Shows says they worked from sunrise to sunset for two weeks to install the ride.
Friday, city inspectors and a specialist brought in to inspect the ride continued to check various aspects of the setup with fair officials. Around 3:00 the fair's executive director Joseph McDermott took the first ride.
The tram provides a view of the fairgrounds from 40 feet up, showing off all the new buildings constructed for the fair in Grand Island. It's $3 a ride, one-way.
Saturday promises lots of action for fairgoers, between the world-record attempt for the biggest antique tractor parade, and the U.S. Senate debate between Bob Kerrey and Deb Fischer, Saturday afternoon at the Heartland Events Center.
