The 79th State Fair opened to students, faculty and other guests 9 a.m. Friday at the North Carolina Fairgrounds.

The fair featured new events, foods and rides — and a new price tag at $7 for an adult general admission.

“It was expensive,” Jeanne Chen, a sophomore in biochemistry, said. “It was definitely less expensive last year. I think the prices went up.”

Larissa Baransky, a freshman in textile and apparel management, also said she found the prices “probably a little much, but usually all fairs are expensive.”

Will Larsen, a junior in civil engineering, agreed that the fair can be expensive, but thought some aspects were worth the cost.

“It can be [expensive]. Sometimes the quality of the food is worth the price, but other times it’s not.” Larsen said.

Many students showed excitement for the food the fair has to offer.

According to Baransky, she plans to do “everything, I guess — whatever my money allows. I’m a big food fan.”

Kimberly Rochester, a freshman in chemical engineering, said she enjoys the rides as well.

“[I] ride the rides, especially the scary ones,” she said. “I’m excited about the food, too.”

Faculty will also join students at the fair’s many attractions.

“I like the games a lot because I always win something huge like a four-foot-high Nemo, but I would have to say that the people-watching is spectacular! Where do all of these people come from? Do they normally dress like that or are they showing off?” James McConnell, a Spanish lecturer, said. “In any case, that is a lot of fun, and it doesn’t cost anything extra.”

Bart Craig, assistant professor of psychology, said he partakes of the food and rides.

“I usually do a few of the rides. I always marvel at what unexpected foods they can think of to deep fry,” he said.

In a new attraction, the turfgrass program will host a fashion show Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the covered walkway between the Expo and the Jim Graham buildings.

Models, including Steve Troxler, commissioner for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Carolina Rollergirls, will display costumes representing the last 100 years of North Carolina’s turfgrasses.

——Deputy News Editor Megan Peters contributed to this story.