Arlington County Fair Holds Opening Ceremony

The 2012 Arlington County Fair officially kicked off Thursday evening with an opening ceremony that featured the U.S. Army Brass Band Quintet.

Arlington County Board Chairwoman Mary Hynes called the fair "a unique event" and reminded everyone to sample the food after going on the rides.

"Can you think of a better way to spend a weekend in hot August?" she asked the crowd.

This year is the 36th year the Arlington County Fair has been held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St. S.

This year's theme is "Live Green, Learn Green."

As Tiffany Kudravetz, the lead organizer of the event, welcomed residents to the fair, she looked no worse for the wear from getting the big event under way — even more impressive when considering she now has a 13-day-old baby. She told Patch earlier this week it's given her a new perspective on the fair: that of a mother.

"There's so many people who make it worthwhile," she said. "There's not a day that goes by 365 days a year that I'm not thinking about the fair — plus one on a leap year."

The indoors vending area opens at 4 p.m. Friday.

Patch will be at Booth G24. Stop by for a chance at a Patch tote bag, T-shirt, water bottle or other swag.