"You don't know what people might bring:" Metal detectors placed at all public entrances at State Fair

WEST ALLIS -- It's all things "Dairy State" as the Wisconsin State Fair kicked off on Thursday, August 4th. The 165th annual State Fair started with the usual excitement and enthusiasm, and with what many describe as a renewed sense of security.

Wisconsin State Fair

As FOX6 News walked into the 2016 State Fair, Margaret Kohlweiss was having "a great time already."

Kohlweiss said her State Fair experience involved a certain solo shopping style.

"You don't want to go shopping with a little granddaughter. Then it will cost me three times as much!" said Kohlweiss.

Kohlweiss said she'll return during the fair's 11-day run to experience the rest of what the State Fair has to offer, just like Leila Tavenner.

"I really wanted to go on rides and eat their food," said Tavenner.

Before fairgoers can ride and glide, they first have to get inside the fairgrounds -- which means passing through another new State Fair feature: metal detectors.

Wisconsin State Fair metal detectors

A total of 38 metal detectors have been placed at all seven public entrance gates.

Wisconsin State Fair metal detectors

"It's a good thing because you don't know what people might bring in here," said Tina Logan.

"It never crossed my mind. Before that I wasn't unsafe, but within the last six months, the world has gotten a whole lot scarier," said Lee Ann Bruce.

Throughout opening day, State Fair Park got a whole lot hotter -- with temperatures in the 90s.

"It's burning up out here. We're getting cooked like hot rats out here," said Jermaine Young.

Thankfully, there were are misting stations on the grounds.

The fair runs through August 14th.