Fair fans traveled distances near and far to enjoy opening day of the New York State Fair Thursday, Aug. 23.

The day featured time-honored traditions such as the ribbon cutting ceremony, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing the honors, and the butter sculpture. This year’s sculpture, the 44th, was created by Jim Victor and Marie Shelton and is called “New York Goes for the Gold with Greek Yogurt.”

The annual annual Law Enforcement Day ceremony saw State Troopers honor police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in the past year.

To view a photo gallery of the opening day festivities, click here.