SALEM, OR -- The Oregon State Fair officially begins Friday in Salem, featuring old favorites and a few new ones. 

Livestock events have already started and the State Fair's Drew Marine says the Beef Show is always impressive, "There are nine and 10 year olds that might not even weigh 75 pounds, and they're controlling an animal that weighs over a thousand pounds." Because of the ongoing risk of bird flu in both waterfowl and cattle, she says those animals must be tested before they're allowed in the fairgrounds. They're also following other Oregon Department of Agriculture guidelines, "Posting signage that encourages handwashing after people leave the animal areas, just to be sure, and having hand washing stations, as well."

One area showcases baking and crafting skills from all over the state, "Creative Living is so fascinating because we truly have such an array of different talents on display." Marine says one competitor crocheted the State Fair mascot Sunny the Sunflower, "The full getup, overalls and all, has a pair of sunglasses on. It's very cute. And then, there's another entry into the fiber arts competition, where someone made a replica of their daughter's dog made out of wire and felted wool. It looks exactly like a real dog." And, she says, "There's a 120-year-old quilt on display." It's also the location of two pie-eating contests, August 24 and 30, both at 4 p.m.

There's also a new Bounce 'n Battle Fun Zone in The Playground area, "It's great for all ages; it's not just kids. There are bouncy houses for kids - they can let out a lot of energy there after maybe they have some cotton candy and ice cream, or something. But also, another feature of it is basketball games [and] inflatable ax throwing, which could be harder than real ax throwing."

Craig Morgan opens the State Fair concert series Friday night, followed by the reggae band Steel Pulse on Saturday.

Marine says for those staying late, 300 drones take to the sky each night at 10 for a new choreographed show, "Each of the drones is programmed to do a little dance, if you will, and figure out what light or what color is being flashed at that time."

This year's theme is "Sunny Days are Here Again." The Oregon State Fair runs through Labor Day, September second.