For one week every summer, Pottorff Hall and the area surrounding it are transformed into a colorful array of lights, sounds, people and livestock: the Riley County Fair.

Exhibits are judged and displayed in Pottorff Hall, and 4-H members show livestock. Fair goers can ride carnival rides, play games and browse through vendors selling anything from cotton candy to henna tattoos.

For many Riley County residents, attending the fair every summer has become a tradition.

Carnival rides are one of the most popular fair attractions. It doesn't matter if locals insist on spinning non-stop in the Egg Roll or taking it a little bit easier and sticking with the Ferris Wheel; either way these carnival rides attract crowds.

The fair is family friendly. It can be a great opportunity to enjoy food and have fun while checking out all of the projects children in the community have completed, whether it be photography work or growing produce.

For Cam McDonald, Riley, Kan., resident, not a summer goes by without attending the fair. This tradition began with her family when she was very young. As she got older, McDonald decided she wanted to not only attend the fair, but also enter exhibits in the fair's contests. McDonald's specialty was basket weaving. She stopped entering exhibits in the fair when she reached high school. However, lack of entry in the fair's exhibits did not keep her from attending.

"Everyone has his or her own reason for going to the fair. I go to the fair for the food and drinks, to see people and to pet the bunnies," McDonald said.

She also said her favorite part is the corn dogs and funnel cakes.

"I come here every year and have never missed it," she said. "However, I do think it's more fun to come to the fair when you have entries and can show your friends and family all the hard work you've put into your projects and the ribbon you have to show for it".

The majority of those who enter exhibits are 4-H members. To receive a 4-H membership you have to be at least seven years old. Almost all of the fair's competitions are open to any Riley County resident and residents in adjoining counties.

Meredith Olds, freshman in fashion apparel design, has been involved in the Riley County Fair for 12 years, entering exhibits. This year, Olds decided to enter items in clothing, fiber arts, fashion review, photography and cake decorating categories. In all her years entering exhibits in the fair, her favorite entry has been a five-piece clothing ensemble. This outfit made it to the national "Make It Yourself With Wool" contest and won.

"You learn a lot from the process of being in 4-H," Olds said. "I was able to apply all that I learned last year when I was making a tiered cake this year for my friends. It turned out really well. And it has not necessarily been judges who have helped me improve, but it has also been other friends and other parents and other teachers who have helped me improve, especially my mom."

Although there are many aspects of the fair that attract people, for some, attending the fair has become habitual.

"As cheesy as it sounds I like the tradition of the fair," Olds said. "I sickly look forward to the stress that comes in trying to make sure my entries get done. And I love coming and knowing I can see friends and hang out."

However, Olds' love for the fair goes beyond the aspect of entering exhibits and winning purple ribbons. The food, the rides and the atmosphere all contribute to the tradition many locals look forward to each summer.

"There's always something new every time you look, whether it's at a booth or in Pottorff Hall. And the rides are always fun. Well, assuming you don't get sick," Olds said.

Whether people go for the food, the fair events, the rides, to see the exhibits or to just enjoy the atmosphere, there's something for everyone at the Riley County Fair.

Though attending the Riley County Fair may be a tradition for many Riley County residents, this was Allie Hays', senior in psychology, first year. Hays grew up in Herrington, Kan.

"One thing about attending the fair was, coming from a small town, it made me feel at home," Hays said.

Olds said this year's fair was "fantastic."

"Which is cheesy, but it's just so much fun," she said. "This is like the closing of the year for me. It's a deep breath that says now the year is finally complete. I love seeing what everybody makes. Whether it's out of wool or food or whatever. It's great to see what everyone can bring to the table."