The West Texas Fair and Rodeo officially opened its gates this week with its traditional carnival rides, booths and games.

Filling the air with illuminating lights and cotton candy sugar streams, several students plan on returning to the fair as both a tradition or last time before graduation. Brandon Gonzales, junior accounting major from Rowlett, said the fair has become a tradition for him since his freshman year and he plans on continuing it.

“I’ve been there since freshman year and it’s a smaller fair and since I’m from a big city, its a new experience,” said Gonzales.

Many students enjoy the nostalgic energy throughout the fair and rodeo with its old timey rides, carnival setting and family-orientated games spread throughout the lot.

Morgan Jones, a senior DET major from Austin, said she plans on attending this years event because of its uniqueness to the Abilene.

“There is just something romantic about going to a traveling fair in a small town and once I graduate, I don’t know if I will ever be able to have that opportunity again,” said Jones. “You don’t really get to see these kind of events outside of Abilene and I really would like to take advantage of these small opportunities.”

Jesse Luna, senior psychology major from San Antonio, said he is both excited and sad for this his last year in Abilene for the fair.

“I definitely am going to the fair this year because I have gone every year with my friends and have definitely made it a tradition of mine,” said Luna. “It’s also another thing to do in Abilene, so people really should consider on going.”

The fair and rodeo will runs from Sept. 8-17 at the Expo Center.