DUNKIRK, N.Y. -- The gates to the 136th edition of the Chautauqua County Fair opened earlier this week in Dunkirk. Organizers say attendance is up so far, making it the best initial showing in the last three years. 

New attractions include K-9's in Flight rescue dog show, an exotic animal show and a Kenya acrobatic act. Old fair favorites include the midway, lots of food vendors, games as well as popular entertainment and grandstand acts.

Hundreds of 4-Hers are also showcasing their animal projects they've worked on all year. Group leaders say the kids care for the animals day and night, as agriculture is the cornerstone of the event. The fair wraps up on Sunday.

"It's generations upon generations of doing what they do and what they love. I don't think you'd have a fair without the animals," said Jeffrey O'Brien, 4H Program Committee Chairman.

Fair leaders have also turned their thoughts to the tragic incident at the Ohio State Fair that left one dead and several injured on Wednesday. Bates Brothers Amusement, operator of the county fair's midway tells us they re-checked all the rides after the incident, and continue to make safety a top priority.

Bates Brothers and fair leaders said their hearts and prayers go out to all those impacted from the tragedy, and wish those injured a speedy recovery.