The 140th annual Western Fair is officially open with a new midway, deep-fried delights and a nod to its rural routes.

Fair Manager Kris Dinel tells says there are new rides that offer thrills fair-goers have never seen before. And Queen's Park has been transformed into Imagination Park, a family-friendly space that's free to enter.

"It's a nice respite from the excitement of the midway," says Dinel.

This year's deep-fried delights including German poutine balls, red velvet Oreos and bacon-wrapped Mars bars.

Buildings close at 10 p.m. and the midway will stay open later if there's enough demand.

There are 50 food vendors and 90 craft vendors.

The Fair continues daily until Sept. 20.