South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford

As I walk past the newly raised rocket on opening night at the South Carolina State Fair, a man with a selfie stick tries to sell me a phone - based on it's camera. I laugh and tell myself not to start making any photos yet. I've gotta make my way into the belly of the beast and avoid the early distractions.

The people, the lights, the sounds... and the smells.

A blast of Sriracha fried bacon ice cream cheese donuts assaults my senses before I can take another step. A nearby kid shouts, "MAMA! That smells wonderful!"

What a glorious place. Kind of like a zoo with rides and games and food. But you get to walk among all the animals. No glass partitions, no moats and no fences. And you won't get eaten. Next time, I'll check out the other animals.

The SC State Fair runs through Sunday, October 25, 2015.

South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford South Carolina State Fair PhotosPeople attend opening day at South Carolina State Fair October 15, 2015 in Columbia, SC. 10/15/15

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford