LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas State Fair officials say clear skies and cool temperatures helped lead to a record-setting attendance day at the fair — although overall attendance is down.
General Manager Ralph Shoptaw says the 35,648 set a Thursday attendance record for the fair — breaking the record of 32,115 set last year.
The single day attendance record of 88,769 was set last Saturday — a day after cold temperatures and rain held attendance to fewer than 12,000.
Overall attendance was 241,420 going into Friday's seventh day of the fair — compared to 276,614 after seven dates in 2011.
The forecast for the weekend is for sunny skies with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows from the mid-50s to lower 60s.
The fair runs through Sunday.
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