Some of the best new features noticed by the Hound as he wandered the Fair on opening day weren’t heavily publicized, but are great new wrinkles.

DINO CLOSE-UP 15

This roaring dinosaur character was seen posing with friends young and old as he roamed the wild terrain near the main gate. Rexie the T-Rex is a newcomer to the Fairgrounds and is likely to become a favorite among the roaming characters.

MAPLE EXHIBIT 2015

The Hound was really impressed with an expanded maple display that balances the nearby maple sales and product showcase. It’s an extravagantly assembled exhibit featuring tree tapping gear and a sap boiler. Sample tastes are available nearby.

PATH TO LONGHOUSE 15The newly-paved paths in the Iroquois Village have a classy mottled look and grainy texture that help preserve the rustic feel of the land around the Turtle Mound, exhibit buildings and souvenir huts. The one pictured leads to the historic longhouse.

One established Fair vendor, King David’s isn’t in its customary location outside the Grange Building. The Hound hopes to sniff it out soon as he loves chowing down on their Middle Eastern cuisine. More on that later.