The amusement rides are always a big hit. Check out discount days and wristbands for big savings.

The Chesterfield County Fair has been running strong for nearly a century, and this year – its 95th – looks to be no different. In addition, 2008’s fair will add a host of new faces and events to its popular lineup of regular features, which will be sure to delight attendees of all ages.

The 2008 Chesterfield County Fair will kick off on August 22 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, located at the corner of Courthouse and Krause roads, and will run through August 30. Packed into that span of time will be everything from racing pigs to Civil War displays, pony rides to lawnmower races, clowns to an antique tractor and farm equipment display, and musical acts to a children’s tent – to name just a few of the offerings.

Many old favorites will be returning to the fair again this year; a lot of people, says Julia Williams of the Chesterfield County Fair Board of Directors, are especially excited for the return of Keith Henderson’s “Illusions of the King” program. A nationally known Elvis impersonator, Henderson recently placed first in a Las Vegas Elvis lookalike contest, and Williams calls him an “excellent entertainer.” She says, “People are really, really enthused for him.” Also on the roster are Lambert’s Petting Zoo and a midway offered by Jolly Shows, the latter of which has been dubbed “one of the best on the East Coast” by fair general manager Robert N. Sheffield.

However, there’s no shortage of new attractions, either: among them KY DA pro wrestling, ARMA Racing lawnmowers, rolling pigeon displays courtesy of the Dixie Rollers, R&B group Bak n Da Day, and an ongoing karaoke contest. “The finale of the contest will be held on the last day of the fair, with a prize of $350 for the winner,” Williams adds.

The lineup of daily entertainment for the fair includes performers from across a wide spectrum of genres: Keith Henderson will open with “Illusions of the King” on August 22; Diane Bailey will remember the country legends of the ’50s and ’60s with a tribute to Patsy Cline on August 23. August 24’s acts include Eric Haney, the Chester Methodist Church singers, and Nikki Headley’s southern gospel. Bak N Da Day will provide doo wop and R&B music (August 25), and The Southland Band will offer country, oldies, and beach music on August 26. Mozely Rose Band will play country and southern rock on August 27, and KY DA Pro Wrestling will take to the stage on August 28. Big “G” will thrill audiences with southern soul and R&B on August 29, and the ARMA nationally sanctioned lawnmower racing and Patron Band will close out the fair on August 30.

“I expect there to be a pretty good turnout,” Williams says. “There’s nine days of fun for everybody, and I expect the fair to be really positive this year. A lot of people are looking for one last big activity before they go back to school, and this is it!”

Fair admission is $7 for adults, $4 for senior citizens 60 and over, $3 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Monday through Thursday will be $2 discount wristband days. Ride ticket and wristband prices are $1 for a single ticket and $27 for 30 tickets; a super bonus sheet of 50 tickets will be $40. Wristbands are $20. Rides require between two and five tickets.

The fair will run August 22-30; hours will be Monday through Friday from 4-11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from 1-11 p.m. Parking for the fair will be free.  For more information, visit chesterfieldcountyfair.org.

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