This article was written by Maddy Berner
The Arlington County Fair returns next week for its 37th year of family-friendly entertainment.
The fair will kick off starting on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11. If recent years are any indication, some 50,000 people can be expected to flock to the fair from around Arlington and Northern Virginia.
The fair takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.). Parking is prohibited at the fairgrounds, but shuttle buses will run from the Ballston Metro station, the I-66 parking garage and the Arlington Career Center.
Below are the hours for the indoor and outdoor entertainment:
Indoor
Friday, Aug. 9: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday. Aug. 11: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Outdoor
Wednesday, Aug. 7: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 8: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 9: 2:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Some of the highlights on this year’s schedule:
Racing piglets and pony rides
The racing piglets and pony rides are back. On Wednesday and Thursday, pony rides will be open from 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Friday, 2:00-11:00 p.m; Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. The piglet-racing events occur roughly every two hours throughout the day, every day. Read the full schedule.
The WalkArlington Scavenger Hunt
Kids can get a thorough experience of the fair through the WalkArlington Scavenger Hunt. At any point in the day, participants can pick up a pamphlet with instructions at the fair’s information desk and wander around the fairgrounds. Once completed, kids can return the pamphlet to the Mobile Commuter Store/Car-Free Diet exhibit next to the playground and collect a prize.
Carnival rides, games and food
The carnival rides Arlingtonians have come to know and love — The Zipper, Rainbow and Heart Flip — are also returning. Riders can buy tickets at various kiosks around the grounds and ride their favorites. They can also enjoy classic fair food and win prizes at the slew of carnival games offered this year. Carnival rides will follow the fair’s opening and closing hours. Single tickets cost $1, 24 tickets cost $20 and 48 tickets cost $40.
Arlington County Fair 5K Run/Walk
Newly implemented this year, the Arlington County Fair 5K Run/Walk allows adults and families to take a morning jog before taking part in other fair festivities. Register online for the Aug. 11 event ($25 alone, $50 for families) and report to Patrick Henry Elementary School at 7:00 a.m.
Honey, Bees Wax and Food Preservation Competition
One of many competitive exhibits, participants in this specialty contest will be judged on the density, consistency and color of their honey or beeswax, among other criteria. Registration for all the exhibits will occur Aug. 7 from 4:00-9:00 p.m. and Aug. 8 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Entries will be observed by judges and fair attendees, culminating in an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Ms. Senior Virginia performace
Ms. Senior Virginia 2013 Debbi Miller, an accomplished singer, will perform (with the Cameo Jewels) inside the community center on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
A complete list of this year’s activities and vendors is available on the fair’s website.