This year’s event will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will feature a mix of old and new activities for fair-goers of all ages, organizers say.

For the past 155 years the fair has been delighting attendees and, with the booming development of recent years, has been uniting rural and urban residents.

This year’s theme is ‘How does your garden grow?’

Last year, about 30,000 people attended the fair, which attracted not just Milton residents, but also people from the surrounding areas.

The fair gates will open to the public at 3 p. m. Friday and 9 a. m. Saturday and Sunday, with exhibits closing at 9 p. m. Friday, 8 p. m. Saturday and 4:30 p. m. Sunday.

The Milton Fair Grounds is located on Robert Street.

Ongoing throughout the weekend will be the livestock display barn, agricultural awareness tent, craft building, petting zoo, exhibit halls and vendors.

And of course, what’s a fair without a midway and all the accompanying treats?

“We’ve got a full schedule,” said fall fair secretary-treasurer Babs Wingrove. “It has such a varied amount of activities… there’s something for everyone.”

Something that’s new this year is EquiMania, an interactive youth education program from the University of Guelph featuring hands-on activity centres to promote horse health and safety.

Kids can try their hands at braiding a horse’s tail, learn how to bandage a leg, and identify horse bones. It’s something many kids wouldn’t get a chance to do otherwise, Wingrove said.

Another new attraction is the Sod- Warrior Pro Tour, lawnmower racing featuring top calibre drivers and machines from across Ontario.

There’s also the Birds of Prey program, in which staff from Mountsberg Conservation Area allow a “nose to beak” experience with live raptors.

And for a second year, fair-goers will be able to take a ride on a monster truck for a small fee.

Another repeat from last year is the chili cook-off.

On the livestock side of things, visitors can take in beef, dairy, sheep and poultry shows.

There are also the pet and baby shows to enter and attend. Categories include shaggiest hair and waggiest tail for the pets, and cutest smile and chubbiest legs for the babies.

Continuing another longstanding tradition is the Milton Fair Ambassador competition, which sees local young people vie for the honour of representing the fair at various events throughout the year.

The competition will take place Friday evening. Those interested in entering should contact the fair office at the number below.

When it’s time to take a break, there’s the tearoom, which will offer hot drinks plus baked goods and light lunch options.

All proceeds will go toward the On the Way to Bethlehem nativity pageant, a project of Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together.

Musical entertainment will include local country-rock artist Steven Demetrious and popular band Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain.

Each day will end with a bang — literally — with a demolition derby, which is always a draw, Wingrove said.

Of course, none of this could happen without the dedicated volunteers of the Halton Agricultural Society, which presents the fair each year, Wingrove said.

Fair admission costs $8 for adults, $3 for kids aged six to 12 and is free for kids under six. Seniors get in for $4 on Friday between 9 a. m. and 4 p. m.

With so many activities on the roster, it’s impossible to mention everything. For more information and to find out when the various activities are happening, call (905) 878-5689 or visit www.miltonfair.com .

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com .