One of Guilford’s most beloved traditions is nearly here. A highlight of the year since 1859, the Guilford Fair returns to town Friday to Sunday, Sept. 21, 22, and 23 and promises rides, agricultural events, a variety of exhibits, and an exciting entertainment line-up.

Held on the Guilford Fairgrounds and put on by the Guilford Agricultural Society, the three-day event kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sept. 21. The fair runs Friday from 1 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (the Guilford Fair Parade starts at 10 a.m.), and Sunday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The entertainment line-up this year for the fair will include Dirty Deeds, Morgan Wallen, Truck Stop Troubadours, and Take Two and Call Me in the Morning. In addition to the musical acts, through the day visitors can enjoy the numerous exhibits, games, the Children’s Zoo, and performances from Hilby and The Flying Wallendas.

While the shows and performances are always a big draw, the Guilford Fair was created to honor Guilford as an agricultural community and that theme still holds true year after year. This year, the fair will honor the “Bounties from the Sea” and the key component fishing and shell-fishing has played in Guilford’s history.

“This year we will like the recognize Guilford’s strong bond with the ocean,” said Guilford Agricultural Society President John Hammarlund. “The ocean, or shore farming, provides not only food for our community but many other by-products used on our farms and daily living. This includes items such as fertilizer, pet and farm animal feeds, vitamins, and oils to name a few. The 2018 Guilford Fair will have exhibits to educate the public and showcase how the fishing, lobstering, clamming, etc. industries had played such a large role in our history as well as a current industry today in modern Guilford.”

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for children aged 6 to 11; children five and younger enter free. Three-day discount passes are $25. Parking on site is $5. For more information, visit guilfordfair.org.