Save the Date: 4-H Fair at Frying Pan Park Aug. 4-7

Remember Fairfax County’s agricultural heritage — and have some family friendly fun — at the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival, which returns to Herndon’s Frying Pan Farm Park next week.

The fair runs Aug. 4 through 7 and will feature carnival games, rides, fair exhibits and entertainment. There will be 4-H exhibitors showing farm animals, and visitors can try their hand at milking cows and goats.

Here are some of the highlights to plan your visit:

Thursday — The farmyard opens at 9 a.m. Carnival rides begin at 10 a.m. Rides end at 3 p.m., but the farmyard stays open with a free evening concert by the Will Overman Band at 7:30 p.m.

Friday — The farmyard opens at 9 a.m., and carnival rides run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. then again from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday is also Big Truck Night, a free, hands-on activity featuring a variety of large, commercial trucks.

Parking and admission are free on Thursday and Friday (you must purchase tickets for food and rides).

Saturday and Sunday — The fair begins at 9 a.m. The Fair Entrance will be on Monroe Street for those days. The carnival rides run from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Entry to the park grounds is free, however there is an $8 parking fee per car, per day on the weekend. Cash or check only.

Friday and Saturday will both include wagon rides, free blacksmithing demonstrations, live entertainment, an expanded Market Lane with craft vendors, as well as a food court.

Special features for Saturday, Aug. 6 include horse shows and the tractor pull.

The highlights for Sunday, Aug. 7 are the Livestock Competition and the Parade of Champions.

Want to enter a one of 18 competitions? Bring in your short film, artwork, flowers, photographs, writing, woodworking, vegetables, interior design project, baked goods or other hobby on Thursday or Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. to enter.

For more info, a schedule of entertainment and to purchase ride tickets, visit the carnival website.