The Grays Harbor County Fair — Pig Tails and Country Trails — is returning to the fairgrounds in Elma again this year with music and family activities spanning from Aug. 9 to aug. 13.

The fair has had record-breaking years for three of the last five years, maintaining an attendance of at least 62,000 people during that stretch of time. This year the fair has accumulated about $49,000 in sponsorships from companies and organizations.

“We consider our sponsors not just donators or contributors, but partners,” said fair manager Mike Bruner, noting that the fair couldn’t offer the prices and operate as it does without their contributions.

The fair kicks off with House Brothers Day on Wednesday, Aug. 9. A parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. Also on the first day of the fair are a berry baking contest and a performance by Old Dominion on the Pepsi State at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10 is Anchor Bank (kids) Day. Kids ages 6-15 receive $1 off fair admission. Carnival rides will be available and are $2.50 each. Seth Wayne from KOMO will be at the fair to give kids insight into the news business and will broadcast live following his presentation. The Coats will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 11 is Grays Harbor PUD Day. A talent show will begin at 6 p.m., and the Olson Brothers Band will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 12 is PASHA Auto Group Day. Races will be held at the Grays Harbor Raceway starting at 5 p.m. Petty Fever (Tribute to Tom Petty) will perform on the Pepsi State at 8 p.m. The popular youth livestock auction also will be held at 2 p.m. at the Monte Farm and Home Arena.

Kids from 4H, from 9 years old to near 18 years old, will market animals they have raised for the auction. This year 4-H and its kids will bring some 120 chickens, 60 pigs and 15 lambs to the auction.

“These are not your normal chickens,” said Coree Downing, superintendent for the rabbit and poultry barn. “This is something these kids worked all year with. Its not just a chicken, these are their friends, these are their pets – they have spent so much time with them that it’s beyond us.”

Animals whose owners have chosen not to send to auction will still be on display for fair attendees to take a closer look. Kids will have the opportunity show their knowledge of their animals and tell people why a particular animal is their favorite, while at the same time offering those people a chance to get up close and personal with the animals.

“When we talk about the fair, it’s not just the vendors, it’s not just the rides,” Downing said. “It’s what these kids and the community do to raise children up in a positive way and represent our community in a good way.”

The fair continues Sunday, Aug. 13 with Bi-Mart Day. There will be free admission to the fair from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a cheerleading exhibition beginning at 3 p.m.

There also will be free entertainment daily throughout the fair including A Walk on the Wild Side “Wildlife Display,” Steve the Pretty Good, Comedy and Magic Show and Muriel’s Petting Zoo.

Admission for the fair this year is $10 for adults (16 to 62 years), $7 for seniors and children. Children 5 and younger receive free admission. The fees are subject to change throughout the week, with discounts for certain attendees on particular days. Parking is $5 throughout the duration of the fair.

Pre-sale wristbands for carnival rides courtesy of Davis Shows Northwest are available for $22, while on-site wristbands will be $27 during the fair. A book of 10 rides is available for $32, or the price per ride is $3.75. Wristbands may be purchased at anchor Banks in Elma, Aberdeen, Montesano and at the fairgrounds.

Entertainment for the fair is general seating and free with paid fair admission. However, for those who don’t want to risk not getting a seat, two rows of Golden Circle seating are still available for $40.

Those who attend the fair have a good chance of witnessing a “fair moment.” Fair office manager Kelly Peterson described it as a particular moment or conversation that makes an individual realize all the good that comes from the fair and goes back into the community.

“That’s what makes it worth it for us – it’s the people and the experiences they get to have here. It’s really a unique thing,” Peterson said.