It is fair time in Dryden.

The Dryden and District Agricultural Society’s annual fair kicks off on Thursday, August 21st.

The Society’s President, Lisa Koshel, says they are promising three days of fun and entertainment.

“Of course, the midway is there to entertain, but we also have our exhibit hall, which is full of wonderful things to look through, some great vendors,” says Koshel.

“We have cattle shows and horse shows. More cattle, more horses than usual, and the small animals, which are always a great draw as well.”

The parade will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m., running through the city and ending at the fairgrounds on Scott Street.

“We have a super lineup for our parade this year. Extra floats, extra entries. We are running a mini king and mini queen contest, and those contestants are all putting floats in the parade as well. So we’re looking forward to seeing where their imaginations took them.”

Silver Buckles and Boots is this year’s theme.

Koshel says it is a nod to the fair being at its Scott St. location for the past 25 years.

The fair has been running for 118 years.

Another highlight is the horse show.

Koshel says a new class called the Cowboy Challenge, where horse riders will take their horses through an obstacle course on Thursday evening, that includes some fun activities they will be required to complete.

“Little jumps. There’s a roping that they have to do. There’s a teeter-totter, a leaf blower and a whole bunch of really fun things. It’s a timed event, and they get penalized if they break pattern or have any issues with any of the obstacles.”

There will also be a high-stakes barrel race on Friday and Saturday with $8,000 in prize money up for grabs.

The 4-H Club’s cattle show runs on Friday, and the stage is packed with entertainment throughout the three days.

The gates will open to the public on Thursday from noon until midnight and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until midnight.