Waterford resident Brooke Branham, left,10, receives a flag from a participant during the 2024 Waterford Community Fair Parade. (File photo)

WATERFORD — The Waterford Community Fair is set to open Thursday, bringing four days of family traditions, hometown cooking, and community pride to the fairgrounds.

The annual event, which typically draws between 10,000 and 15,000 people, is known for its crowd-favorite tractor pulls and its 4-H market hog show, officials said.

“Our tractor pulls and our 4-H market hog show are what we’re famous for,” said Missy Antill, fair board member. “We really focus on family, fun, friendly and affordable – that’s our thing.”

Gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, with free ride night and the Pretty Baby Contest, hosted by the Waterford High School cheerleaders, kicking off the weekend. Carnival rides will be available throughout the fair.

Friday begins with the hog show at 8 a.m. and wraps up with the return of the ATV and motocross rodeo that evening. Saturday morning at 10 a.m. will feature the market hog sale, held in the morning for the second year after years as an evening event. Sunday will bring the fair’s final day of activities.

Antill said all food vendors are run by local non-profit organizations, with menus that have become staples for fairgoers. The Pee Wee football team will sell lemon shakes, the Waterford PTO will serve “taco in a boat,” and Boy Scout Troop 222 will offer egg rolls and funnel cakes. The athletic boosters will prepare sausage sandwiches, bratwurst, and fish. The Waterford Band Boosters will serve loaded baked potatoes, the Waterford Grange will offer its popular homemade noodles, and the Waterford FFA will roast sweet corn on Saturday and Sunday.

“All of the food is so good, and it’s part of what makes this fair special,” Antill said. “It’s made by our community, for our community.”

The fair’s affordable pricing has also become a point of pride. Admission is $5 per day, with children 12 and under admitted free. Season passes are $12 for those attending multiple days.

“We haven’t raised our prices in a very long time,” Antill said. “We want to make sure families can come out, enjoy themselves, and not have to worry about breaking the bank.”

Gates open slightly before 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday.