County Pride, County Wide.

That's the theme of the 14th annual Carbon County Fair, which kicked off this afternoon along Little Gap Road in Palmerton.The fair is open from 3-11 p.m. today through Friday, and from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday. There is a general admission fee of $5 per person for those age 6 and over.There is plenty of free parking and entertainment. No pets are allowed, except for service dogs.The fair will feature three demolition derbies, an antique field stock tractor pull, a garden tractor pull, musical entertainment, food, agricultural displays, exhibits, and a huge Chinese auction. Ride specials will be held from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 1-10 p.m. Saturday.However, the horse show that was originally scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to extenuating circumstances.The still exhibits arrived on Monday, followed by the judging. In addition, the 4-H livestock arrived, and were weighed in. Displays, and daily judging of livestock and rabbits, will be held in the agricultural area. The animal dress up contest for 4-H members will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. The annual 4-H Livestock luncheon/sale held by special invitation will begin on Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by the 4-H livestock sale at 1 p.m.An opening ceremony will be held tonight at 7 p.m., with several dignitaries on hand, and will feature the crowning of the fair queen. Other events include a Garden Tractor Pull at 6 p.m. in the arena; musical entertainment from Remember When, which will perform oldies at 5 and 9 p.m. on the Main Stage; and the popular Fireworks Spectacular at 10:15 p.m.Wednesday will be highlighted by performances by the Glenn E. Miller One Man Band at 5 p.m., followed by Real Diamond (Neil Diamond Tribute Band) at 7 and 9 p.m.; as well as a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. in the arena.Thursday is Children's Day, and will include a performance by "The Doctor" Layne Roberts (Penn's Peak Radio & TV DJ) at 5 p.m., followed by performances by The Fabulous Hubcaps (50s Grease Show) at 7 and 9 p.m. on the main stage. Other special events include a Magic Show at 6 and 8 p.m., Fun Games at 5:30 p.m., Special Children's Day Drawing at 6:45 p.m., Bicycle Giveaway at 8:45 p.m., and a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. in the arena.Layne Roberts will again be on hand at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by Jimmy & The Parrots at 7 and 9 p.m. on the main stage. Other special events include a karate exhibition from Emerald Dragon at 8 p.m., and a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. in the arena.Saturday will see the Country Spectacular on the main stage, which will include performances by The Hawks at 2 p.m., Joe Bonson & Coffee Run at 4 p.m., Brooke Unger at 6:30 p.m., The Cramer Brothers at 7:30 p.m., and a Big Jam Session at 9:30 p.m. There will also be an Antique Field Stock Tractor Pull at 4 p.m., with a $2 general admission feeThe always popular Farmer for a Day display will be held from 3-9 p.m. each day on the midway, as well as appearances by Dapper Dan, Buster the Clown, Smokey Bear, and Hit & Miss Engines.The Carbon County Lion/Lioness Fair Association, Inc. was created in 1999. It is comprised of the Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions, Franklin Township Lions, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions, Mahoning Lions, Palmerton Lions, West Penn Lions and the Jim Thorpe Lioness clubs.For more information, call (610) 826-1862, or visit

www.carboncountyfair.com.