At the West End Fair, children aren’t just walking through exhibits and rides — they’re stepping into the role of farmers for a day.

The fair’s Farmer for a Day program gives kids a chance to experience firsthand how food travels from farm to table.

“They get to meet the animals on the farm, and we have buttons for them to press so they can hear the sounds of the animals,” said volunteer Jill O’Neill. “We encourage them to pick the fruits and vegetables throughout the farm.”

Inside the exhibit, young visitors gather eggs, harvest potatoes and pick fruit.

“They can visit our chicken coop and collect eggs. They learn that potatoes grow underground, see the root vegetables, and pick from the fruit trees we have,” O’Neill said. “Then they bring it all over to the produce stand. That way, they know how it gets from the farm to the table.”

The market-style setup helps complete the lesson.

“They put everything into baskets and sort the fruits and vegetables so we can get ready for sales,” O’Neill said. “They also get to milk a goat. Our cow is unfortunately out of commission, but when they’re finished, they get a stamp and a sticker.”

O’Neill said the goal is to show children where their food comes from.

“I think kids will take it for granted if they don’t know,” she said. “Everything is so easily accessible in the grocery store, and if they don’t understand that it actually comes from a farm, they may grow up never realizing it.”

The exhibit has been drawing steady crowds.

“By the end of the week, we’ll have close to 1,000 kids come through, if not more,” O’Neill estimated.

For the volunteers, the children’s reactions are the most rewarding part.

“They’re so much fun,” O’Neill said. “When they come in and get excited, you can ask them questions and they light up. When they know the answer — like what kind of vegetable or fruit something is — they’re so proud of themselves.”

Some attractions have become favorites.

“The new sound button is a hit,” O’Neill said. “But their favorite thing was always the cow. Since it’s not working this year, a lot of kids keep asking, ‘Where’s the cow?’ Milking it was their favorite part.”

Even without the cow, the digging station remains popular.

“They love pretending,” O’Neill said. “We have little potatoes covered with straw, and they can dig them out and put them into their baskets.”

Volunteers Lizzy Green, Danielle Binkley, and Gwendolyn Binkley joined O’Neill in welcoming children through the exhibit during the fair.

The West End Fair continues through Saturday from 2-10 p.m. daily.

Admission is $8 for ages 11 and older. Discounts apply today for students. Admission is free for ages 10 and under.

Here’s a look at highlights:

TODAY

Stephanie Grace, 3 and 4 p.m., Main Stage.

Dan & Galla, 4 p.m., band shell.

Cody Templeton, 5 p.m., pub.

Levels Dance Studio, 6 p.m., band shell.

Demo Derby, Big Car/Small Car, Mini SUV & Trucks, heats and feature, 7 p.m., Main Arena.

Don Jovi tribute band, 7 and 8:30 p.m., Main Stage.

FRIDAY

The Rehrig Brothers, 3 and 4 p.m., Main Stage.

Ally Brown, 5 p.m., pub.

Dan & Galla, 5 p.m., band shell.

Cartesion Dance Academy, 6 p.m., band shell.

Meet & Greet, 6 p.m., Main Arena.

Elite Mower Racing, 7 p.m. Main Arena.

Katz 22, 7 and 9 p.m., Main Stage.

The fairgrounds is located at 570 Fairground Road, Gilbert. Visit www.westendfair.com