BUCYRUS — The 166th Crawford County Fair kicks off Monday, July 17, for a six-day run at the fairgrounds in Bucyrus, promising fairgoers plenty of food, fun, and family attractions.

After all, it’s a Crawford County tradition.

“Just having the community come together for the week makes it special,” said fair manager David Staats, who took over the job last November. “It’s just a big community event, which makes for a good fair.”

In addition to the 4-H shows, amusement rides, and entertainment, this year’s fair is offering visitors some new attractions, Staats, said, including a rodeo, “Bulls and Barrels,” in the grandstand Tuesday at 7 p.m.

A pig scramble Saturday at 7 p.m. is also making its fair debut, he said, along with Andy Rotz and his “Wild West Showdown” performing every day with several showtimes. “We’re excited about that. Fire, knives, and roping. It’s pretty neat.”

A calf scramble will be held in the grandstand Monday at 7 p.m., with harness racing on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Friday’s grandstand entertainment will feature the OSTPA Tractor and Truck Pull competitions.

Another fair favorite — the popular Demolition Derby — will cap off fair week Saturday at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. The pig scramble, a free event, will take place at the same time in the show arena.

Fairgoers, Staats said, can also check out free entertainment in the gazebo Wednesday through Saturday starting at 7 p.m., with performances by the bands “Premium Blend,” “One Foot in the Grave,” Mick McCarthy, and “Kickn’ Grass.”

The fair’s new multipurpose building will also be showcased for the first time, Staats said. The building, just west of the grandstand, now houses the senior and junior fair board offices as well as The Ohio State University extension office.

Mr. Puppet will be roaming the grounds on Friday and Saturday, providing free shows for children, he said.

U.S. military veterans get into the fair free on Thursday with their military ID cards, Staats said. Thursday is also senior day with senior citizens paying only $5. The gate price otherwise is $10 (persons taller than 36 inches), which includes free rides.

The fair is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 610 Whetstone Street. A complete schedule of events can be found on the fair’s website crawfordcofair.com