Children’s faces light up when they spot their heroes and idols walking across the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, and performers from When you Wish Productions feel just as happy as their giddy admirers.

“The fair is one of our favorite events of the year, so we are really looking forward to it,” owner and founder April Miller said.

This year, guests can expect to see Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Spiderman and Mary Poppins at the fair.

In 2018, the company came to the fairgrounds for the first time and it was a hit, according to fair manager Carol Coble.

All performers have theater backgrounds and vocal training, “so fairgoers may get to enjoy new magical musical performances this year as well,” Miller said in an email.

Having free rein of the fairgrounds last year meant the characters rode the carousel with the children, and perhaps this year Spiderman might be spotted on the big slide, Miller said.

While portraying Cinderella, Miller said she had a touching experience with a grandmother and granddaughter visiting the fair from Scotland.

After a ride on the carousel, singing and some questions and answers, Miller watched the pair hug with tears in their eyes.

“It’s being a part of special family-bonding moments like these that truly make me feel blessed to do this. I could barely hold back tears myself that day,” Miller said.

The fair is a special place, Miller said, and there is something for everyone as “each day is full of unforgettable summer magic.”