Fair festivities begin Thursday at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Events Center, kicking off the annual four-day celebration of agriculture, animals and local talent that attracts visitors to South Whidbey from near and far.

The Whidbey Island Fair runs Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21 at the fairgrounds in Langley.

This year’s fair features a mix of old and new. Returning entertainment includes Davis Amusement Cascadia, which provides fair games and carnival rides such as a carousel, a giant slide and other adrenaline-inducing amusement.

Clucky the Chicken, garden-enthusiast Ciscoe Morris, bubble fun with “Matt the bubble guy,” Elvis impersonator Danny Vernon and the princesses and superheroes of When you Wish Productions will also be back this year.

On-stage music will include bands Shifty Sailors, Western Heroes, Hair Nation, Wally & the Beaves.

Animals will be front and center at the fairgrounds. The petting zoo will offer warm and fuzzy feelings with close encounters of farm animals, and the Island County 4-H Club youth will showcase their horses, dogs, cattle and other animals in a range of classes. The auction will be noon Saturday, July 20.

Leading this year’s parade will be grand marshals Chuck and Judy Prochaska of Greenbank. The parade kicks off 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Preserving the friendly and local small-town vibe while still being “the biggest party around,” has been the goal for fair Manager Carol Coble, who said in years past, the fair has seen over 18,000 visitors.

“It’s about community, education and entertainment,” Coble said.

Daily fair admission is adults $10, $6 youth, military and seniors; ages under age 5 free.