The Franklin-Southampton County Fair — our constant North Star that

reminds us summer is coming to an end and also serves as one of the

area’s top social functions — opens Wednesday for four days at the

fairgrounds on New Market Road.

Some of the usual attractions return — the fair queen pageant, bands

both local and national, exhibits, the judging of crops and animals,

crafts and handiwork, baking and sewing, as well as horseshoe

contests, a dog show and a talent show.

And, of course, there will be rides on the midway and plenty of food

and concessions. There will be animals of all sizes and shapes to be

seen and, in some cases, petted.

There will be men with loud chain saws who can turn huge logs into tidy artwork.

In short, it offers something for just about everyone.

It’s also a place where friends meet — some of whom haven’t chatted in

awhile — where kids can be kids for a few hours and parents can be

entertained, too.

Simply put, it’s the fair, our fair.