ISLE OF WIGHT—The 2009 Isle of Wight County Fair kicked off Thursday evening at the Fairgrounds at Heritage Park.

The Seafood Fest, catered by Nixon’s Seafood, helped kick off the fair on Thursday.

The fair’s midway features a huge Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, a giant swing, a coaster, a Tilt-a-Whirl and other attractions for people of all ages. Midway rides take from two to six tickets each. Tickets can be purchased at the fair for $1 each, a pack of 20 tickets for $20 or a family pack of 50 tickets for $40.

Monster truck rides and a petting zoo will also be offered today through Sunday. Helicopter rides and pony rides will also be available on Saturday and Sunday.

Today the fair opens at 11 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Senior citizens arriving before 2 p.m. can pay a reduced admission price of $1. Soul singer Clarence Carter, the fair’s headlining act, will hit the stage tonight at 9:30.

Saturday the fair opens at 10 a.m. Country singer Jack Ingram will perform on the main stage at 9 p.m., and the fair will close at 11 p.m.

Sunday the fair opens at noon. Country group Confederate Railroad will perform on the main stage at 4:30 p.m.

Heritage Park is located north of Windsor on Route 258. Regular admission for adults and children 4 and up is $5. Admission for children 3 and under is free.