Well, it’s that time of year again. The 31st annual Franklin-Southampton County Fair opens Thursday, Aug. 11, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 13.

Fair organizers promise a bigger and better fair with new attractions, including The ATV Challenge.

The event hosted by Team Deep and Wet from Goldsboro, N.C., will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The show is included in the $6 gate fee.

One portion of the challenge will involve mostly club members racing through a 100-foot-long, 3-foot-deep mud hole. The club also will offer a stock class.

The fair also will feature 10 midway rides, including a Ferris wheel, the Spyder, Paratrooper, Sidewinder, Musik Express and Merry Mixer. For younger kids, there will be the Dry Boats, Dragons, White House and Quad Runner.

All-you-can ride wristbands are available for $15 from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Other times tickets will cost $1, $19 for 20, or $32 for 40. The midway will be open 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The fair also will see the return of the queen contest and talent show beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday on the Main Stage. Two concerts are scheduled for 7 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, also on the Main Stage.

An all-day pass to the fair is $6 for adults and children over 6. Children 6 and under will be admitted free. The pass includes all shows, concerts, side acts and the petting zoo. Now that’s a deal.

Fairgoers can buy a three-day pass for $15 at EVB bank in Courtland, The Pharmacy of Boykins, Manry-Rawls and Janet’s Touch of Style, both in Franklin, and The Hair Station in Ivor.

So go have fun at the fair.