One of the things I enjoy the most about August is the West End Fair.

It starts on Sunday.

The first time I ever went to one, I was really impressed by the variety of events, displays and food vendors. Everywhere I looked there was some other neat thing to see or sample, and I love the shade of trees throughout the fairground.

To help me tell you about this year’s fair, I took a look at their website.

The first thing I noticed was a cute little cartoon donkey beside a quick survey asking people what brings them to the fair. The options were food, music and entertainment, animals, and rides and games.

I clicked on music and entertainment, which turned out to be the top pick at 34.4%. Coming in second was food at 28.5% (They do have a vast selection of foods to try). The third choice was rides and games at 20.8% and animals at 16.4%. I’m not much for rides anymore, but children just delight in them. The animals, of course, are darling! You have to love the animals, including The Marvelous Mutts performing daily in the Free Show Area.

The 100th Anniversary Parade will officially open the fair at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and process through the fairgrounds, followed by the crowning of the Fair Queen during opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. at the Main Stage. You’ll probably see the Fair Queen throughout the day, because she and her court usually walk around the fair visiting the various booths and exhibits.

For racing fans, Quarter Midget Racing takes off actually before the fair officially begins, but that’s OK. The event will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at the main arena. It’s an opportunity to check out future United States Auto Club stars.

Later in the day, children will have the opportunity to put the pedal to the medal, well actually dirt, in the Kids Pedal Pull at 3 p.m. at the Arena Hub. It’s a fun, friendly competition to see who can pull the sled the farthest.

One of my favorite exhibits is the wood carver. My first time at the fair, I watched this guy carve wood with a chain saw. It was fascinating!

The wood carver is back again this year and will be at the fair every day. Check out his artwork. It’s amazing and entertaining.

Singers and bands will be performing throughout the day, every day, mostly at the main stage, but among them are dance troupes. On Sunday, students from the Cartesion Dance Academy will be performing at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Bandshell.

Come nightfall, fireworks will explode in the sky at 9:30 p.m., and that’s just Sunday.

Check out the list of events for the rest of the week on their website at www.thewestendfair.com.

The Pleasant Valley High School band will perform at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, and a variety of acts throughout the week including Swing Time Dolls, the McElligott School of Irish Dancing, and the Dueling Piano Dudes.

Those who love the thrill of adrenaline might want to check out the junk car races, the demolition derby and the Bullride Mania rodeo.

Competition continues with the antique tractor pull, garden tractor pull, and the 4x4 truck pull.

Parking is free. Admission tickets are $7 for people 11 years old and older. Children 10 years old and younger are free. For every paid ticket coming through the gate, you also get a free carousel ride.

There are also specials all week.

• Monday is free rides from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Tuesday is $1 off between 2 to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday is Veterans and Seniors Day. Admission is $4 and every 100th person gets in free.

• Thursday is Students Day; admission is $4 with a school ID.

• Friday is $2 off admission with a nonperishable food item from 2 to 4 p.m.

• Saturday is a $100 giveaway every hour from 5 to 9 p.m.

I could go on and on, but you really just have to check it out for yourself. Enjoy!