BRIDGEWATER — Organizers are on track to welcome the public for the 70th Bridgewater Country Fair at the Bridgewater Fairgrounds, 100 Main Street South/Route 133, Friday through Sunday, August 18-20.

The 2022 fair was the first after two summers without a fair, due to COVID restrictions. The event is the annual major fundraiser for Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, which is supported solely by the profits of the fair and its raffle.

The department receives no money from the Town, State or Homeland Security.

The fair offers rides and games, along with a flair different than most traditional fairs. It’s unique in its charm and warmth of a small town yet brings this amazing event like a big city would. With live music, animals, special acts, shopping, amusement, contests, and a chance to win a Toyota Tundra, it really is an event-packed weekend and fun family outing.

The weekend will kick off with the Annual Bridgewater Fireman’s Parade on Friday, with opening ceremonies and the parade beginning at 6:30 pm. Over 50 fire companies from throughout the state and region are planning to participate.

All ages can also join the fun with ride bracelets on Friday only, from 5-10 pm.

Events all weekend will include The Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show, returning with its Wheel of Death. A fair favorite, the dock diving dogs return to show off their skills, as well as border collie herding demonstrations.

The Axe Women Loggers of Maine will be performing all weekend, as will J. Rouge Aerialist, displaying her dazzling athleticism 20 feet in the air.

Ben Faraci of Nonnewaug High School will demonstrate his wood carving skills.

The fair has the enthusiasm of its historic features and charm, such as racing pig contests, livestock and agricultural displays, games, amusement rides, food cooked by Bridgewater firefighters including roast beef sandwiches, pulled pork, corn, chicken and tacos.

New this year are waffles on a stick, with various toppings, and loaded tater tots.

Wine and beer will also be available all weekend at Watering Hole Saloon, where live acoustic entertainment will also be ongoing.

Art and photography shows, flower, baking, vegetable and fruit competitions, needlework, hobby displays, adult and children’s pie eating contest on Saturday, hay bale and skillet toss, tractor, oxen and pony pulls/shows, and crafts displays will be ongoing.

This year’s raffle will have two prizes awarded — first place is a 2023 Toyota Tundra, and second place is $10,000 — on Monday, August 21, at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 each and the winners do not need to be present to win.

The Cake Lotto will send winners home with homemade cakes, bread, brownies or cookies, all for 50 cents each turn.

The Lions Club returns on Saturday, from noon to 5 pm, to do eye screening for ages 2-7. Through their program they have been able to refer hundreds of children who have vision issues that have been detected and can be corrected at an early age.

The full entertainment is listed on the fair website, bridgewaterfair.com.

Gates will be open 4 to 11 pm Friday, 8 am to 11 pm Saturday, and 8 am to 6 pm Sunday. Animal competitions begin at 8; rides and vendors open at 10.

Admission is $10 adults, and $8 senior citizens; children age 12 and under are admitted free. Three-day passes are available at the Bridgewater Mobil Station for $25.

Parking is free.

Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds.

For more information visit bridgewaterfair.com or find the fair on Facebook (@BridgewaterCountryFair), send e-mail to fair@bvfd.org, or call 860-354-4730.