all week for parking.

On opening day at 7 p.m., the Lewis County Fair parade will commence with its 2008 theme "Traditions You Treasure." The fair will again feature a free grandstand for Tuesday night only, allowing fairgoers to see the parade. The parade will be followed at 10:30 by a fireworks display.

Both of the polka bands that performed last year have signed for return engagements. On Wednesday, July 16, Fritz's Polka Band returns for a 9 p.m. show, and immediately after the Jake Owen concert on July 18, John Stevens and the Double Shot Polka Band return for another free concert.

Thursday, July 17, is senior citizens' day, with special activities organized by the Lewis County Office for the Aging from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At 10:15 a.m. the Black River Fiddlers will perform, followed by David Allyn Acoustic Country Music at 12:45. To end the day, the Country Stompers will play at 2:30 p.m. Following the scheduled events of Senior Citizen Day there will be a talent show, beginning at 6 p.m., in the LeRoy Nichols Youth Building.

The contest is separated into "mini" and "maxi" competitions according to the age of the contestant. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges at the end of the show.

The fair will again feature wristband specials on the Coleman Brothers Midway, sold from noon until 4 p.m. and good until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and also sold from 9 p.m. until 11p.m. and good until closing at midnight on Thursday. One wristband for $18 allows unlimited rides from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. A $20 wristband is good until closing on Thursday.

Wednesday, July 16, is the first children's day of the fair, starting at 10 a.m. There will be free face painting all day as well as other children's activities, followed drawings and prize giveaways at 4:30 to winners of various contests throughout the day, including the coloring contest.

July 18 will be the second children's day, also starting at 10 a.m., with free face painting all day and other activities. At 9:30 a.m., 4H will sponsor a tractor driving contest. The baby show will again be held in the LeRoy Nicholls Building at 10 a.m. July 16.

Two demolition derbies will be held on Saturday July 19: Tickets for the 1 p.m. show are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. Admission to the evening derby, at 6, is $12 for adults and $8 for children. But fairgoers can buy tickets to both shows for $15 for adults and $10 for children.