The annual Cullman County Fair officially kicks off today at 5 p.m. — and organizers promise long-time attendees can expect some new (and old) thrills for the 2015 edition.

Sponsored by the Cullman Lion’ Club for more than 60 years, the event has grown into the civic organization’s largest fundraiser and a staple of the community in the process.

For this year’s installment, Jerry Bonner, with the Cullman Lions Club, said they have a new group from North American Midway Entertainment handling things, which means a fresh slate of new and familiar rides.

“There will be some different rides, and some rides folks maybe haven’t seen for a while,” he said. “We’re mixing it up a little bit.”

Though most of the attention will be on the rides, games and snacks, Bonner noted the fair also allows the Lion’s Club to fund the several community projects the organization supports each year.

“This helps us donate to a lot of different charities that need us,” he said.

The fair formally opens today, September 24 with a ribbon cutting and flag raising at 5 p.m. The fair will end on October 3.

The event as a whole will feature North American Midway Rides, livestock competitions, exhibits, carnival games, art contests and food vendors. The Cullman County Fair Pageant is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29; and various live music events are scheduled throughout the fair.

Student day at the fair is set for Monday, Sept. 28; senior citizen day is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 30; while the Tiny and Petite Fair Princess pageant will be Thursday, Sept. 24 and the Little, Junior and Teen Fair Princess Pageants will be Thursday, Oct. 1.

For more information on the fair and a complete calendar of events, go to www.cullmanfair.com.

‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at tmoore@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.