Cotton candy, bright lights and the thrilling rides of the Cullman County Fair return Thursday.

Gates open to the fairgrounds at Sportsman Lake Park at 5 p.m.

The opening night will include an exhibit of the Peinhardt Farm animals, beginning at 5, as well as the Tiny and Petite Fair Princess Pageants from 7-9. And, of course, there will be the rides and concessions that always come with the fair.

The Miss Cullman County Fair Pageant will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.

But the fair, here since 1954, is also a showcase of local agriculture. Everything from the green thumbs of growers to horses and cattle are on display and judged throughout the event.

The Cullman County Fair in conjunction with the Cullman Lions also supports many local organizations and institutions, from public schools to Childhaven, Cullman Caring for Kids, the North Alabama Agriplex, Hope Horses, LeaderDogs for the Blind and more.

Attendance for the 10-day event typically tops 40,000. The fair concludes Oct. 13.

For full schedules and additional information on exhibits and rides, visit cullmanfair.com.

Thursday

5 p.m. – Ribbon cutting opening gates to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

Peinhardt Farm Animals in barn (ends at 8 p.m.)

7 p.m. – Tiny and Petite Fair Princess Pageants in theatre

Friday

5 p.m. – Queen and King of Kitchen announced

Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

Peinhardt farm animals in barn (ends at 8 p.m.)

Saturday

2 p.m.- Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

5 p.m. – Peinhardt farm animals in barn (ends at 8 p.m.)

Sunday

2 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

4 p.m. – Dog show in arena

5 p.m. – Peinhardt farm animals in barn (ends at 8 p.m.)

Monday

12 p.m. – Student day, Free admission for students Cullman city, county and homeschooled students until 5 p.m. Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

3 p.m. – Student carved and painting pumpkins contest

6 p.m. – All lamb, sheep and goat shows in arena

Tuesday

5 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

6:30 p.m. – Youth cattle shows in arena

7 p.m. – Cullman County Fair Queen pageant in theatre

Wednesday, October 10

10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Senior day. Free admission to area seniors until 1 p.m.

Entertainment and contests in theatre

5 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

6 p.m. – Spelling bee in theatre

6:30 p.m. Junior horse show in arena

Thursday, October 11

5 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

6 p.m. – Rabbit show in arena

7 p.m. – Little, junior and teen fair princess pageants in theatre

Friday, October 12

5 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

Peinhardt farm animals in barn (ends at 8 p.m.)

7 p.m. – Talent show in theatre

Saturday, October 13

2 p.m. – Gates open to fairgrounds (Midway closes at 10 p.m. or later depending on crowds)

5 p.m. – Open cattle show in arena