If you go
* What: Cumming Country Fair and Festival
* When: Through Sunday; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday; and 12:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
* Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road
* Cost: Adults $7, students $3, children 4 and younger are free. Cash only, ATM onsite
Admission and ride specials
* Saturday: American Bull Riders Tour
Admission: Free for all ages 10 to 11 a.m.
Rides: $25 for unlimited rides if purchased 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
* Sunday: Heroes Day
Admission: Free with valid ID for law enforcement, firefighters, first responders and all active, reserve or retired military; 12:30 to 2 p.m. free for students 18 and younger with coupon; free adult admission benefitting Feed the Hungry Forsyth Inc. with seven non-perishable canned goods
Rides: 12:30 to 2 p.m. free for students 18 and younger with coupon
CUMMING — The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is on pace to post a record year for attendance, and there is still a full weekend of activities and fun to go.
Sunday is the closing day for the Cumming Fairgrounds’ annual 11-day event that has already drawn thousands of people for its rides and musical acts.
According to Dave Horton, fairgrounds administrator, more people have walked through the gates so far than they did at this point in 2013, which holds the overall attendance record of 167,616.
“The weather looks like it’s going to be in our favor [this weekend]. We’ve had several record nights as far as attendance goes,” Horton said. “Sunday was off by about half, but then we made it up each day after that, and now we’re ahead by about 2,000.”
In 2013, every day enjoyed good weather, while four days were dampened by rain last year.
Though weather can change people’s minds about attending an outdoor event, the fair is open rain or shine.
A highlight of the final weekend will be when the American Bull Riders Tour stops at the fair at 8 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday.
Another returning fair must-see for 2015 is Galaxy Girl, a flipping, spinning, whirling, twirling acrobatic daredevil who reaches heights of 127 feet.
Oscar the Robot will be cruising the grounds, and he loves to meet new people. Entertaining crowds with his wonderful wit and fearless personality, Oscar actually listens and responds to audiences. Sculptor Brian Ruth will turn wood into art as part of the Masters of the Chainsaw act.
The North Georgia Petting Zoo and Pony Rides allows visitors to interact with bison, zebra, cows, rabbits, llamas and more.
The Indian Heritage Village and agricultural houses will all be in full force to offer an educational — and entertaining — aspect to the fair for those who want to stroll around the grounds.
The Sea Lion Splash is at the fair for the first time, showcasing the animals balancing balls, doing handstands and performing other gymnastics tricks.
Also new to the lineup, Cirque du Todd is a one-man club throwing, ball spinning, ladder balancing, torch manipulating comedy extravaganza.
Horton said there are even some new rides and new designs on old favorites.
For more information, including a download link to student coupons, visit cummingfair.net.