CUMMING — The Cumming Country Fair & Festival opens its 11-day run at 4 p.m. Thursday, promising daily doses of food, fun, music and more at the Cumming Fairgrounds.

The event draws thousands of people each year, and is known particularly for its rides and musical acts, which this year include headliners the Oak Ridge Boys.

“Last year was the first time they had been in the area in a long time, and they had a great show,” said Dave Horton, fairgrounds administrator. “At the beginning of this year, they were inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tenn.”

The Oak Ridge Boys are set to take the stage at 8 p.m. Friday.

Admission and ride specials are offered on various days and times throughout the fair’s run.

Last year’s final tally of 154,406 visitors nearly topped the record 167,616 set in 2013.

“That year, we had 11 good weather days,” Horton said of 2013. “Last year, four days we had weather affect them. We were real pleased with the numbers last year.”

Though weather can change people’s minds about attending an outdoor event, the fair is open rain or shine.

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.

A new face to the lineup comes in the form of magical dogs.

Michelle’s Magical Poodles brings its “All About Dogs” experience that teaches animal awareness and responsible dog ownership and safety.

Michelle will be at the fair from opening day until Oct. 13. When she leaves, Todd Key, a comedic juggler and stilt walker, will take her place.

The Sea Lion Splash will also premiere this year, 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.

On Oct. 14, Spiderman, Captain America, Ant-Man and Black Widow will visit the fairgrounds to do skits for young audiences at 5 and 7:30 p.m.

The American Bull Riders Tour will pass through Cumming at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 and at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.

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.