The Monterey County Fair is back with a packed lineup of agricultural achievement, plus fun and games.

Carnival rides, crazy food on a stick, music, show animals – there’s a lot going on at a county fair. In fact, the scope is so big that it compares to the World Series. Don’t believe me? Well, take it from former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Darrell Porter, who said after his team won the series in 1982, “Hoo-ee, I’ve been to two county fairs and a goat roast, and I ain’t never seen nothin’ like this.’”

The Monterey County Fair is huge. The carnival ($50 for the necessary wristband) features a 70-foot-tall Ferris wheel, the Grand Prix roller coaster, Dizzy Dragons, a fun slide that runs something like 40 feet and more. For entertainment, bands like Steel Pulse are on stage, with magicians, trick dogs, a stunt man and even a hypnotist on the bill. Food trucks are bringing everything from comfort – grilled cheese, for example – to gyros, bao and some carnival fare, such as a dessert pizza (yes, funnel cakes and corn dogs, too).

And of course, there’s even more. The Flying U Rodeo brings action to the arena, with bucking broncs, barrel racing and more – “and more” is a phrase we can use for everything at the fair, so we’ll just assume it from here on. The rodeo is free with admission on Friday and Saturday ($15 for box seats), but there is a charge ($14/general admission for adults, $7/kids ages 6-12) on Sunday. Less serious competition takes place with a new event. All Creatures Racing sends more than just pigs charging across the track. There will also be ducks, turkeys, goats and even geese.

But keep in mind that the fair, at its core, is rooted in developing future leaders in agriculture. Exhibits by students in 4H, FFA and Scouts range from floriculture to textiles.

And, of course, there are presentations on raising and showing animals – swine, sheep, rabbits, goats and beef cattle. Ribbons are awarded to livestock exhibitors based on the Danish system (blue ribbons for top honors).

Other entry categories include food preservation (think canned vegetables or jam or jerky), baked goods, ceramics and quilting.

Beyond those displays, there’s also the excitement of a live auction; the junior livestock auction takes place at 10am on Saturday, Aug. 30.

MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR Noon-11pm Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 28-31; noon-10pm Monday, Sept. 1. Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $16/general admission; $13/seniors; $9/children 6-12; free/5 and under. 372-5863, montereycountyfair.com.