The fair runs from 6 to 11 p.m. and will be at the Newberry Street Festival Center, between Park and Richland avenues. This year, fair visitors will not have to pay separate fees for admission and rides, said Amanda Breeden, a program coordinator with the Aiken Department of Parks and Recreation. A single fee will get visitors into the fair, and rides will be unlimited.

Admission for age 13 and older will be $7 at the gate, $5 in advance. Children 6-12 will get in for $4, $2 in advance. Those younger than 5 will be admitted free.

Fair tickets can be bought at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center or Citizens Park until 4 p.m. today, after which they will be sold at the fair site.

The city has added a hot-dog eating contest on the smaller stage. The person who can eat the most hot dogs in two minutes will receive $150. The contest starts at 7:30 p.m. and contestants are urged to pre-register.

"We had a good turnout last year and a lot of positive responses. We're trying to add to it every year. That will keep people coming back," Ms. Breeden said.

This year, the main stage will hold the North Carolina-based Catalinas, a beach music band, Ms. Breeden said. The band will perform from 8 to 11 p.m.

Liquid Squid and 421 will perform in the Alley, with the former starting at 6:30 p.m. and the latter at 9.

On the smaller stage, the Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing will put on plays at 6:15 and 7 p.m.

Some of the attractions from last year will return, Ms. Breeden said. The fair will have a Kids' Corral where children can make a horse-related crafts to take home.

For more information, call 642-7631.

Reach Matthew Boedy at (803) 648-1395 or matthew.boedy@augustachronicle.com