SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — The Cheshire Fair, now in its 84th year, promises an action-packed long weekend of family-friendly entertainment, competitions, and live music. Running from Thursday, August 1, to Sunday, August 4, the fairgrounds on Route 12 in North Swanzey will come alive with activities for all ages.

The fair kicks off on Thursday, August 1, with gates opening at 8 a.m. After the national anthem, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including Wood Wizard Carving at 10 a.m., (additionally, the fair will host a silent auction featuring wood carvings by the Wood Wizards, with proceeds supporting the Cheshire Fair); the oxen show, and the fan-favorite cupcake eating contest at 1 p.m. sponsored by Life is Sweet. Later in the day, the Little Miss/Mr. Cheshire Fair takes the stage at 4 p.m., followed by live music from Matt Meserve at 7 p.m. (Meserve also closes out the fair Sunday with a performance from 4-9 p.m.)

Music lovers have plenty to look forward to with performances scheduled throughout the weekend. On Thursday, Jonathan Stephen Braught will perform from 2-5 p.m. at the Tavern Stage. Braught, A seasoned musician with more than 20 years of experience, Braught plays a blend of outlaw country, punk, and honkytonk. He’ll be followed by The Lake Effect Band from 6-9 p.m.

Friday’s line-up includes Larry Lee Ebere, who will perform multiple sets starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and at 5 p.m. (also Saturday at noon); and New Hampshire rock band Rumboat Chilli takes the Tavern Stage from 2-5 p.m., followed by The Detours from 6-9 p.m.

Saturday features Joe Jennings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and American roots jam band Isness Ensemble from 1-4 p.m. The Shana Stack Band, one of New England’s leading country bands, will perform from 7-8:30 p.m.

On Sunday, a church service will be held at 8:15 a.m., followed by a performance by Sage King from 1-3 p.m. A Connecticut-based artist whose music spans multiple genres, King is a Jack Daniels Battle of the Bar Bands winner with rock roots and songwriting that spans country, folk and metal. King has released two independent EPs and over the years has shared a stage with such acts as Aaron Lewis, Darius Rucker, Firehouse, Drowning Pool and E Kowalczyk (of Live).

The fair also hosts a variety of competitions, including the tractor pull on Friday at 3 p.m., the 4-by-4 truck pull on Saturday at 3 p.m., and the demolition derby on Sunday at 5 p.m. In memory of Robert “Cheez” Herrick, the demolition derby has a $2,500 grand prize.

Animal lovers can enjoy the 4-H dairy goat show, the draft horse pull, and the ox pull, which takes place all day on Sunday. The Cheshire County 4-H will have a strong presence, showcasing the hard work of their participants and offering hands-on learning experiences.

Families can enjoy the foam house, Captain’s Canines dog show, and Doug the Devil Stick Man’s performances throughout the fair. For kids, there’s also a pedal tractor pull.

The fair features a midway with amusement rides open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Special wristbands for unlimited rides are available during specific hours on Thursday and Sunday.

Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 5-11, with free entry for military veterans. Children under 5 are free on Thursday, and seniors enjoy free admission on Sunday.

For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.cheshirefair.org.