BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MALONE -- The 176th Franklin County Fair is just over a week away with an extensive schedule that runs from August 8-16. 

"The countdown is on, and the excitement is building! In just a short time, the Franklin County Fairgrounds will come alive with rides that light up the night, live concerts, championship rodeo action, agricultural exhibits, fair food favorites, 4-H animals and memories you’ll be talking about long after the fair is over," organizers wrote on Facebook. 

Free admission is being offered to all visitors throughout the day on Aug. 11, officials said. 

Organizers said the day will feature a sensory-friendly environment on the Midway and will also celebrate Senior Citizens Day and Disabled Community Day. 

"Take a break at one of our memorial benches or in the big tent near Dumont's food stand, Aunt Missy's Food Stand, and Jammin Jimmy's Wood Fired Pizza stand, where you can indulge in the aromas of our delicious fair food. Additionally, we honor our Veterans for their service in all branches. The day's entertainment includes the Franklin County Beauty Pageant, hosted by Northern New York Beauty Pageants, at 3:00 PM, followed by the Small-Town Famous Talent Show, presented by the Performing Arts League of Malone (PALM Group), at 6:30 p.m.," they wrote. 

Whether you’ve been coming for decades or you’re planning your very first visit, there’s something waiting for everyone at the Franklin County Fair.

Multiple concerts are scheduled for the fair, including Gin Blossoms and special guests Spin Doctors on Aug. 13. 

On August 14 Dylan Marlowe will take to the stage featuring Austin Snell. 

On Saturday, Aug. 15 original Skid Row lead vocalist Sebastian Bach will play with Great White. 

For those who prefer farm life, the fair will also feature truck and tractor pulls on Aug. 10 and the New York Tractor Pull Association will hold their annual Franklin County Fair tractor pull on Aug. 16. 

A Paint Pony Championship Rodeo will also be held on Aug. 9. 

Auto enthusiasts will be happy to know the Franklin County AG Society will host a demolition derby on Aug. 8, with the Black Cat Hell Drivers hosting a stunt driving event on Aug. 12. 

Tuesday, Aug. 11 will feature the Northern NY Beauty Pageant at 3 p.m., with the annual corn hole tournament following at 6 p.m. and "Small Town Famous" at 6:30 p.m.

Other events scheduled throughout the week include horse races, art showcases, a petting zoo, livestock showcase and animal exhibits, as well as judged competitions. 

"The barns are one of the best parts of the Franklin County Fair. Take a walk through, meet the animals, see the hard work behind every exhibit and cheer on the exhibitors who spend months preparing for fair week. From cows and goats to horses and more, there’s always something to see, learn and enjoy. It’s a great stop for families, animal lovers and anyone looking for the full fair experience," organizers wrote on Facebook. 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/frcofairny/ or www.frcofair.com/. 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.frcofair.com/.