Despite Rain, Organizers Looking Forward to County Fair

Update: 9/8, 8:02 p.m. -- Tonight's fair activities were canceled, due to massive flooding and road closures, and won't be rescheduled. Events will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday instead.

Original post: There's rain in the forecast for the rest of the week. While that's great for your lawn and garden, the organizers of the Prince George's County Fair aren't so thrilled.

"We normally have somewhere between 40 to 45,000 people come out to the fair each year," said Joe Vleck, a County Fair organizer. "But with this weather, only God knows."

The fair begins at 4 p.m. today at the Prince George's Equestrian Center and the Show Place Arena, near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and U.S. Route 301 in Upper Marlboro. The fair runs until Sunday, and organizers will recognize "Military Appreciation Day." All active military and their families will be admitted to the county fair for free.

There could also be some difficulty getting to the arena, especially for residents coming from the downtown area. Water Street is the main road for , but it tends to flood during heavy rainfall. Last week, due to the effects of Hurricane Irene.

Among other things, the County Fair will have a ferris wheel, pony rides, a sheep show, and a chain saw artist, according to the fair's website. County residents will also see fireworks, a puppet show, and a Battle of the Bands contest.

Tickets are $6 for ages 12 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 11; free for ages 5 and under.