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Even if you missed the opening day yesterday, there is still an abundance of fair to enjoy as the La Crosse Interstate Fair continues through Sunday.

“We’ve got a lot of good, local entertainment,” said Jeff Schmidt, president of the La Crosse County Agricultural Society, the organization that puts on the fair.

The 118th annual fair began on July 16 and runs through July 20. This year marks the the 51st year of being held in West Salem.

While there are many events and exhibits to go to, a big draw of the fair is that admission and parking are free.

“I hope everyone can come out and enjoy a free fair,” Schmidt said. “I’d welcome everyone to come out and enjoy the fair and see what we have to offer.”

Commercial exhibits will open today, Thursday, July 17, at 11 a.m. Other highlights include two shows of magician Alex Bruce Dicker and JK the Clown — one at 11 a.m. and the other at 7 p.m. — and a musical performances by one-man band J.T. Nolan at 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

A popular event on Friday, July 18 will be the horse pull at 7 p.m. Other events going on Friday include the Little Squirts Dairy Show at 12:30 p.m. and live music by Mark IV at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday features a number of entertainment events. Some highlights include the rooster crowing contest and the Super Farmer Olympics in the morning and Nick’s Kids Show at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Plus, the Junior Livestock Auction is at 7 p.m.

There will be plenty of musical events on Saturday as well. JoyWorks DanceArts will perform at 5 p.m., Amanda’s Academy of Dance will be on at 6:30 p.m., the Sahara Desert Dancers perform at 7 p.m. and there will be live music by Stoney Ridge at 8 p.m.

The big events on Sunday are the draft horse hitch and driving competition at noon and the Round Robin Showmanship, which starts at 4 p.m.

In addition, throughout the fair, Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway will feature rides and games.

“We want (fairgoers) to have a positive experience and enjoy the family fun entertainment,” said Marla Stello, fair event coordinator. “We want them to say ‘I really had a good time’ and be an advocate for the fair and come back.”

The fairgrounds are located on Highway M north of Highway 16 in West Salem. For more information, call (608) 786-1616 or visit www.westsalemwi.com. Also, look for The Coulee News’ special fair section at the fairgrounds or in the newspaper’s downtown office on Leonard Street.