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FAIRBANKS — Randi Carnahan, general manager of the Tanana Valley State Fair, said the 2008 annual fair promises to interest, amuse and even surprise visitors of all ages during its nine-day run.

“We’ve got lots of cool stuff planned, new and not so new,” Carnahan said of the event schedule planned for the Aug. 1-9 fair, held at the Tanana Valley State fairgrounds in Fairbanks.

Activities began today, ranging from hypnosis to comedy to rockets and more. Something for all ages? You betcha, Carnahan says.

For all ages

Sailesh the Hypnotist, a new offering three free shows daily throughout the fair, will prove why he is proclaimed to be the world’s funniest hypnotist. He can be found from noon-9 p.m. around the grounds.

Comic jugglers will offer shows for young and old every day from 2-9 p.m., also free with fair admission. More comedy is to come tonight, featuring comedian John Wing in the Big Top Entertainment Tent at 8 p.m.

No fair is complete without the pulls — antique tractor, pedal tractor, freight dog and human weight pulls — all scheduled for Saturday afternoon through 9 p.m.

Got talent? The Flint Hills Talent Search wants you in the Big Top Entertainment Tent Sunday from 1-9 p.m.

Sports fanatics can meet and greet Nanook athletes and coaches at the Totem Square from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Live music entertainment was not forgotten. Country talent Steve Holy will take the stage in the Big Top Entertainment tent for two performances — 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. — Tuesday, Aug. 5. Funk fans can get their funk fix with WAR in concert Wednesday, Aug. 6, also with two performances at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets for both concerts are $20.

New this year, the backhoe rodeo will be held at the Sunrise Field Arena from noon-8 p.m. Aug. 9.

Other activities include an Old Timers’ Luncheon (Aug. 6), Dancing with Fairbanks Stars (Aug. 7), mining education demonstration (Aug. 8), a barbecue cook-off (Aug. 9), a display of stupid pet tricks (Aug. 9), and a grand finale of fireworks Aug. 9.

For the kids

An important forest icon and boreal enthusiast, Smokey the Bear will be on the fairgrounds sharing his message of fire safety from noon-5 p.m. everyday.

Visiting youth can team up with Orion’s Belt Summer Camp Kids for a rocket launch today from 1-3 p.m.

Sunday, young fair visitors can help build a Hero Pack for kids with deployed parents at Operation Military Kids, from 1-8 p.m. at Totem Square.

Monday, Aug. 4 is the big day — Kids Day — featuring such attractions as candy shoots from the Goldstream Fire Department, water safety fun with Coastie the Robotic Tugboat, and plenty of other activities in the Big Top Entertainment Tent. Kids 12 and under get in free with donation of two books.

Visitors can test their luck and logic with legos from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 with the lego contest in the Big Top Entertainment Tent.

Embracing the theme

The 2008 Tanana Valley State Fair, keeping with tradition, has developed a theme to help make it unique: Pirates of the Carrots and Beans. In honor of the theme, a pirate costume contest for all ages will help get everyone in the Pirate spirit from 5-7 p.m. today.

For more information about fair activities and prices visit www.tananavalleyfair.org or call 452-3750.

What: Tanana Valley State Fair

When: Aug. 1 - 9

Where: Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds

Admission: Daily admission: $10 adults, $5 youth and seniors; Season admission: $35 adults, $20 youth and seniors. Children under 5 free