The San Juan County Fair begins today and continues through Saturday evening.

The Town of Friday Harbor’s 100th birthday celebration kicks off today and continues with a year of events that conclude at the fair in 2009. Be sure and visit the Centennial Booth in the main exhibit hall.

At the Centennial Booth, you can learn about the Public Art Mural Project. Available beginning today: the Centennial Calendar, produced by the San Juan Lions Club; and Centennial T-shirts, produced by Joe Friday’s.

Kids Day is Thursday and Friday; children can ride all the rides they want from noon to 5 p.m. for $20.

Speaking of rides, two big favorites are back: The Zipper and the bumper cars. Other thrills you’ll find on the midway include the Tilt-A-Whirl, Paratrooper, Round Up, Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Roller Coaster, Mini Jets, Boats, and Motorcycle Ride.

The stages feature the best of local entertainment, as well as two special headliners this year: Goldy McJohn & Friendz, comprised of former members of Steppenwolf; and the Freak Mountain Ramblers, whose roots in the alternative music scene date back 40 years.

And, of course, you won’t want to miss all of the auctions, exhibits and shows … the camaraderie, food and fun. You’re sure to make plenty of memories at this year’s fair.

Have fun.

Today at the fair
9 a.m.:— Horse Events begin in the Main Arena, Swine and Cattle Type and Showmanship. Sheep Type only. (4H)

11 a.m.:— Predators of the Heart. Learn about the wonderful predators that keep nature in balance — big cats, birds, gators and more! (BBQ Stage)

Noon:— The Carter Family Marionettes. Traditional Sicilian marionette theater featuring “Cinderella.” (BBQ Stage)
— Musekiwa Chingodza. Mbira music. (Main Stage)

1 p.m.—: Ballet Folklorico Monarca. Traditional Mexican Dance. (Main Stage)

2 p.m.:— Stop, Drop and Rock. Tween Rock Band (Main Stage)
— Predators of the Heart. (BBQ Stage)

3 p.m.:— Dawn Angelosante. Vocals and keyboard (Main Stage)
— The Carter Family Marionettes. (BBQ Stage)

4 p.m.:— Anthemology. Local rock band (Main Stage)
— Predators of the Heart. (BBQ Stage)

5 p.m.:— All You Can Eat Band. Oldies, country and fun! (BBQ stage)
— Zucchini 500. 1st elimination race (Skate Park)

6 p.m.:— Kate Schuman. Country western originals (Main Stage)
— Horse Games (Main Arena)

7 p.m.:— The Fabulous Rhythmatics. Hot licks & high-energy dance music! Until 9 p.m. (Main Stage)

Free Demonstrations
Ag Tent
11 a.m.:— “Propagating Native Plants,” Colleen Howe-Gregory.
1:30 p.m.:— “Cooking with Local Foods,” Neal Foley.
4 p.m.:— “Farm to School Food Programs,” Tom French.

Arts Demonstration Area
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:— “Making Chain,” Leah Altman.
2-4 p.m.:— “Screen printing,” Myah Burnett-Thompson.
4-6 p.m.:— “Ceramics,” Diane Hall.
6-9 p.m.:— “Oil painting,” Annie Adams.

Fiber Courtyard
1-3 p.m.:— “Beading,” with Peggy Long.