WINDSOR -- Instead of just petting animals, Windsor Fair-goers this year will learn more about the function of traditional livestock and Maine farms.

The Windsor Fair opens Aug. 24 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Fair President Tom Foster said "Old McDonald Farm," a petting zoo, has been replaced by the Windsor Fair Agricultural Education Center.

"We revised our Old McDonald Farm and turned it into an education learning center, particularly for young people who are not familiar with farming," Foster said. "They can see what the functions are of these animals -- that a cow actually gives milk, it doesn't come from Hannaford.

"We'll have sheep shearing and ox yoking, all different kinds of things to accentuate the use of the animal instead of them (being) there to look at."

He said the display will be near the pulling ring under a tent. In the future, a structure will be built that can be used year-round by agriculture organizations as well as for the fair.

Clint Giustra, general manager of McGee Farms in West Gardiner, will run the center.

Farm animals will be present, but also there will be information provided about the history of specific breeds and accompanying signs that showcase the farms they're raised on.

"There will be a display on why we do some of the things we do, like rings in bull noses and dehorning," Giustra said. "We'll dispel some myths about agriculture and also talk about the economic importance of agriculture in Maine."

Demonstrations and hands-on activities will be offered.

Giustra said his goal is to have live births and hatchings. "It's difficult to line them up, you're relying on mother nature, but we'll give it our best shot," he said.

Windsor Fair -- billed as Maine's second-largest agricultural exhibit, next to the Fryeburg Fair -- has been around since 1888.

In its 120th year, Foster said the fair is expected to draw well over 100,000 people this season.

In addition to its extensive agricultural, crafts and art exhibits, the fair also offers a large midway, animal pulling events, harness racing and mechanical pulls.

This year, Foster said the fair will have "some of the best entertainment in years," including country singer Keith Anderson on Aug. 30 and comedian Bob Marley on Aug. 31.

There's also been some upgrades to the fairgrounds.

Those include a new access road for harness racing participants, away from the livestock area; and a closed-off area specifically for exhibitors and their animals and vehicles.

"We're stressing safety this year -- for the general public as well as for our exhibitors," Foster said.

Another addition is a new information booth where fair T-shirts, mugs and bags will be sold.

New activities include a poster contest and skillet throwing contest.

The latter is "a huge event at the Fryeburg Fair.

"Over 100 people entered in that one," Foster said. "This is our first one and we are hoping for a good turnout."

General admission is $6 Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 and Sept. 1, Labor Day. Admission is $8 for Aug. 29, Aug. 30 and Aug. 31. Children younger than 16 are free. Senior citizens receive a discount on Woodsmen's Day and Senior Citizens' Day.

"We encourage families to go to the fair so we have not increased our prices, we depend on volume," Foster said. "We're the only fair that doesn't charge for children under 16. We certainly didn't think this would be the year to increase anything. Some fairs have, but we haven't."

For more information about the fair, visit www.windsor fair.com

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com