In Brookhaven, it’s not back to school time until the annual Exchange Club Fair kicks off. Ready or not, fair time will arrive this Saturday.

From Aug. 2 through Aug. 9, the fair will be up and running from 6 until 9:30 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 3, in Exchange Club Park. For more than 60 years, the Exchange Club has brought to life the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and more to raise money for the community.

Bill Haag, club treasurer, said money goes toward the upkeep of the fairgrounds, the ballpark and the playground as well as various groups such as Relay for Life, Make A Wish and prevention of child abuse.

The Exchange Club also awards an annual scholarship to one area graduate each year, promising $1,000 for four years. Haag stressed that all the money stays within the county to better the community, and this event is the most important of the year for the club in terms of money.

“If we don’t hit it this week, we’ve got to cut our budget,” he said.

Tickets will be available at $1 a piece, with most rides requiring one to two tickets.

Aside from the monetary value of the fair for the club’s projects, the fair is also a part of the community.

“It’s a gathering place for everyone right before school starts,” Haag said.

People travel into Brookhaven for the fair to give their kids the opportunity to ride on the same rides they did. Haag, who is 60, said that tradition is the reason for success over the years.

“It’s just a Brookhaven tradition,” he said. “We hope to see everyone there. We love to see the old faces.”