Get ready for the smells of cotton candy and onion rings, the shrieks of amusement riders and the fun of arcade games as the Lincoln Civic Center Fall Fair opens Thursday.

“It’s a fun family event for all ages,” said Quinn Jordan, Lincoln Civic Center director.

The midway is open 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; and 1-10 p.m. Sunday, he said.

Parking is free and there is no admission charge.

Armband prices are $20 Thursday, $25 Friday and Saturday and $20 Sunday.

A discounted ticket price of $15 is available for military and emergency service officers from 1-5 p.m. Saturday.

“The fair will have vendor food and the popular Local Food Alley, carnival games and state-fair quality rides,” Jordan said.

There’s kiddie rides, classic rides and thrill-seeker rides, but you don’t have to ride to enjoy the fair, which promises the charm of a county carnival and has plenty to see, Jordan said.

The fall fair is not as extensive as the annual Mississippi Spring Fest & Fair at the Civic Center. That event includes a talent show, pageant, live music and a tri-state rodeo.

Story by Robin Eyman