There’s something for everyone at the Kitsap County Fair, or as fair officials put it, “Fun for the Whole Herd.”

That’s the theme for the fair this year which runs from Aug. 20-24.

Beginning next Wednesday, the Kitsap County Fairgrounds will be filled with all things “fair.” For those who like a bull riding, there’s the Xtreme Bulls Rodeo on Wednesday evening, followed by a concert by country music star John Michael Montgomery. It’s a two-for-one. Buy a ticket to see the bulls and stay after for the concert.

On Thursday through Sunday there will also be rodeo events at 7 p.m. each evening presented by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

If your tastes are more toward circus events, take in the Wenatchee Youth Circus, which will perform four shows daily. Admission to this is included in the price to enter the fair. The group performs high-wire acts, flying trapeze, and other daring feats while animal and magic acts take place in the center ring.

Of course there will be lots of carnival rides, vendors and fair food, including a hamburger on a Krispy Kreme Donut.

Just make sure you ride the Tilt-A-Whirl and the Tornado before you eat.

Be sure to check out the 4-H exhibits, including arts and crafts, flowers, baked goods and animals. See what kids around the county have been learning this past year. Take in the dog show, or watch 4Hers trot their horses around the arena.

And there’s adult competitive entries in many categories, too. Maybe you’ll find that a neighbor or friend has a hidden talent they’ve never shared with you like photography or baking pies.

On Sunday at noon, watch as race cars circle the track in the Kitsap Destruction Derby.

According to county officials, the Kitsap County Fair was first held in 1923 in Port Orchard. It moved to Bremerton to its current location in 1958.

In the early years, attendance was about 5,000. Today it tops 80,000 annually. The number of exhibitors have gone from 1,000 in the 1930s to 6,000 today. In 1960, $1 certificates were sold to build the Thunderbird Arena where the fair’s rodeo is held.

County officials say the purpose of the fair is to educate, entertain and create a better quality of life for residents of Kitsap County.

Many, many people have put hours and hours of work into making sure the fair is a great Kitsap County event. Do your part. Take time to attend. It’s a reasonably priced day of entertainment for the family.