Marritt Hall pays tribute to the 157-year history of the Ancaster Fair during this year's agricultural extravaganza Sept. 19-21.

The Ancaster Fair returns for its 158th year with old favourites like the Saturday morning baby show and weekend demolition derby, plus new additions such as an antique car and vintage tractor show.

"It's our 158th fair and we look forward to 158 more," said Kathy Smith, manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society.

Childrens entertainers will also return to the stage, such as Smudge Fundaes and Bandaloni.

The demolition derby is a popular nighttime attraction on the Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Entry forms are available at the fair office. Kids can enjoy the midway rides, livestock displays and carnival games. Discount midway tickets are available at the Ancaster Fair office and Fortinos. The discount offer ends on Sept. 18.

Fair board members will auction decorated, carved pumpkins on Sunday, Sept. 21. Proceeds will be used for bus services to give inner city kids a chance to attend next year's fair. This year's fair is also the last installment at the current location of 625 Garner Rd. E. The fair will move to a new home next year at the corner of Trinity Road and Wilson Street West. The construction of new fair buildings is well underway.

"The fair will still continue next year," Ms. Smith noted. "We'll just be at a new site."

The fair will hold an artist's competition this year asking entrants to submit a painted picture of the old Fair family farm, the fair's new location at Trinity Road. The winning entry will be put on display.

Harness racing will make its final appearance at the 2008 fair. The event won't be included next year because the new fairgrounds won't have a race track.

Visit the Web site at www.ancasterfair.ca