SMETHPORT – Tractors will travel from the field to the fairgrounds as Smethport’s annual Tractor Parade returns at 11 a.m. Saturday. The event, which kicks off Agriculture Week and the McKean County Fair, has become a beloved annual tradition.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Isadore farm on the west side of Smethport. Participants are asked to bring food and paper donations for the local food bank as their entry. The parade finishes at the McKean County Fairgrounds with a touch-a-tractor event and hot dog roast. Both of these events are free and open to the public.

“Something new this year, we are having hay wagons for all the kids and princesses to ride in,” said Marklyn Brown, one of the event’s organizers. “Anyone under 10 years old is welcome to ride in a hay wagon and be in the parade.”

The first tractor parade was held in 2012, and the event has continued to grow. Last year, there were 63 participants. This year, they hope to raise that number to 100 tractors.

“If you have a tractor and have been on the fence about coming, this is the year,” Brown said.

The parade is the start of a week of celebration. The 119th McKean County Fair will be held from Aug. 10 through 16. It will be a jam-packed week full of agricultural showcases, rides and exciting events that will be a highlight of the summer. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Sunday with the Opening Ceremony, followed by a vespers service at 6:30 p.m. There will be no admission charge on this day.

Monday is SPCA Day, when fairgoers are encouraged to donate to animals in need. The pet show will be held at 1 p.m. and the Grand Parade will begin at 7 p.m. on the track. A barrel race will follow at 8 o’clock.

Tuesday will bring the 4H, FFA and open beef judging at 10 a.m. The 4H horse and pony rides are slated for 6:30 p.m.

Veterans will be honored Wednesday, when all active duty personnel and military veterans are admitted free with proof of service. The swine, sheep and goat judging will be held throughout the morning and early afternoon. The Veterans’ Dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Veteran’s Day program set for 5 to 8 p.m. The Senior Livestock Showmanship Challenge will begin at 6 p.m., and the very popular stock car races will follow at 7 p.m.

Aug. 14 is Senior Citizens’ Day, when seniors are admitted for free. The morning’s activities include a dairy show and horse and pony judging. A Senior Citizens’ Program is slated for 1 p.m., and the Senior King and Queen will be crowned at 2. The Junior Livestock Sale will start at 6 p.m. with the tractor pull to follow at 7.

Aug. 15 features a Touch-a-Truck experience from 1 to 5 p.m. The results of the Beautiful Baby Contest will be read at 4, with the Queen’s Coronation to follow at 6. Motorsport fans will be on the edge of their seats during the Enduro Race at 7 p.m.

The fair concludes on Aug. 16 with Fire Prevention Day, when local firefighters and first responders will be admitted for free. The local fire departments will host live demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a karaoke contest slated for 1. Registration for the Artisan Alley Auction begins at 1 p.m. with the auction to follow at 2:30. Finally, the demolition derby will be held at 6 p.m. with live music from Julia Neville and Alias slated for 8 to 11 p.m.

For a full schedule of events, visit mckeancountyfiar.net or call the fair office at (814) 887-5341.