The big parade during the 103rd Aurora Farmers Fair in 2011. Aurora Farmers Fair

(Aurora, Ind.) – It’s big doings this week in Aurora as the 104^th Aurora Farmers Fair begins.

One of Indiana’s oldest street festivals begins Wednesday, October 3 and runs through Saturday, October 6. This year, the fair tips its hat to the Girl Scouts of America with the theme “Girl Scouting - 100 Trailblazing Years.”

The Farmers Fair, organized by dedicated volunteers with the Aurora Lions Club, serves as the homecoming for many Aurora natives who have moved out of the area. Those fair-goers walk the Second Street midway and cross paths with familiar faces they may not have seen for years.

“We have a lot going on. There is the exhibition hall where the kids bring in their artwork in from school and farmers bring in their fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and quilts,” said Lions Club member Jeff Cotton.

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Wednesday’s opening night highlights starting at 6:00 p.m. include the Farmers Fair King and Queen Pageant. There will be performances on the main stage from area high school show choirs: The South Ripley Young Confederates, Lawrenceburg Tiger Pizazz, and the South Dearborn Opening Knight Show Choir.

As with any good festival, there will be plenty of rides, games, and food. The midway is open 5:00-10:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 11:00 p.m. Friday, and noon to 10:00 p.m. Saturday.

Music is a large part of the Farmers Fair experience. Thursday’s main stage entertainment is The Isaacs, a Tennessee family country and bluegrass gospel music group, at 7:00 p.m. Friday features doo-wop act Ooh La La & The Greasers at 6:00 followed by The Van Dells at 7:00. Saturday night headliners are two contemporary country acts: Her & Kings County and Farmers Fair veterans Bush Hawg.

One of the most anticipated festivities is the massive Aurora Farmers Fair Parade. It takes place Saturday morning beginning at 9:30.

For those unwilling to hunt or pay for parking in downtown Aurora, a shuttle service will be provided from South Dearborn High School from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

More information on the 104^th Aurora Farmers Fair can be found on the fair’s official website, www.aurorafarmersfair.org. Those out-of-towners who can’t make the fair in person can still catch a glimpse of the fun by viewing the webcams overlooking the fair.

“We’re looking at good weather, great times, and a good weekend,” said Cotton.