Rock ’n’ ride

Andrews – The Cherokee County Fair has announced this year’s music schedule and ride list to help families plan their schedules this weekend.

The Maggie Valley Band kicks off Valley-palooza at 2 p.m. Friday on the Andrews Opry stage. Next up is Trey Carlton at 4 p.m., followed by the Logan Pressley Band at 6 p.m. Rock Holler begins the closing set at 8 p.m.

Saturday’s music begins at noon with Colton James, followed by Danny Dawson at 2 p.m., Steve Jordan at 4 p.m., Arnold Hill at 6 p.m. and Bo Jones at 8 p.m. The final performance Saturday night will be followed by a fireworks display.

Sunday begins with a church service from 10 a.m. to noon. Entertainment picks up again at 1 p.m., with Appalachian Smoke. Zeb Ross & the J. Creek Cloggers taking the stage at

3 p.m. and the final act is the Steve Jordan Bluegrass Band at 4 p.m. Zack Top had been scheduled to perform, but canceled for unknown reasons.

This year, the fair presents a midway full of rides and games. The Spinner, Tubs of Fun and Ferris Wheel are suitable for teenagers and families. Adults and teens can enjoy the Paratrooper, Sidewinder, Tempest, Hurricane and Jitterbug Swing.

Kids will enjoy the Rapid Slide, Motorcycles, Roller Coaster, Carousel and Walk-thru Funhouse. Family-friendly games include the Lucky Duck, Hi/mini Striker, Balloon Bust and Tub Toss.

Cotton candy and funnel cake, the quintessential fair foods, complete the overall experience.

Fair hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Bring a chair or blanket to comfortably enjoy the music and fireworks.

Fair admission tickets can be purchased at the fair or online by using a credit or debit card at cherokeecountyncfair.org/tickets-and-hours. Present the printed receipt at the gate to obtain a colored armband.

The armband allows same-day re-entry. Families with more than one child can save money by purchasing a Family Pack.

Ride tickets will be available at the fair (at ticket booths) and are $1 each. Each ride requires anywhere from 3-6 tickets.

The cost for 25 ride tickets is $24, 50 ride tickets is $48 and an all-day wristband is $25 per day.