One of Cass County’s oldest and most cherished summertime traditions returns to Cassopolis beginning next week.

The 166th annual Cass County Fair will open Sunday, and will feature shows, rides and 4-H exhibitions through Saturday, Aug. 5, at the county fairgrounds, 590 North O’Keefe St., Cassopolis. Daily gate admission will be $6 for adults, $1 for children 6-12 years old, and free for children under 6.

Many fan-favorite attractions will return this year, and will be joined by several new shows and festivities, said Gail Peterson, president of the Cass County Fair Board of Directors. As with previous years, the biggest draw of the fair will be the various shows that will take place inside the grandstand.

One of this year’s premiere attractions will be a concert by up and coming country singer-songwriter Caroline Kole, who will perform for free at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the grandstand.

“We thought the show would be something the community could all enjoy,” Peterson said. “She [Cole] has performed for a few years now, and has traveled with some big name acts, including Reba McEntire.”

Members of the county fair board decided to book the 20-year-old musician for this year’s fair after listening to her sing at the state fair convention in Grand Rapids, Peterson said. Kole has also performed at several other county fairs in the region, including in Van Buren and St. Joseph counties, and has received nothing but rave reviews, he added.

Peterson is expecting big crowds for many of the other grandstand events next week, including the annual demolition derby, which will be at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

“That has been a fan favorite for the past 40 years or so,” Peterson said. “The derby brings out a lot of local drivers, many of whom have developed big followings over the years. The event always brings a good crowd out to the fair.”

Other returning attractions include the tractor pull Tuesday, the motocross races Friday and the monster truck exhibition Saturday, all of which will be at 7 p.m.

Prices for grandstand admission range in price from free to $10, depending on the show.

There will be plenty for visitors to enjoy outside the grandstand this year as well.

Amusement rides will be set up and ready to go at 5 p.m. Monday. One-day ride passes cost $20, with a three-day mega pass costing $35 and a six-day pass costing $50.

Several free shows will take place daily on the fairgrounds as well. In addition to the returning Wild World of Animals and Nick’s Kids Shows, organizers have invited Pets Overboard to perform this year, which a pirate-themed show where trainers show off tricks from dogs and cats.

Animal shows and auctions from local 4-H club members will take place throughout the week as well, including an alumni horse and dairy show, open to former fair participants.

A complete schedule events, admission prices and other information can be found online at mycasscountyfair.com.

“We try to have something for everyone,” Peterson said. “We hope people come out and enjoy the fair.”