Organizers are hoping for sunny skies for this year's Delaware County Fair following a soggy event in 2011.

Last year, every day of the fair saw rain, prompting many residents to stay home.

"That's the deciding factor if you're talking about turnout," said fair Manager Phil Terry. "Give us some decent weather and we should be OK."

No matter the forecast, food, rides, racing and more await fairgoers at the event, in its 179th year.

The fair begins Saturday, Sept. 15, and runs through Sept. 22 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, punctuated by the Little Brown Jug harness race Sept. 20.

Traditional fair rides and amusements will be open every day, and attendees can enjoy their favorite fried and battered fair foods throughout the week.

Crashing, smashing and feats of raw horsepower are scheduled every night except Sept. 20 at the fair's motorsports complex.

A truck and semi pull is set for Sept. 15, with a tractor pull to follow Monday, Sept. 17; demolition derbies will be held Sunday, Sept. 16, and Sept. 22; truck tug-of-war is set for Tuesday, Sept. 18; motocross will take place Wednesday, Sept. 19; and a school bus figure-eight race is slated Sept. 21.

Visitors can enjoy live musical acts every day of the event.

"We'll have local bands of all flavors -- country, rock-and-roll, Christian, and we have a jazz group that's going to be playing," Terry said.

Entertainment throughout the week will include dancing, a wild animal show and a martial arts demonstration.

This year, the Little Brown Jug could see another winner from Ohio, Terry said.

A colt named A Rocknroll Dance is the favorite, he said. Last year's race was won by Big Bad John, which hailed from Delaware.

"The Jug is looking to be another outstanding race this year," Terry said.

Animal and livestock showings in the Junior Fair are set for every day of the fair. About 1,100 children are expected to compete this year.

An ice-cream social for 4-H alumni also is planned for 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Junior Fair building, hosted by the Delaware County 4-H Alumni group. All former 4-H members are invited to attend.

A fireworks and laser light show will cap off the week at 10 p.m. Sept. 22.

The fair is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Rides open at 11 a.m.

Admission is $6 every day but Sept. 20. Admission to the Little Brown Jug is $10 for children, $20 for adults.

Children ages 8 and under are admitted free.