Kids growing stuff, trucks pulling stuff and cars generally getting the stuffing knocked out of them will highlight this year’s Litchfield Fair.

The fair, which kicks off Friday morning and runs through Sunday evening, features a full slate of exhibits, entertainment and events, said James Campbell, the fair’s second vice president.

“There’s a little something for everybody,” he said.

The gates open at 9 a.m. Friday with livestock exhibits, pig racing and steer pulling. The midway opens at 3 p.m. The Red Neck Truck Pull, which features street-legal trucks in various classes, is at 7 p.m. The fair began hosting the truck pull a few years ago, and it’s proven a popular draw.

“That’s a real big event,” Campbell said. “We have a lot of people come out for that.”

The Maine Barrel Races Show, which features competitors on horses trying to finish a course outlined by barrels, begins at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Penny Scramble, for preschool age children, is set for 5 p.m.

If Sunday had a theme, it might be cars. A demolition derby is set for 10 a.m. followed by the popular antique car parade at noon.

Fair officials introduced the derby last year to try and bolster attendance numbers that typically sagged on Sunday morning.

“It was really good,” Campbell said. “Talking to different vendors last year everyone had a real good day.”

Campbell said officials are expecting at least as many competitors as last year.

Fair officials have made improvements this year, like adding guard rails and additional concrete barriers and increasing grandstand capacity, that they hope will make the event safer and more enjoyable to watch.

“Everything will be more condensed, but it will be safer for everybody,” Campbell said.

Sunday also offers a chance for children to win even more prizes. In addition to the kiddie tractor pull and pig scramble, the fair will again play host to Mutton Bustin’, a miniature rodeo competition during which youngsters ride sheep for as long as they can. The winner is the one who stays on the longest.

Each day features a nearly steady stream of artists and entertainers on the two stages and exhibitions, such as butter-making and blacksmithing, and competitions, like bicycle drawings and scavenger hunts. For youngsters, there is Old MacDonald’s Barn and Petting Area, where visitors can get up close and personal with the animals, and the Wheeler’s Farmers, an interactive agricultural learning experience that allows children to pick apples, get grain for animals, collect eggs and even milk a fake cow. The exhibit is designed to give children a feel for working on a real farm, even “selling” their produce for coins and prizes.

The exhibit this year will feature a lobster boat and touch tank.

Campbell said the exhibit opened last year and was brought back after being well received.

Rockwell/Miller Amusements will provide the midway entertainment for at least the third straight year.

“They’re a very good bunch to work with,” Campbell said.

Campbell said he’s been keeping an eye on the weather.

“It’s kind of iffy,” he said. “It’s changed over the last couple of days.”

The National Weather Service on Wednesday was predicting rain Friday morning before tapering off to mostly cloudy conditions. Saturday promises to be the pick of the weekend, with bright sunshine and high temperatures in the low 70s. Sunday is supposed to be cloudy with just a chance of showers.

Fair officials are expecting about 400 kindergarten and first-grade students from Bowdoin Central School and the elementary schools of Regional School Unit 4, which includes Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales. In addition to the regular exhibitions and events, officials are preparing a host of games in the demolition derby area.

“Over the years we’ve had a lot of kids come in,” Campbell said. “They’re trying to make it even bigger for the kids.”

For more information visit the fair’s website at litchfieldfair.com or search Litchfield Fair on Facebook.

Craig Crosby — 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @CraigCrosby4