Each Spring the Fort Bragg Fair serves as a welcoming sign that summer is on its way, as families flock to the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds to frolick. This year’s fair will bring great rides, food and entertainment to the area from April 28 to May 15.

The fair, which is held annually, kicks-off on Thursday, April 28. Fort Bragg fairs have become a tradition in the community, and many missed October Fest last fall. That’s why organizers are pulling out all the stops to bring a top- notch event for families to the community this spring.

A new addition to the fair this year is a special attraction known as the Sea Lion Splash. The show was established when Marco and Kathi Peters began adopting and providing a permanent home for beached sea lions who were unable to be returned to the wild due to age or injuries. Because many of these injuries were direct effects of human carelessness, the Peters decided to educate the public on the plight of these incredible marine mammals and how we, as humans, need to coexist together in harmony. So, they took their show on the road.

Thus began the journey of the Sea Lion Splash, which travels all over North America entertaining thousands of people each year with their spell-binding show. The 30-minute show is geared around educating the audience on the habits and nature of the sea lions and brings out the inherent comedic behavior of these animals: catching and retrieving objects, balancing, handstands, dancing, singing and interaction with the audience. The show schedule is: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 and 8 p.m.; Thursdays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

In addition to this unique show, the fair also offers a wide mix of musical entertainment each day of the fair. A mix of country, rock, rhythm and blues and pop will be offered throughout the fair’s run, with many local bands getting some stage time. A full entertainment schedule is available online at www. fortbraggmwr.com.

And if the entertainment isn’t enough to get you out of your seat and down to the fairgrounds, there is always the thrill of the midway. The Fort Bragg skies will be lit up with the glow of the ferris wheel, the Himalayan, the swings and a whole host of other rides for thrill seekers. Of course, there is also a kid’s section for the less adventurous in the family. After all, who can resist a spin on the carousel?

And then, of course, there is the food. A fair is a good excuse to wave goodbye to your diet — at least for one night — and sample some unique food from the zest of a bloomin’ onion to the sweetness of a funnel cake. This year is no exception, so when you head out, bring your appetite and your wallet.

This year there are two special ways you can take advantage of discounted ticket prices. The fi rst is attending Customer Appreciation Nights, which are Monday- Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Anyone entering the fairgrounds during these hours is admitted for a reduced ticket price of $5. The second special admission day honors mothers, and is scheduled for Mother’s Day. All mothers are admitted at a reduced rate of $7 when accompanied by a paying child ages 3-17.

The fair admission is inclusive of rides. Regular admission Monday through Thursday is $12; military and Department of Defense civilians, $10; children ages 3-9, $10; handicapped non-riders, $7, and those aged 50 and over, $7.

Admission Friday through Sunday is: $17; military and Department of Defense civilians, $15; children ages 3-9, $15; handicapped non-riders, $7, and those aged 50 and over, $7.

Children under the age of 3 and shorter than 3’ are admitted free.

The gates open Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com.