SPRINGFIELD – A performance by rising country music star Carolyn Dawn Johnson will top a long list of events for the 152nd Springfield Fair.

The 18-acre fairground will come alive when the gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. During the fair, which runs through Monday, Sept. 2, the population of this small town of about 380 people will swell to about 15,000.

Kevin Ritchie, president of Springfield Fair Association Inc., said the five-day event also will feature a midway, craft and livestock exhibits, horse shows, truck and horse pulls, a demolition derby, along with numerous contests and activities for people of all ages. “We try to offer people at least 20 different activities each day,” he said.

Ritchie said Johnson, who recently hit the charts with her debut album, “Room With A View,” will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Advance tickets are available from members of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, or by sending a certified check or money order and self-addressed, stamped envelope to John Krapf, Main Street, Springfield 04487. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show.

Ritchie said the fair will present a full slate of motor sports events. “This year is no exception as truck pulls, the most exciting demolition derby in eastern Maine and the return of ‘Maine-iac,’ Maine’s own monster truck, provide internal-combustion muscle and a roar that thrills fair-goers,” he said.

The Northern Penobscot Pulling Association will kick off nearly 30 years of Springfield Fair truck pulls at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31.

Ritchie said controlled mayhem would erupt again on Monday, Sept. 2 with a demolition derby.

The event also features a midway, craft and livestock exhibits, horse shows and horse pulls, woodsman’s day events and numerous contests and activities.

Some of the funny events include an animal impersonation contest; modified pig calling, a manure pitch; and the Ironwoman Triathlon, an event for women who want to test their skills at throwing skillets, or chucking a soaking-wet mop, or spitting watermelon seeds for distance. Other activities will include baby contests, blueberry pie-baking contests, a classic and antique car show, a “Hee Haw” talent show, wood carving competition, and a woodsman’s day competition.

The Springfield Fair is one of a few where the admission fee includes unlimited mechanical rides each day. This year’s fees are: $3 for Aug. 29; $10 in advance or $15 on Aug. 30, which includes the country performance; and $6 on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2.

Brochures listing the fair schedule are available at many Lincoln, Lee, Springfield area businesses.