DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Piscataquis Valley Fair Association broke ranks with Carr Expositions and has enlisted Smokey’s Greater Shows to provide the midway attractions at this year’s fair starting on Thursday.

The new midway attractions and expanded events are expected to be a draw for the fair, which opens at 6 a.m. on Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds.

“We’re looking forward to this year’s fair,” Deanne Merrill of Milo, association secretary, said Sunday. “Last year’s midway problems were beyond the fair association’s control.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office found that several safety requirements were violated last year by Carr Expositions, which finished its three-year commitment to furnish the midway for the fair in Dover-Foxcroft. This year, the company has been cited for more than 100 traffic safety violations, which caused problems for the annual Presque Isle and Skowhegan fairs.

The all-volunteer association has worked hard to expand the fair and ensure the safety of fair-goers, according to Merrill.

The popular bingo games will return but will be operated a little differently from past years. The Sangerville Fire Department will operate the games, but the prizes will be cash rather than products. Bingo will be played every day of the fair except on Thursday.

Country singer Mark Knight will entertain fair-goers on Thursday, the Don Campbell Band will perform on Friday and Eric Church and the Don Campbell Band will provide entertainment on Saturday.

General admission to the fair is $6 with half-price day for senior citizens on Friday. Fairgoers can purchase a wrist band for rides each day. The cost is $12 on Thursday and $15 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be the usual exhibitions, fireworks on Thursday, farm-related attractions, a horse show, a magic show, pig scramble, pulling events and even lawnmower racing.

The proceeds from the fair are invested back into the fairgrounds and a scholarship fund for six area high schools.