DOVER-FOXCROFT – Phil Andrews, 86, is probably the Piscataquis Valley Fair’s most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Andrews, who enjoys horse pulling, has been attending the popular agricultural fair for more than 30 years and has devoted his time at fair association meetings simply to lend a hand where needed.

Neither a board member nor an association member, Andrews simply wants to see the fair continue its success.

“I’d like to see the fair go on for years to come, and by helping now, it will help keep it going,” he said Thursday in his deep, gravelly voice.

The fair, which started in 1887, kicks off its 2007 run on Thursday, Aug. 23, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds on Fairview Avenue.

“It’s bigger, and it’s growing,” Al Johnson, fair association president, said Thursday. Like Andrews, Johnson and others devote much time planning the annual event that includes a variety of offerings.

Planning began in April. Just to get the fair going next Thursday, the organizers had to pay $15,000 up front, a daunting task for volunteers, most of whom hold full-time jobs.

“Once you start, you hate to give up,” Johnson said. “It’s just something we like to do for the public and the community.”

General admission is $6 and, for children 5 to 10 years old, $2. Children under 5 are admitted free. Senior Citizens Day is Friday, Aug. 24, when they receive a reduced admission fee of $3.

While the fair features a carnival, it is the agricultural exhibits, the pulling events, the animals, the fireworks and the music that draw many people.

That music will include performances by country singers Jeff Bates, Jenny Paquette, Debbie Morin, and the Roy Hudson Band.

Smokey’s Greater Shows will provide the midway attractions. In addition, there will be plenty of events for adults and children alike, from a skillet throw to frog jumping contests.

It offers something for everyone, according to Andrews. As a regular visitor to most of the fairs in the state, Andrews said the Piscataquis Valley Fair stands ahead of the others.

“I think it’s one of the best agricultural fairs in the state,” he said.

A full fair schedule can be viewed on the Web at piscataquisvalleyfair.com.