The Bangor State Fair opens its gates for the 142nd year on Wednesday, July 24. For 11 fun-filled days, the fair salutes America’s youth with the theme, “The Future Looks Great.”

Special events that will showcase Maine youth will take place during the fair.

The Maine State Make It Yourself with Wool Contest will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, in the Bangor Auditorium. For the first time, young Maine residents between the ages of 14 and 24 will make and model garments made from wool and will compete in a regional fashion show. The winner of the contest will be eligible for the state competition, a scholarship, and a chance to win a trip to the national competition in Orlando, Fla.

Sponsored by the American Sheep Industry Association and the Maine Sheep Breeders Association, the competition is designed to focus attention on the beauty and versatility of wool, either in sewing, knitting, or crocheting.

Another new event is the Kids Apple Pie Contest, to be held in the morning on Saturday, Aug. 3. Children will be admitted to the fair free if they bring an apple pie to the contest and are accompanied by an adult. All pies must be made by the entrant without adult help.

A new contest for 4-H participants is a poster contest. “Recycling to Help Our World” posters will be displayed in the exhibition hall. Other 4-H events include a goat show, a beef show, a dairy show, a sheep show, a market-lamb show, and a livestock auction.

Children of all ages will enjoy the new Family Fun Area, located behind the grandstand. Appearing in this area from July 24-29 will be Buffalo and Brandy and their sidekick, Sammy the Clown. Another attraction in the Family Fun Area will be Robinson’s Barnyard Follies, an animated comedy musical. These life-size barnyard animals will perform from July 24 to Aug. 3.

Several old favorites are returning to the fair: the Backyard Circus, Ed Morris and the Balloon Zoo, Bob Hale’s Racing Pigs, and Old MacDonald’s Farm.

The Bangor Auditorium will be the place to be for nightly entertainment. On Friday, July 26, live wrestling action with Hillbilly Cousin Luke and Northeast Championship Wrestling comes to the Bangor State Fair at 8 p.m.

Schooner Fare will perform at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, July 27.

“Postcards from Maine” returns at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. Appearing with Maine humorist Tim Sample will be visual comedian Randy Judkins and music stars Anne Dodson and Al Hawkes & The Night Hawks.

At 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, country megastar Doug Stone will sing his No. 1 country hit, “In a Different Light.”

Award-winning performer Mary-Chapin Carpenter will bring the curtains down on the 142nd edition of the Bangor State Fair at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3.

Attractions at the grandstand include the World’s Largest Demolition Derby at 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2. The Coronas Aerial Thrill Circus will perform at the grandstand three times a day from July 28 through Aug. 1.

The popular pay-one-price admission policy continues this year. One $6 ticket covers gate admission, auditorium events, grandstand shows, the exhibition hall, and unlimited mechanical rides on the giant UpTown Festivals USA midway. The admission price also includes the Family Fun Area, oxen-pulling, pony-pulling, horse-pulling, and 4-H events.

The Bangor State Fair will run from Wednesday, July 24, through Saturday, Aug. 3.