The Vinland Fair isn’t like most county fairs.

It’s simple. Instead of a carnival, there are sack races. Instead of corn dogs, there are chicken and noodles. Instead of a demolition derby, there are backseat-driving competitions.

“It really is old-fashioned fun,” said Nora Cleland, who serves on the fair board. “There’s nothing commercial about it.”

And thousands of people turn out for it every year.

In its 97th year, it is one of the oldest continuously held fairs in Kansas. It runs Thursday through Saturday.

It’s a time for family, friends, pets, livestock and homemade food.

“There really is something for everyone,” Cleland said.

People may register on site to compete in many of the contests.

There are some new additions this year. The fair’s large exhibition building recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. To recognize the honor, a brief historical presentation will be given about the building during the talent show, which is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Getting the building on the historic registry had been discussed for several years, said Julie Craig, co-chair of the fair board.

“It is really exciting,” she said. “The committee worked really hard on the project.”

Cleland said the fair would feature several stock and modified-stock diesel trucks in an exhibition pull after the antique tractor pull, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday.

A large tent also will be put up this year, Cleland said, so volunteers won’t have to move picnic tables to avoid the sun.

The fair opens Thursday with the antique and special quilt show. At 2 p.m. people will have an opportunity to show off their old-time farming skills by competing in events such as nail driving and log sawing.

The second day of the fair starts with stock bicycle races at 10 a.m.

Jim Shultze, Vinland, pounds a nail during the nail-driving contest during a past Vinland Fair.

“Friday morning is really for the kids,” Craig said. “That’s when we have all the races.”

By Saturday, livestock will be judged and children can participate in the pet parade and box turtle races.

Cleland said the pet parade is her favorite part of the fair. She said it’s fun to watch the children with their pets and see how they decorate their bikes and dolls.

The fair ends Saturday with the homemade ice cream competition, which is served after the judging. People also can hear the Prairie Acre band play live.

“It really is a lot of fun,” Craig said. “I just hope it’s not 110 degrees.”