There are a few sure fire ways that natives to the area can gauge the coming of spring. First, the dogwood trees bloom. Second, the Fort Bragg Fair comes to town. This Fayetteville tradition has been a staple of spring for more than 30 years, and it has only grown as time has passed. This year the Fort Bragg fair will be as fun and family friendly as ever.

As in years past, this exciting and lively fair will offer carnival rides and entertainment galore — there will be something for everyone. Rhett Stroupe, special events coordinator said, “People should expect family fun in a safe and secure environment.”

The admission fee to enter the fair is $12 for general admission on Mondays through Fridays after 7 p.m. and $17 for the weekends. On weeknights after 7 p.m. the cost for military members with I.D. and children up to age 9 is $10. Senior citizens and the handicapped will be charged $7 for admission. On weekends military with I.D. and children up to the age of 9 will be charged $15, but the price remains the same for the handicapped and senior citizens regardless of the day. Additionally any children under the height of 36 inches will get into the fair free regardless of the day. The fair will be having a special on Mother’s Day, May 12. Mothers will be admitted for free when they are accompanied by a paying child who is over 36 inches in height, up to the age of 17 — all in celebration of the sacrifi ces and hard work that mothers go through. The price of admission includes unlimited rides on all carnival rides and tickets to any show that is happening at the fair. Parking is free.

This year the fair has an incredible line up of live entertainment. Shows are subject to change, but all of the entertainment opportunities at the fair are astounding.

“This year the fair will have added value entertainment acts including the Marvelous Mutts. These are rescue dogs who do tricks and acrobatics and the BMX who ride bikes and do aerial stunts and tricks,” Stroupe said.

The Marvelous Mutts, which is a performance that showcases the amazing intelligence and athleticism of man’s best friend, the dog, will perform at several different times. This family-friendly event will be sure to impress all who watch it, as both the trainers and dogs in this show have been nationally recognized for their skills. This can’t-miss opportunity includes in the price of admission, and the dogs and their trainers are planning to have shows every day the fair is open for patrons to enjoy.

The fair will also have the American BMX Stunt Team performing. Watching the professional trick riders from American BMX Stunt Team perform is guaranteed to entertain and astound. The team is North Carolina-based, but their skills are nationally renowned. The riders professionally ride and perform daring tricks on bicycles, scooters and inline skates.

The gates to the fairground open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. The fair is located at the Fort Bragg Fairground, F-4208 Howell St. and Bragg Boulevard. For more information or directions, visit the MWR website at www.ftbraggmwr.com or call at the number 396-9126.

Photo: The Fort Bragg Fair is an event that the community looks forward to each year.