You can almost smell the cotton candy and mini donuts. In less than one week the Carver County Fair will open its gates for the 97th year.

The fair, which will run from Aug. 6-10 at the fairgrounds in Waconia, will feature many of the old-time favorites that have led to this being one of the largest and most successful fairs in the state. An estimated 80,000 people will pass through the gates to experience such favorites as the demolition derby, supercross races, truck and tractor pulls, a petting zoo, horse and bull riding, horse, dairy and livestock shows, the midway, business and 4-H exhibits and competitions, musical entertainment from favorites like Johnny Holm Band, Shaw Brothers, Christy Love and Coney Island Crew .

Throw in an alligator show, pig races and a whole lot of cheese curds and you’ve got a fair.

See a special fair supplement in your Aug. 2 Gold Miner this weekend.