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Last year, the Prince George's County Fair was forced to close on Saturday — traditionally its busiest day — because of fears that Hurricane Gustav would blow the event out of town.

But barring another weather emergency, organizers are forecasting a record turnout at Maryland's oldest fair this year as families seek an affordable option in a down economy.

"We will have the crowds this year," said James Loveless, who heads entertainment for the fair. "People aren't traveling out of state because of the economy. Plus, it's the weekend after a holiday, kids are back in school and parents are looking for something for the family to do that's not expensive. We feel sure this is going to be a big year for us."

The fair opens Thursday afternoon at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro and will run through Sunday night.

Those who attend can expect county-fair staples, like agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, a petting zoo and pig and duck races, and carnival fare, like funnel cakes and corn dogs. They can also expect new twists on traditional entertainment offerings, such as a sculptor who carves artwork into lumber with a chainsaw, a hypnotist and a section of the fair set up especially for teens that includes a Wii tournament.

Organizers said considering admission costs less than a matinee movie, fair-goers will find tickets to be a good value.

"It's only $6 for an adult admission, and $5 for kids," said Doris Case, the fair's secretary, who also heads its agriculture division. Kids 5 years old and under get in for free. "For a family of four, you can buy admission for everyone for about $20. What else can you do in this area for $20?"

The first Prince George's County Fair was held in 1842, with the goal of bringing the county's farmers together to show off their livestock and handmade goods.

The annual event still boasts thriving livestock competitions and shows featuring homemade goods, with a focus on educating residents of cities and suburbs about the county's agricultural offerings.

"What's so special about this fair is that we thrive on horticulture and agriculture," Loveless said. "We want to make sure people who don't know about country-living and farm-living know where the products they buy in the grocery store come from."

Lora Tanner, who heads the fair's arts division, said the same goes for traditional homemade arts, such as canning, knitting and needlework, though she said entries in the fair's photography contest are starting to eclipse entries in those traditional categories.

And after more than 150 years, the fair is still run by the community, with the community in mind. It's operated almost entirely by volunteers, and local high-school students can earn community-service credits for helping out.

"There's a group of 30 volunteers who work together all year to make this happen," Loveless said. "Nobody gets paid for what they do."

Loveless said he also takes care to make sure the community is represented on stage, by recruiting black and Hispanic musicians and entertainers that reflect the county's diverse population.

Even the fair's location contributes to a sense of community, Tanner said.

"It's a more intimate setting," Tanner said. "It's not like the Maryland State Fair or the Montgomery County Fair, where you feel like you're walking your legs off trying to see everything."

Plus, Tanner said, the indoor setting for many of the fair's attractions means fair-goers can escape into air conditioning on especially hot days.

Indoors and outdoors, the fair offers a range of attractions that span most age groups and interests.

Thursday night's baby contest is a favorite of adults, Tanner said, while kids enjoy the stilt-walker and puppet show, which makes an appearance every year, Tanner said.

The fair also offers a "fun factory" with an egg race, egg toss, a three-legged race and a pie eating contest. Dancers, balloon artists, hypnotists and magicians will also grace the stages.

The fair has seen its share of rough times, and ceased operations during World War II and the Great Depression. Recent troubles have stemmed from the fact that Prince George's County doesn't have its own fairgrounds, meaning it relies on the Show Place Arena as a host.

"Not having our own fairgrounds, we can't bring in some of the big-name entertainment some of the other fairs do," Tanner said. "But I think we make up for it by the friendliness of the people, and by having a great selection of other entertainment."

Volunteers are always in demand, and fair organizers said residents willing to chip in are still welcome to do so.

Fair organizers know there's a chance a down economy could stifle attendance rather than boost it. And there's always the chance that another weather emergency could force it to shutter for a day. Still, they said the fair has persevered through tough times before, and will do so again.

"No matter what weather or economic problems there are, the fair has continued to survive," Case said.

If You Go

Prince George's County Fair

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10; 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 11; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 12; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13.

Where: Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro

Tickets: $6; ages 6 to 11, $5; younger than 6, free.

More information: www.countyfair.org

or 301-952-0270