Six Flags and Disney World are in a class of their own but there’s just something about a county fair that sets it apart from the mega parks.

Perhaps, it’s the dust in the air or the mooing and clucking from the livestock barn. Or, maybe it’s Aunt Matilda’s blackberry jam on display or just friends on the Midway. But, there’s nothing like a county fair, said Homer Homann, president of the Troy Shrine Club, the sponsor of the Pike County Fair.

The 2012 Pike County Fair will open at 6 p.m. Tuesday night and run through Saturday night and it will be all that a county fair should be.

“We have a new Midway this year and the rides offer thrills for the brave and daring and fun and excitement for the little kids,” Homann said. “There will be three surprise rides on the Midway and we don’t want to give those away. But the very popular Ring of Fire will be back and it’s a fantastic ride. We’ll have The Wipeout, the Space Ship and the Super Sizzler that is a combination ride. It starts on the ground and takes you up, up and up and around and around. And, we won’t have just a Ferris wheel; we’ll have a giant Ferris wheel.”

Homann said the Pike County Fair will feature all of the fun rides that are traditionally found on the Midway of a county fair, including the bumper cars, the kiddy cars and everyone’s favorite, the merry-go-round.

For those who enjoy the Midway, armbands are the most economical way to enjoy the rides at the Pike County Fair.

“Armbands allow you to ride all the rides as many times as you like on your visit to the fair,” Homann said.

“On the Midway, the armbands will cost $18 but you can still buy armbands at the Piggly Wiggly stores in Troy and Brundidge for only $10 through noon on Tuesday. That’s a savings of $8 each. So, that’s a deal for those who like to ride the Midway.”

On the Midway and off, there’s every kind of carnival food imaginable from hamburgers and hotdogs to cotton candy and candied apples. So whether it’s supper you want or just a snack, you can get it at the county fair.

There’s plenty more to see and do at the Pike County Fair. There’s the Fun House, the Creative Living exhibits, the livestock exhibits and nightly entertainment, which gets off to a great start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with the Broken Strings Bluegrass Band. C.B. the Clown will be on the Midway opening night and every night of the Pike County Fair.

The Alcazar Shrine Band will be the featured entertainment on Wednesday night, the SheBANG! Cloggers and the Mystery House Band on Thursday and Johnny Barron and the Waterfall Children Band Showcase on Friday.

On Saturday night, Perfection and Grace will take the stage and bring down the curtain on a fabulous week at the Pike County Fair.