Opening ceremonies for the South Texas State Fair begin Thursday marking the 76^th year of the event.

The fair opens up Thursday and continues through March 31 at Ford Park of Interstate 10.

The opening ceremony will be from 5:30–6 p.m. at the Archway Entrance Gate. Young Men’s Business League 2019 Fair Chairman David Knight said those attending the opening ceremonies will have free admission for about 15 minutes after the ribbon is cut. Then, standard admission prices apply.

Knight said he expects to have over 300,000 people attend the fair this year.

“We have a 70-foot high dive act that is pretty good,” Knight said. “It’s a guy that dives from 70 feet into a little pool. It’s pretty neat. The live stock shows are always good to go see. There are always a lot of animals. We’ll have the rodeo on (Friday) and (Saturday). With admission to the fair, you can get into the rodeo with general admission seating.”

Knight said the YMBL tries to find a way to balance nostalgia and keep the fair fresh.

“We try to not keep a specialty act, like the high dive, more than two or three years,” he said. “We don’t want people to think we have the same old stuff. We won’t sign more than a three-year contract. We like to mix it up.”

As far as food goes, Knight said one will find “anything on a stick.”

“It seems like pork-a-bobs are the most popular thing out there,” he said.

Knight said he will consider this year a success if the sky stays clear.

“I want to be wearing sunglasses for 11 days,” he said. “That means it will be a successful fair. I don’t want to lose a weekend. I can lose a week day, but I want the weekends to be sunny.”

Daily admission prices are:

Ages 2 years old and younger — free

Ages 3-12 years old — $4

Adults 13-64 years old — $8

Senior citizens $4

Parking is free along with children under the age of two.

The fair also has multiple themed days, which allow deals on admission and rides.

Thursday — Opening Night: Free admission to everyone that attends the opening ceremonies. Admission goes to regular prices after 6 p.m.

Sunday — HEB Share for Hunger Sunday: Admission is free with six HEB brand non-perishable vegetable can foods. Attendees can also purchase a $35 wristband to ride unlimited rides. None will be sold after 9 p.m.

Monday — Flint Hills Resources $1 Night: Fairgoers can enter the fair for $1 with a coupon courtesy of Flint Hill Resources, which are available at www.fordpark.com. Coupons are limited and on a first come, first serve basis. All rides will be $2 all evening. No coupon is necessary for the rides.

Tuesday — Education First Family Fun Night: Fairgoers can enter for free with a coupon available at www.educationfirstfcu.org/about-us/promotions-and-offers. Coupon holders will also be available to purchase a $35 wristband for $20.

Wednesday — $2 Ride Night

March 28 — Military and First Responders Appreciation Night: Free admission for active, retired, reserve military, National Guard and disabled veterans along with active first responders and their dependents. A valid military or first responders badge must be shown at the admission gate.

Friday — Fun Friday: Fair opens at 5 p.m. and fairgoers can buy at $35 wristband for unlimited rides. None will be sold after 9 p.m.

Saturday — Kid’s Day: Children ages 17 and under will have free admission from noon to 3 p.m. Regular ride prices apply.

Sunday — Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Cantastic Sunday: Free admission to those who bring and empty or full “six pack” of either Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper cans. Attendees who gain free admission can also buy an unlimited ride wristband for $20.

All money and proceeds from the fair go towards local nonprofit organizations such as the food bank, Boys and Girls Haven, Some Other Place and Red Cross along with local scholarships.