AHOSKIE – One of northeastern North Carolina’s oldest events just keeps kicking up its heels.

The 84th annual Atlantic District Fair begins Tuesday (Oct. 5) at the fairgrounds in Ahoskie. The event runs through Saturday.

&uot;The Atlantic District Fair is a part of history in our part of the state,&uot; said DuPont Davis, who serves as one of the organizers of this annual event. &uot;It’s an enjoyable time of year for us, and for the many who come to Ahoskie to join us for a good time.&uot;

The staples that have made the Fair so popular over the years remain at the heart of this year’s event – carnival rides, delicious food and harness racing, all served up with huge doses of Hertford County hospitality.

In addition, the Exhibit Hall, located under the grandstand at the harness race track, will include over 30 display booths. It will be open throughout the five-day Fair. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded to the winners.

The Fair opens at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. There is no admission charge on Tuesday (normal general admission is $3 per person). Tuesday also features a bargain on the carnival rides (pay one price and ride until the midway closes).

Following tradition, Wednesday (Oct. 6) is Educational Day at the Fair. Gates open at 12 noon and all school age children will be admitted free of charge. Fireworks will close Wednesday’s portion of the Fair.

Thursday (Oct. 7) is Senior Citizens Day. All seniors will be admitted free and will be treated to two meals. Harness racing also dots Thursday’s schedule. That action (four races, featuring horses from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland) begins at 2 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 8), which is deemed Business Day at the Fair.

&uot;We are always so appreciative of the area businesses that support us year in and year out,&uot; noted Davis. &uot;They are the backbone of the Atlantic District Fair.&uot;

Saturday’s (Oct. 9) schedule calls for gates to open at 12 noon. Highlighting that day’s agenda is harness racing at 2 p.m.