The highly-anticipated 111th West Texas Fair and Rodeo started Tuesday at the Taylor County Expo Center. ACU students and Abilene residents alike are getting ready for a fun weekend at this classic fall event.

“The fair is the coolest thing that happens in this town,” said Josh Tumblin, senior theatre major from Nashville, Tenn. “Everyone should go, or they’re losing out.”

The fair is in town until Sept. 18, and will be open each day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. General admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. The cost to attend rodeo events is $15 Tuesday-Thursday and $20 Friday and Saturday.

Fair-goers can purchase an armband for $20 that gives the wearer unlimited rides for the day, or they can pay per ride.

Several discount days will occur throughout the week. College Day on Friday gives university students free all-day admission with a current student ID Military and Student Day on Sept. 14 gives free admission to anyone with a school day pass or a military ID, and Cantastic Night on Sept. 16 offers free admission to anyone in exchange for six cola cans.

The West Texas Fair and Rodeo Parade will march through downtown Abilene beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11. The parade will start at Cherry street and end at the Abilene Courthouse.

Judge George Newman will be the grand marshal of the parade, which will feature marching bands, floats, classic cars and clowns, according to the website.

Special exhibits, livestock shows and food exhibits will also be set up throughout the week.

“It will be something college-aged kids will enjoy,” said Julie Bryant, secretary for the Expo Center. “There will be great carnival rides and plenty of different, neat food. It’s a safe place. It will be a lot of fun.