MORRIS – The “six best days of summer” begin today when the 64th Annual Otsego County Fair opens in Morris with live entertainment, carnival rides, demolition derbies, horse racing, agricultural competitions and countless other events.

Fair manager Judy Harris said that by the end of last year’s event, more than 36,000 patrons had visited the Morris fairgrounds, averaging about 6,000 daily.

The gates opened this morning at 8 a.m. with free admission on opening day, courtesy of Wilber National Bank.

Admission Wednesday to Sunday is $5 for adults (16 and over), $2.50 for youths (8-15) and free for children under age 8. Parking is $2. Season passes are $15 for adults and $8 for children over age eight.

Today’s opening includes the Gillette Shows carnival rides opening daily at noon with “pay one price” rides on Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

In preparing for last year’s event, Harris and other fair coordinators expressed concern that a lagging economy may negatively impact attendance but after reviewing last year’s numbers, Harris reported that there was no such impact.

“We thought there was a chance things might slow down, but actually things improved. We had more people than usual last year. Maybe people are looking for more local events instead of traveling,” she said.

She said the fair had received a higher than usual number of livestock applicants this year and one of last year’s first-time events, the Karaoke contest, was so popular that staff members were forced to turn potential participants away.

“Will be having the Karaoke contest against this year, so people should sign up as soon as they can,” said Harris. The Karaoke Finals will be at 7 p.m. Saturday in the entertainment tent.

The Fire Service and School Band Parade, sponsored by New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Co., will be held at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The procession will lead around the track with a fireworks display following the march.