WATERFORD — Waterford Fair will present a special day devoted to agriculture and conservation for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 18.

The theme for this year’s event is “Back to Basics.” Scattered over the grounds will be “Learning Stations,” where 15-minute visits will teach folks about such diverse subjects as Vernal Pools, Forest Bugs — Good & Bad, Bee Keeping, What Does Maine Produce? and How Long Does It Take for Items to Decompose?

There will be more, with an emphasis on farming and farm animals. Fair-goers will be able to talk to experts about draft horses, oxen, bees, blacksmithing, fibers and how to make butter. There will also be Brendi’s Old McDonald’s Petting Farm.

Old-fashion games will be set up for families to enjoy, such as marbles, jump rope, bean bag toss, ladder toss, hula hoops and bubble-making.

New this year is a new program, “Little Hands for Agriculture,” where youngsters up to age 10  can put on an apron, grab a basket, feed the animals and collect the produce to take to the farmers market, where it will be displayed. They will receive “Fair Dollars” that may then be taken to the farm store to purchase goods. This is the first year of the program that is spreading across the states to fairs from Maine to California.

As always, the Norway Police Department will be on hand to talk to the children and let them get a close-up look at a police car.

The event is sponsored by Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District. For more information, call 743-5789, ext. 101/111 or email [email protected].