WATERFORD — The Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District will present a special, free event devoted to agriculture and conservation for the whole family to enjoy Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waterford Fair.

The theme for this year’s event is “It’s All in the Soil.” Scattered over the grounds will be “Learning Stations” where a brief visit will teach folks about such diverse subjects as preserving food, recycling, “Bare” facts, tree identification and products, soils sites, among others with an emphasis on farming and farm animals.

Fair-goers will be able to talk with experts about draft horses, oxen, bees, blacksmithing and fibers, and they can visit Brendi’s famous Old McDonald’s Farm where the animals are ready for petting.

Old-fashion games will be set up for whole families to enjoy- marbles, jump rope, bean bag toss, ladder toss, and hula hoop. One of the highlights for young and old alike is “How to make really big bubbles” (and participants will get that big-bubble recipe).

The fair will present a fantastic new program entitled “Little Hands for Agriculture” where youngsters up to ten years of age can put on an apron, grab a basket, feed the animals and collect the produce to take to the Farmer’s Market, where it will be displayed and they will receive “Fair Dollars” that may then be taken to the Farm Store to purchase goods. This is an award-winning program that is spreading across the country.

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. This simple meet and greet with law enforcement can make a huge difference in how your child can handle an emergency where the police need to be involved.

Running concurrently will be the Seniors Day with a free meal provided by the Waterford Fair Association.

FMI: 207-743-5789, ext. 101 and 111, oxfordcountyswcd@gmail.com.