Hot and sticky weather is a sure sign that summer is here.

Another sign is the return of the Saratoga County Fair.

Back for its 167th season, the fair brings together education, animals, food and fun for six days and nights of entertainment for people of all ages. So far this year, the number of patrons is up by more than 2,500 people, said media relations coordinator Susan Farnsworth.

“This year has been great so far. We’ve had sunny days and nice nights - the weather has just been great,” she said, recalling the rainy days of last year’s fair. “It really makes a difference.”

This year’s fair features old favorites like tractor pulls, Rosaire’s Royal Racing Pigs, the Agricadabra Magic Show, and of course countless farm animals, as well as newcomers to the fair. Reality Check is sponsoring a booth called “Boogie Bodies,” in which patrons can sing karaoke and they are recorded onto a DVD that features their face on a cartoon body performing the song, and patrons can keep the DVD free of charge.

“Kids and adults alike have really liked this event. It’s very funny and there is always a lone,” Farnsworth said.

Other new acts this year include The Master Hypnotist Jerry Harris and Ways of the Woods traveling nature museum. 

Possibly the most important factor of the fair is the agricultural aspect. Conducted by the Saratoga County Agricultural Society, the fairgrounds sit on 30 acres of land that hold four barns for horses, cows, sheep, goats, birds and rabbits, seven enclosed buildings for displays and vendors, five covered pavilions, stage areas and a grandstand.

“The fair is always a popular event in Saratoga County. People really look forward to it. The kids really love the animals, and of course everyone loves the food,” Farnsworth said.

The fair runs this year from July 15 through the 20, from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. For more information, call (518) 885-9701 or visit www.saratogacountyfair.org.