2013 Arlington County Fair Kicks Off Wednesday

More music, DC United, a children's scavenger hunt and a chip-timed race — the Arlington County Fair kicks off in full force on Wednesday.

• Click here for the 2013 Arlington County Fair Schedule

The annual event, which drew 54,000 people last year, will also feature staples like piglet racing, the Harlem Wizards, funnel cakes and rides galore.

"The weather forecast looks really good, especially for the weekend, so we should have another good year in attendance," said fair Chairwoman Tiffany Kudravetz.

The fair runs Wednesday through Sunday at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second St. S.

The Arlington County Fair was one of three fairs to receive a $10,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful and the Alcoa Foundation. Fair organizers have been working with those groups for the last few months to amp up the eco-friendly offerings — information and demonstrations are planned. If a volunteer catches you recycling, you might win a prize.

"We think that's pretty neat," Kudravetz told Patch. "Because we've tried to be green for a while, but to have this support from people who are trained to do it on this scale… is really great."

The recycling campaign will place 30 new bins across the fair grounds. "Recycling questions of all kinds will be answered at an education booth and a team of recycling ambassadors will rove the fairgrounds to provide support," according to a news release.

The fair is partnering with WalkArlington for a children's scavenger hunt. Organizers have also expanded the sports programming, with DC United — along with their mascot, Talon — booked for all five days.

A chip-timed 5K race on Sunday starts and ends at Patrick Henry Elementary School. The theme for the competitive exhibits this year is "Explore Arlington." And a long list of DC-area bands are scheduled to take the stage Thursday night, Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday.

"We really upped our game when it comes to the stage," Kudravetz said.

Kudravetz is in her third year at the helm of Arlington's fair. Last year, she had her first baby the week before the fair started — and still pulled it off.

"I'm looking forward to taking my baby, who is now 1 year old, to the fair," she said. "It changes my perspective, a mom looking through the eyes of her child."