The exhibits, animals and deep fried goodness return this week with the opening of the 90th annual LA County Fair. The confections and carnival rides continue from Friday, August 31, through Sunday, September 30.

Claremonters are welcome to take part in a special Claremont Day Celebration held on Thursday, September 20. All Claremont residents will be able to enter the fairgrounds for free from noon to 6 p.m. with a donated pair of new or gently used shoes or a new package of socks. Before or after those times, admission is $5, tickets may be purchased by visiting www.lacountyfair.com/online and entering the “claremont2” promotion code.

Locals Tony Marino, Randy Prout and McKenna Maglio will be honored that day as this year’s Claremont Community Heroes. Their accomplishment will be recognized with a special community reception at 3:30 pm. at the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts and a salute at 5:30 p.m. on the Expo Hall 4 Stage. A special parade will also take place at 5 p.m.

To learn more about this year’s fair and Claremont Day Celebration, visit www.lacountyfair.com. Fair coupons are available at the Hughes Center, City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce and at the Monday Night Concert information booth.