Families have an option for summer fun this weekend.
The Essex Fun Fest is taking place at the Essex Centre Sports Complex. The Fun Fest is on for the 31st year.
The four-day event, which began Thursday, features midway rides, food, sidewalk sales, contests and live entertainment.
Amusements will run till midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday. A kids' zone is open until 8pm Friday, noon to 7pm Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday.
Businesses in downtown Essex are giving shoppers a chance for bargains, with a sidewalk sale taking place Friday evening and all day Saturday.
A beer garden is open Friday until 1am, Saturday from 6pm to 1am and Sunday from noon to 4pm. Admission is restricted to those 19 and over beginning at 6pm Friday and Saturday.
Highlights for Friday night include performances by The MIXX, the Ciao Band and the AC/DC Show Canada.
Saturday will feature some festival traditions, with the Fun Fest Parade stepping off at 11am and the annual fireworks display at 10:05pm. Scheduled to appear on the music stages are the Smokin' Monkeys Band, White Noise, the Country Legends Tribute Tour and DJ Rye. Also on the schedule for Saturday are a magician, a watermelon eating contest, the Ben Show and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award.
Sunday includes an interdenominational church service at 8:30am at Sadler's Pond and a community breakfast at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Also scheduled are a horseshoe tournament, a youth talent show, a drill team and wrestling. Musical acts include Exit 31 and California Sun, a Beach Boys tribute band.
Park admission is $3 a person daily, with free access for seniors 65 and older and kids under six. Admission is free after 9pm Friday and Saturday and after 4pm Sunday.
The festival's official website features a complete schedule of events and descriptions of all attractions and activities.