By JIM BUTLER

The rain is gone and the Rapides Parish Fair is back to full speed today through Sunday.

Carnival, livestock shows and exhibits, arts, crafts, cooking, canning, even a glad-handing politician or two – all waiting for thousands of men, women, boys and girls at the grounds just south of LSU Alexandria.

The exhibit building, with something for everyone, is open 8 to 8 today and Friday and 9-8 Saturday. The 1 p.m. pet show and 2 p.m. dog show Saturday are guaranteed fun.

The midway – featuring the Mighty Thomas Carnival for the 38th year – is open 2-11 today, 2-11:30 Friday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday and 11-7 Sunday.

General admission to the fair is $2 for those age 6 and up.

Single tickets for carnival attractions are $1, or 30 for $25. Rides require one to six tickets, depending on the ride.

Special packages include:

Today – Date Night, two ride for price of one, with Date Night sticker available free at McDonald’s locations and KRRV Radio or the KRRV booth at fair;

Friday – $22 arm ride bands, 2-7 p.m., on sale until 5 p.m.;

Saturday – $27 arm bands 11-6 p.m., on sale until 4 p.m.;

Sunday – Family Day,$27 arm bands.

Arm band purchasers each day get a $3 discount with a Food Bank donation.