A beloved tradition that took a hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic is back this year.

Visitors will be able to get their usual fill of fried food, farm animals, carnival rides and live entertainment at the Whidbey Island Fair July 15-18.

Carol Coble, the fair’s director, said all the food booths are full this year.

“We have people coming out of the woodwork who want to be part of the fair,” she said.

Food truck On the Rock Lobster, which was a huge success at the 2019 fair, is returning. Besides lobster, owner John Norris will also be shucking and cooking up some corn on the cob.

“We haven’t had corn here in years,” Coble said.

New food truck venture, IC Teriyaki, will also be making an appearance as one of the vendors.

“Who doesn’t like teriyaki?” Coble said.

Local entertainers PETE the BAND, Western Heroes and Danny Ward will all be performing.

“Bubble Guy” Matt Henry is also slated to appear at the fair.

The 4-H auction is another popular event at the fair. At the last Whidbey Island Fair, one kid auctioned off a dozen eggs for $100.

Grand Marshal Gary Gabelein will be leading the fair’s parade, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and heads towards the fairgrounds.

The Whidbey Island Fair opens at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and runs until 9 p.m. Sunday.

Daily fair admission is $10 for adults, $6 for youth, military and seniors; free for ages under age 5. Season passes are $30 for adults and $18 for youth, military and seniors.