Valley Fair kicks off Thursday in Lake Balboa

The Valley Fair opens Thursday afternoon in Lake Balboa with musical entertainment, magic acts and a petting zoo, among other activities planned during the four-day event.

Organizers say the fair at Birmingham Charter Community High School will offer amusement for families through Father’s Day, when Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz band leader Poncho Sanchez tops the bill.

Fair attractions through Sunday will include science displays such as puzzle challenges, a bubble arena and a morphing mirror.

Young fair-goers can attend a petting zoo and learn how to milk cows, make scarecrows and saddle ponies, which they also will have the opportunity to ride.

Comedy shows, pig races, magical acts and an international food court are among some of the other scheduled attractions at the fair, which costs $6 for adults through Saturday and $5 Sunday. Entry for children under the age of 11 is free Thursday and costs $5 the other days.

Hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The Birmingham Charter Community High School is at 17000 Haynes Street in Lake Balboa. Parking is free, and Metro is offering a $1 discount on admission for adults, organizers said.

-- Ann M. Simmons