RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Residents are in for an entire day full of excitement in downtown Rio Linda for one of the area’s biggest events of the year.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, the Rio Linda Country Faire Committee will host the free 11th annual Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire at Depot Park, 6730 Front St., Rio Linda. The faire has free admission and free parking.

However, the fun really begins at 7 a.m. when Girl Scout Troop 1565 hosts breakfast at the Rio Linda Community Center, 810 Oak Lane. Breakfast will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and a choice of coffee or orange juice. Breakfast for adults is $10 and breakfast for youth 12 and under is $7. All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Girl Scouts.

Rio Linda Elverta Historical Society Treasurer Joyce Buckland emphasized the event’s importance.

“The country faire came about as a continuation of our 2012 centennial celebration,” Buckland said. “It’s a great way to learn more about our community and to support local businesses. This fun event has something to offer for all ages and something we hope the entire community will enjoy.”

Charlea Moore, one of the faire organizers, said this year “holds lots” of promise.

“This faire is special in many ways. It is non-commercial and intended for families and children that might not otherwise have an opportunity to be exposed to so many different ideas, fun, games, talents and cultures that are present in their community,” Moore said.

The faire will feature multiple opportunities for entertainment, food, shopping and adventure. Plenty of food trucks, along with a beer garden hosted by the Rio Pub, will be on site. According to Moore, there will be more than 130 vendors featuring handmade crafters, jewelry, clothes, toys, soaps, woodworking, info booths and a cooling center for those who get hot. Live music will be played onstage throughout the day, which always attracts large crowds, according to Moore.

At 11 a.m., the Fun Zone will open to the delight of children with jump houses, a rock-climbing wall, a gaming truck, ax throwing, carnival games, face painting and balloon twisters at no cost. Children will also enjoy the popular Free Bike Giveaway.

All ages will enjoy Rogues of the Golden Coast’s pirate show, which will have black powder demonstrations at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Various versions of pistols, rifles and cannons will be shown, according to Rio Linda Lions Club President Gene Kypke. Additionally, Moore said those who want to become pirates can do so at the faire’s “pirate school.”

The Lions Club will offer free vision exams to interested fairgoers at the Northern California Lions Sight Association (NCLSA) Vision Van.

For fruit lovers, multiple watermelon-eating contests will take place throughout the day. Children ages 5 to 10 can participate at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; youth from 11 to 17 can try at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and everyone 18 and up will have their chance at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Winners will receive prizes.

Those interested in animals can pop over to see the livestock competitions hosted by 4-H clubs and FFA. Both youth and adults will show their animals.

The list of fun continues with a Horseshoe Competition, a talent show and a Community Showcase hosted by Rio Linda Grange Number 403. The Community Showcase will be a display of local talent, knowledge and skills with cash awards to the best in show.

However, the fun doesn’t end on Saturday.

“With a few exceptions, we usually host a Sunday service or celebration of some sort.  This year features Lisa Daggs on stage under the tent at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon,” Moore said.

According to the faire’s website at www.riolindaelvertacountryfaire.com, the faire’s mission statement reads, “The RLE Country Faire showcases the Rio Linda Elverta community for the benefit and education of the general public.”

No matter what age, the Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire will be fun for all!

For more information or to donate to the free event, visit www.riolindaelvertacountryfaire.com.