The first country fair of the season opens Thursday

Norwich Bullwtin video

The first country fair of the season in southern New England opens Thursday through Sunday, July 11-14 in North Stonington, Conn.

New this year will be miniature horses, donkeys, llama and camel rides.

Old favorites will return including tractor and draftt-animal pulls, livestock competition, and great country fair food.

The fair is small enough to be covered in an evening after work,

The fair queen pageant is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. There will be live music daily and karaoke every night.

Admission costs $8 for an adult, $5 for a senior citizen on Saturday only. Children younger than 12 are admitted for free.

The fairgrounds are on Wyassup Road, off Route 2, near Exit 92, off Interstate Route 95.

Here’s a full calendar of Connecticut fairs this year.