Looking for summer family fun in Northern Virginia? Check out local annual fairs

As June rolls in, the area gears up for summer with many fun activities, including the annual fairs. In Northern Virginia, some of the biggest county fairs in the state are held.

Celebrate Fairfax

Each year Fairfax County puts on several great events, a popular one is “Celebrate Fairfax”. Now running for more than 35 years, it's an event that is fun for all ages. Celebrate Fairfax has the typical carnival attractions, such as rides and food, but it also offers several performances and special presentations. Usually, there are some big-name headliners for musical entertainment. And a whole lot more. The fair runs for three days, Friday to Sunday, it seems to always take place the first or second weekend in June.

Loudoun County Fair

The fair is a large annual event and usually runs in late July. There is plenty to see and do, including live entertainment contests, a Demolition Derby, concerts, performers, lots of animals, a Carnival Midway and more. Additionally, you'll find different daily events, fun for all ages listed, just check out the fair's website. The fairgrounds are located at 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg, Va.

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Frying Pan Farm Park Show

This fair and show typically run in late July to early August. Annual fair showcases include all kinds of entertainment, including animal shows, various exhibits, music, contests, rides and more. The fun takes place at Frying Pan Farm Park, located at 2709 West Ox Rd in Herndon. You can learn more about daily events everything else fair-related at the designated 4H website. This event has been running close to 70 years!

Photo taken at the4-H Fair horse show a few years back

Arlington County Fair

This annual fair takes place around mid-August. Admission to this fair is usually free and there is also a shuttle service priced at $2 per adult round trip (children under 12 and seniors are free) to get visitors to and from the fair. The fun includes entertainment, family-oriented events, sports, carnival rides, music, dancing and more, both indoor and outdoor events. The annual fair, running more than 40 years, takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, located at 3501 South Second St., in Arlington.

Prince William County Fair

This is another August fair, one that has been running since 1949. Its origins were seeded by a group of WWII veterans who sought to promote Prince William's agricultural industry. The fair bills itself as Virginia's largest county fair. Every year the planners list lots of events on its calendar. The action takes place at 10624 Dumfries Rd, Rt. 234, Manassas, Va. You can visit the Prince William County Fair website for more information regarding admission, parking and more. While agriculture in the region has declined as the population and building growth continues to move west from the District, still, the history and popularity of this event live on.

If you're looking for some family fun as the summer arrives, these are some great events in Northern Virginia to consider. If you're looking for other types of events, don't forget there are also cultural festivals and air shows too.