SALISBURY — Johnny Love, manager of the Rowan County Fair, said Tuesday that the fair will continue as scheduled this weekend despite Hurricane Florence, with a formal opening at 4 p.m. Friday.

The fair will run through Sept. 22. According to Love, officials will “play it by ear,” closing the fair as needed as the weather is evaluated each day.

“I’m sure out of the nine days, we’re going to have some good weather in there,” Love said.

Love said rides are being set up, though some taller rides will remain down until storm winds pass.

“If everything blows by on Friday, all rides should be set up as usual by Saturday,” said Love.

The fair is held at the county’s Agricultural and Industrial Fairgrounds at 1560 Julian Road, between Interstate 85 and Old Concord Road.

Weather permitting, gates will open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Rides will operate from 5 p.m. to close with the livestock building, exhibit building and petting zoo open at 4 p.m., as well.

On Saturday and Sunday, gates will open at 1 p.m, with rides operating from 1 to 11:30 p.m. The petting zoo, livestock building and exhibit building will open at 1 p.m.

The exhibit building will close at 10 p.m. each day.

Entertainment this year includes Captain Jim Is Magic, Lew-E the Clown, and Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, Ducks and Goats.

General admission is $5, or free for children under 3 feet tall, excluding the following special days:

• Monday is “Car Load Night”: Car loads of as many as seven people will receive general admission and armbands for rides for $40 per car. Guests will be given a slip in the parking lot to take to the ticket booth.

• Tuesday and Wednesday are “School Nights”: All schoolchildren in Rowan County will be admitted with special tickets given at school for $1 or two cans of donated food.