CHINA GROVE — Organizers are putting the finishing touches on Saturday’s Farmers Day, one of China Grove’s biggest days of the year.

“It’s the 38th year, and we’re just so excited,” said Patti Price, the festival coordinator.

As always, the purpose of Farmers Day is to celebrate local farmers. A farmers market, antique tractor display and the Little Mr. and Mrs. Farmer contests all point to this original premise.

This year, however, there are also several additions to the Farmers Day experience. A free air-conditioned trolley will be available to take festival-goers from parking lots at China Grove Elementary School, China Grove Middle School, the Church of God on Ross Street and First Baptist Church on Patterson Street to two drop-off locations on Main Street.

A military display by the Piedmont Military Vehicle Preservation Association is another a new feature, Price said. Other additions include a vegetable contest, Jr. Farmer Passport and Storytime With a Farmer.

A lineup of 125 vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Farmers Market will be open on Main Street in front of the Roller Mill, where meat products, bee products, and produce will all be for sale.

Farmers Day has a multitude of activities for younger visitors, Price said. The Kids’ Barnyard, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, will feature games and activities, including zucchini car races and a pedal tractor race. Storytime With a Farmer will be on the Main Stage at 10:30 a.m.

For the Jr. Farmer Passport, children 10 and younger can participate by getting a passport at James River Equipment, Booth No. 11. By visiting all passport locations and reading a “Farm Fun Fact,” children can get their passports stamped and turn them in by 3 p.m. to enter a drawing for a prize. All who enter with completed passports will get a junior farmer wristband and small prize.

The main stage schedule is as follows:

• 9 a.m.: Opening ceremony.

• 9:30 a.m.: Little Mr. and Miss Farmer contests.

• 10:30 a.m.: Storytime With a Farmer; vegetable contest winners announced.

• 11 a.m.: Matt Tucker Band.

• 1:30 p.m.: Dirty Grass Soul.

• 3:30 p.m.: China Grove Church of God Praise Singers.

• 5:45 p.m.: Y Service Club car raffle drawing.

• 6 p.m.: Hip Pocket.

• 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks.

The street dance will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m., with fireworks following immediately after.

The social aspect of the festival is something that can’t be written into the schedule but is an integral part of the day, Price said.

“It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends,” she said. “It’s a very social event and a great community event.”

The forecast for Saturday is a high of 94 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. But Price doesn’t think the heat should keep visitors away. In addition to the air-conditioned trolley, there will also be misting stations and seating under a tent at the main stage to help visitors keep cool.

Many churches often hand out water, said Price.

“The heat is part of the fun,” Price said. “It’s part of what it is.”