The midway at the Manchester Community Fair is like many small-town fairs. Parents and grandparents watch as the children ride the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, Tilt-a-Whirl and other stomach-rolling rides. Some try their hand at winning a prize at the many game booths. And of course, the smells of fried dough and cotton candy waft through the air.

But for some, what sets Manchester apart is the small town itself. The clear, blue sky and break in the hot weather made Saturday the perfect day for loading the family into the car and making the trip to the fair. Part of the fun may even be in the trip itself. Beautiful rolling hills and curving roads highlight the rural countryside between Ann Arbor and Manchester.

The tractor pull at the Manchester Community Fair.

Photo by Ann Dwyer

Being out in the country was part of the reason why Delia Hamilton and her family drove from Whitmore Lake. Hamilton waved as her husband and daughter went by on the Ferris wheel. "We come every year," she said.

Jenny Paton had just moved to Manchester the year before, so this year's fair was a first. She came with her daughter Summer, 11, and nephew John, 13. "City kids enjoying small-town fun," she said of them.

Goats wait for food handouts at the Animal Oasis.

Photo by Ann Dwyer

For families like Paton's, the Manchester Community Fair not only offered small-town quaintness, it was also an inexpensive way to spend time with the family. "It's budget friendly," Paton said. "The prices for the games are reasonable."

The Manchester Community Fair is now in its 66th year and is organized and run by volunteers.

Although the fair started on Tuesday, there are still plenty of family-friendly events tonight, including laser tag and rides and games. The Manchester Community Fair continues until 10:30 p.m. at the Alumni Memorial Field, 220 E. Vernon St. To learn more, visit www.manchesterfair.org or see the AnnArbor.com event listing here.