Second only to New Year’s Eve, the fair draws the biggest crowd in Wollombi, thanks to the popular lantern parade along the main street.

School children are especially excited to be part of the parade and almost everyone from Wollombi and Laguna takes part.

The fair has been held for the past five years but has been brought forward to August because of cooler weather conditions.

The lantern parade gathering area is at St John’s Anglican Church starting at 5.30pm and will weave its way through the town, finishing at Wollombi Museum.

“The lantern parade is one of the premier events in the fair program,” organiser Michael Noyce said.

“It started as part of the annual sculpture in the vineyards and has since become a high point on the community calendar.

“Visitors are encouraged to join the fun and come to the lantern making stall on Saturday.

“For $5 you can make your own lantern and take part in the parade along with the locals, school children and community groups.”

Other fair attractions will include arts, crafts, pony rides, wine stalls and antique farm machinery and new events such as organic farming talks, workshops, horse and carriage rides around the village and a pop-up pampering stall.

Wollombi Country Fair will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm and entry is free.