With about two weeks before the Chelsea Community Fair begins its 74th Annual run, the newly painted livestock fencing awaits placement into the farm animal barns and demolition derby cars are being painted and readied for competition.

The grass parking area has been mowed and the site is being spruced up at the corner of Old US-12 and Old Manchester Road.

"The fair is one of the highlights of the year in Chelsea," said City Manager John Hanifan. "It's the ultimate convergence of old and new, and it's a great opportunity to show off the best of Chelsea."

Thousands of people from throughout the state attend the five-day Chelsea fair that's planned for Aug. 23-27 and run by more than 100 long-time volunteers. The 27-member fair board meets monthly to plan each year's event, which includes a parade that begins at high noon on Saturday, the last day of the event.

"I love the fair," said Councilwoman Cheri Albertson. "Chelsea's fair is just wonderful — especially the parade. Everyone should attend the parade; I throw out the best candy."

It's tradition for the current City Council to ride on one of the many floats and the elected officials are one of many participants who toss candy out of their vehicles to onlookers who line both sides of the street. The parade begins downtown on Main Street and ends at the fairgrounds on Old US-12.

Elected officials each had a different reason for looking forward to fair week. "Fair is an important part of the community that gets us all together," Albertson said.

Councilman Kent Martinez-Kratz said he loves the fair because "it's good family fun," while Bill Holmberg said, "I love the chickens."

"It's one of the highlights of the year and deals directly with our heritage," said Mayor Jason Lindauer. "The Chelsea Community Fair is one of the pillars of this community."

"I highly recommend the Run for the Rolls," said Councilman Rod Anderson, referring to the run that takes places Saturday and finishes before the parade begins.

Kim Potocki, the driver for the demolition derby car sponsored by the city's library, said her demo derby car came from Tennessee and is a Chevy Impala.

"There will be a lot of good cars but my prediction, it will be a pretty good derby," she said.

Potocki is no newcomer to the competition. She won in 2006, was second to her husband in 2007 and won again in 2008.

She took 2009 off from the derby, then placed second last year.

"This is the first year that the library will sponsor a car in the popular fair competition," said Anna Cangialosi, marketing director for the library.

Admission is $7 daily and children under 10 years old are free. Senior Day on Aug. 25 is free for those 65 years and older and on Aug. 26, Ladies Day, admission is $5 before noon. Season passes are $25 for adults and $15 for high school and middle school students with school IDs.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Chelsea stories, visit our Chelsea page.