It's a mini version of the PNE, held right here in Maple Ridge.

Okay, maybe it's not just like Vancouver's Pacific National Exhibition. But, Country Fest 2012 offers a lot of the traditional fair fun without the long commute through a massive highway construction zone, the expensive gate admissions, and the insane crowds.

Country Fest has a big midway and boasts one of the largest turnouts of 4-H kids and their animals of any fair in B.C.

There's all the fair fare - from corndogs and cotton candy, to candy apples and mini-doughnuts.

The stage will be rockin' both days with the musical stylings of the Brent Lee Band and the sister duo of Robyn and Ryleigh Gillispie, not to mention the Ridge Meadows Got Talent contenders and Town & Country Square Dancers.

Come down, wander through the barns, visit the animals, check out the award-winning backyard garden program, visit the exhibits building, spread a blanket on the grass to watch a show, catch the roller derby, bike show, skateboarding demos, barrel racing, flyball dog tournaments, and so much more.

And in keeping with the fairs of olde, this one has kept alive the home arts and crafts exhibits, complete with Grandma's scrumptious grape jelly, Aunt Martha's pickled carrots, Mom's apple pie with a surprise twist, Dad's scenic photos of historic Port Haney, and young Sarah's innovative noodle art.

For long-time residents, they likely know the magic this fair offers and will have undoubtedly already scheduled a visit to the Albion Fairgrounds this weekend.

But for newbies in town - who have yet to experience this community rite of passage - consider making a day of it.

Best part, the TransLink buses drop you off at the fair gates, admission is free - and if you insist on bringing your car, that's okay. There's lots of parking for a nominal fee of $2 in the Albion sports fields with shuttles to the fair.

Pay hommage to this time-honoured country fair - which started in 1901 and has remained one of this community's premier summer events. Trust us, Country Fest is worth your time.