The Franklin County Fair in Malone NY, which is going on through Sunday August 11, has a rich, long history, including having made an appearance in the Laura Ingalls Wilder book "Farmer Boy." Photo: Mark Kurtz

Aug 09, 2013 — County fairs are one of the joys of summer in the Adirondack North Country. In July and August, the region puts on its best, gives its farm animals a good grooming, and indulges in some fried food. The Franklin County Fair in Malone hosts competitions for everything from beef and dairy cows, to fruit and vegetables, to horse riding and including tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and music. The fair runs through Sunday, August 11.

The fair has a long history: The first was held in the early 1820s. The first fair on the current site took place in 1852 and was mentioned in Laura Ingalls Wilder's book Farmer Boy.

Sometimes referred to as the Little State Fair in Northern New York, it is one of the largest and longest fairs in the North Country.

NCPR Photographer Mark Kurtz took in the full fair experience this past Monday.

Slideshow: At the Franklin County Fair. Photos: Mark Kurtz (Click any image to launch the slideshow)

The Franklin County Fair runs through this Sunday, August 11,

More sights and sounds of demolition derby in this slideshow feature.