Need To Know: Birmingham Village Fair Comes to Town

Whether you're a kid, or a kid at heart, you'll want to check out the 49th annual , happening this week and weekend in downtown Birmingham.

"You don't have to travel far to have fun and make memories," said Joe Bauman, president of the , the group sponsoring the fair. "The fair is a great staycation and a way to support the community."

Typically held the weekend after Memorial Day, the Birmingham Village Fair features carnival games, funnel cakes and a dozen rides. The fair, run by North American Midway Entertainment, returns to this year while a portion of the proceeds will be donated to more than 15 local nonprofits.

Will you be heading to the Birmingham Village Fair? Here's what you need to know before you go:

The basics: fair open Thursday-Sunday, ride tickets up to $5

Where: Shain Park and the surrounding streets, including Bates, Henrietta and Martin Street between Pierce and Chester

When:

• Thursday: noon-10 p.m.
• Friday: noon-11 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Sunday: noon- 9 p.m.

Cost: Entrance to the fair is free, but rides requires ride tickets. Individual tickets are $2-$5, depending on the ride.

According to the chamber's Andrea Kaczmarek, cash and credit cards will be accepted and there will be an ATM on site.

The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber and the is selling discounted wristband vouchers for $15 until the end of the day Wednesday. The wristbands are good for one full day of unlimited rides Thursday and Sunday and from noon-6 p.m. on Friday. Wristbands purchased at the fair are $20.

According to North American Midway Entertainment, all ride tickets and wristbands are non-replaceable and non-refundable, even if you have a receipt.

Getting around: first two hours free in parking garages

Street closures: The streets surrounding Shain Park — including Martin Street, Bates Street and Henrietta Street — will be closed until Sunday night.

Parking: Parking will be available in all city parking garages, including the , , , and garages. The first two hours in any city garage is free. Parking is free in all garages on Sunday.

At the fair: check your child's height, leave Fido at home

Height requirements: All North American Midway Entertainment rides have height requirements, and some children under 42 inches tall may be required to have an adult with them for safety purposes.

Bad weather: Certain rides may need to close during severe weather, though concessions and games will remain open unless conditions are severe. North American Midway Entertainment does not provide refunds or rain checks in the case of bad weather.

Pets: Midway fairs do not permit pets, except for service animals.

For more Village Fair

Check out Birmingham Patch's photo galleries from the 2011 Village Fair: