Families will enjoy beautiful Belmont Park this summer when the world famous racetrack transforms its grounds to welcome thousands for an end-of-the-summer celebration. The Belmont Fair and Festival returns with more than 100 spectacular rides, games and free attractions daily for families to enjoy. The fair will be open for 10 fun-filled days and nights from Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 6 (closed Monday, Aug. 30).

This year's fair will feature a special appearance by World Wrestling Federation Superstar Mick "Mankind" Foley. "Mankind" will be on hand to sign autographs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.

On the lawn and under the stars the Belmont Fair and Festival is proud to present rock 'n' roll great John Sebastian. Sebastian, the former lead singer of the Lovin' Spoonful, and his band will perform a special concert for fair-goers Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage in Belmont Park's picnic area. The concert is free with admission to the fair and fair-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for concert viewing comfort. Sebastian will perform some of his hit songs including Summer in the City, What a Day for a Daydream, Do You Believe in Magic and his smash TV theme song hit Welcome Back (theme to Welcome Back Kotter) and many more.

The fair will host a spectacular carnival midway which will include over 50 thrilling rides and games. Special attractions at the fair will be the Wild West Follies, which includes whip cracking, rope spinning, comedy acts and animated characters. Circus-With-a-Purpose will perform a unique open air show which will thrill and educate crowds several times each day. The popular Backyard Circus where children dress up in costumes and "join" the circus returns once again.

Channel 25's Zebby Zoo will return to entertain children of all ages. EggRoll the Clown will join many other walk-around performers including jugglers, mimes and face painters to entertain fair patrons. EggRoll will also be performing magic tricks and playing his ukulele for all to enjoy.

Kids and adults can visit the incredible Petting Corral featuring over 60 barnyard animals. The educational Frontier Town will return featuring live bears, mountain lions and blacksmith demonstrations. For puppet lovers the Yuppets will be performing several shows on weekends.

In addition to John Sebastian there will also be a number of live musical performances by well known acts on the free Main Stage on the lawn in Belmont Park's picnic area. Live entertainment will consist of a variety of dancing demonstrations such as country line, hip hop, jazz, ballet from local dance studios and martial arts demonstrations with board breaking.

For directions and information call the Belmont Fair and Festival at 293-4242. Information is also available on the Internet at www.familyfairs.com.

All special events and entertainment are included with the low $5 admission price. Children under 3-years-of-age are admitted free. Fair gates open weekdays at 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends and Labor Day. Fair patrons should enter through gate 5, on the north side of Hempstead Turnpike, just east of the Cross Island Parkway. The fair can be reached by public transportation and is wheelchair accessible.