The Thurston County Fair is making some changes. The annual fair that runs now to Aug. 4 is bringing two new highlights to the event: "Savor South Sound" with cider, beer and wine tastings and "Live and Local," a concert series featuring some of the best musicians in the area.

"We're always trying to add new and interesting things to the old favorites," said Theresa Reid, Thurston County Fair's operations coordinator. "We work hard to make it the best it can be."

Ried says Savor South Sound is an extension of the agriculture education that the fair is founded on, and that it is a way to showcase suppliers in our area.

"The hops are all grown around here - it's really a display of what this area has to offer. It can't be all dry and lectures," laughed Reid.

Today will feature eight cider tastings from Spire Mountain, Bull Run Cider and more. Friday brings in the beer with eight samplings from the likes of Dick's Brewing, Elysian Brewery and Fish Brewing. Saturday, time to pop the cork with six tastings from local wineries such as Black River and Scattercreek Wineries.

Tickets for the tastings are $20 advance and $22 day of and include fair admission.

Each evening of the fair enjoy concerts free with admission. Expect to shake rumble and roll with the Artesian Rumble Arkestra and jazz of Minilla Smiles on Wednesday. Get loose with the blues/pop/rock of Sour Owl on Thursday. Friday brings in the funk with Weekly Volcano voted best band The Brown Edition and enjoy a bit of jazz, rock and more with Dennis Hastings Quartet, Scott & Dani and Aces Up Saturday night. Sunday wraps up the series with Petra, a Christian rock band.

You can continue to expect an awesome array of farm and garden displays, yummy fair food and fun rides for the whole family, but when it comes to music and beverages, Thurston County Fair is classing it up. Special days include Wednesday, July 31 - One Buck Wednesday, Thursday, Aug. 1 - Kids and Buddy Day and Friday, Aug. 2 - Military Appreciation Day.

As they say, "See you at the fair!"