WATERLOO - The National Cattle Congress Fair is nearly a century old and still kickin'.

Northeast Iowans can watch bucking broncos, jousting knights and kick up their heals to a dixieland band this week - all in one location. A variety of entertainment is on tap when the annual four-day fair starts Thursday.

Last year, about 85,000 people came through the gates. NCC manager Doug Miller hopes to exceed that number this year.

With a diverse line up of musical and animal acts, kids activities and rides to satisfy thrill seekers, Miller hopes the NCC Fair is the end-of-the-summer event people won't miss.

"Our entertainment is what's going to draw people in. We're trying to provide different things for all ages and groups," Miller said.

A midway full of rides and games that rival amusement parks will begin spinning and turning Thursday afternoon. Marvel superheroes Wolverine and Spider-Man will greet kids Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The Muttville Comix - trained dogs rescued from animal shelters - and the Kent Family Magic Circus will dazzle children every day in the Ag Building.

For cowboys and cowgirls, the main attraction is the PRCA Rodeo Friday through Sunday. Motorsport enthusiasts can enjoy a demolition derby Saturday and Figure 8 and trailer races on the outdoor track Sunday.

"This is the heyday before it starts getting cold. There's fun activities for families to come out and wrap up the summer," said Jennifer Bloker, NCC marketing and special events coordinator.

Back in the mid-1900s, the fair, which started in 1910, lasted 14 days and hundreds of thousands of people attended from across the country. While the event will probably never return to its glory days - entertainment options are too vast these days, officials said - Miller believes the fair still enhances the quality of life in the region.

People won't go to the fair if the grounds aren't maintained, Miller said. An extensive renovation of the NCC grounds continues, spending $500,000 in the past year alone on repaving, painting and roofing projects.

"We're trying to re-establish it as the premier fairgrounds in Northeast Iowa," Miller said. "It's a place for families to enjoy a day of fun in a safe environment, and they don't have to drive hours to do it."

Though fair officials always bring in new entertainment to keep the event fresh, organizers never stray too far away from its roots - arts and crafts, food and agriculture.

Livestock shows will be held Friday through Sunday, and the Hall of Breeds will be open every day. For the first time, the local wood crafters club will have a display and competition to see who can make the best chair, table or anything else out of wood. Plenty of food vendors, including the venerable Noodle Nook, will be open.

"A lot of urban folks aren't familiar with farms. Here they will get to see it, touch it and smell it," Bloker said.

Other highlights of this year's event include:

JoustEvolution at 7 p.m. Thursday in McElroy Auditorium.

A chili cook-off, judging and tasting at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Pepsi Pavilion.

Swifty Swine Racing Pig Show daily in the Ebbing Concourse.

The Amazing Rainforest Experience daily on Bennington Knoll Hill.

Estel Hall will feature 125 exhibits from area businesses and organizations.

Nick's Kids Show and a hypnotist will thrill kids during the fair.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 -12. Children younger than 4 are free. Tickets can be purchases at the gate. Parking is free.

Thursday is Preview Day featuring half-off admission, carnival rides specials and discounted food and other items. Friday is Kids Day, featuring discount admission and rides for ages 17 and younger.

For more information, call NCC officials at 234-7515.