TOPSHAM — Although there was free-to-watch harness racing Sunday and Monday, the Topsham Fair gets into full swing Tuesday.

And while there are plenty of carnival rides and foods to try, at its roots the fair, now in its 164th year, is a celebration of agriculture. Organizers relish the opportunity to bring the local flavor of farms to visitors.

“There’s just a ton of opportunities to see farming and agriculture,” said Marilyn Hunter, the fair’s superintendent of entertainment and marketing. “It’s a good opportunity to learn your food doesn’t just come from the grocery store.”

A lot of volunteer hours go into bringing more than 50 different representatives from the field of agriculture to the fairgrounds, she said, noting that organizers have also worked to update the exhibition halls.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Hunter. “There’s a sense of pride this week.”

Having been around farm animals his entire life, Dick Brown, the fair’s superintendent of livestock, is excited to introduce a way of life to people visiting the fair. One of his favorite events is the ox pulling, which will take place Tuesday through Friday.

“It’s great to share with people that don’t have the opportunity to see this,” said Brown. “I’ve been doing it all my life.”

There will also be plenty of opportunities for children to see some of their favorite farm animals, he said. Among the pig scrambles, goat shows and sheep herding, there is one event in particular that Brown is looking forward to.

“The mutton busting will be really interesting to see,” he said. “It’s fun to see the kids ride the sheep.”

The “Mutton Bustin’ ” is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday.

Another fair staple that brings in a large number of spectators and participants is harness racing. Hunter noted that some fairs have dropped the event because of the expense to get the necessary equipment – such as the infield sign posting results – and sanctioning. But, she said, Topsham Fair’s organizers have worked to keep the event because it appeals to different generations of spectators.

Hunter said the fair covers the cost of running the races, and Topsham has “been able to hold our own with it.”

Other non-ag draws to the fair include the Demolition Derby events, scheduled for to begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday and at 4 p.m. Sunday.

“Our derby is super popular,” said Hunter. “I just don’t think people want to sit there for four hours on Saturday, so we decided to add Sunday.”

The Topsham Fair runs through Sunday with a $12 admission that includes rides. Tuesday is Senior Day with $3 admission for senior citizens.