The economy may be down, but attendance at the Hopkinton State Fair will likely remain up again this year.

Though many families have been hesitant in recent months to plan vacations, the fair’s reasonable ticket prices may once again make it a destination for visitors from across New England when gates open on Thursday, Sept. 3, through Labor Day.

“It’s really got huge value from an affordability standpoint,” said Hopkinton State Fair representative Brian Naro. “It’s one of the things that people in this economy just won’t give up. It’s a great way for families to get together and have an afforable mini-vacation.”

Fair organizers have tried to focus on bringing in more musicians to perform throughout the weekend and have also added a woodsman show that will take place for three 40-minute shows on Monday, Sept. 7, with axe throwing, chainsaw-carving, racing and much more.

Many of the events remain unchanged from previous years, including free bicycle and skateboard demonstrations, the demolition derby and tractor pulls.

Local band Jeff Dearborn and the Contoocook Blues Society will perform again this year, taking the stage Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. and Monday from noon to 5 p.m.

Naro said the crowds at the fairgrounds don’t only include members of the Hopkinton community, but also residents from far and wide, as the event has become a staple for them.

“When you go to the fairgrounds and you see the different people, there are people who are local to the fair that come more than one day,” he said. “We get that, but we also get people from as far away as Boston. It’s very wide-reaching.”

In addition to special events, there are also the regular agricultural competitions and a petting zoo for children.

Naro said the wide range of things to see and do make the fair a unique experience.

“You’ll see the kids who are in the strollers or just learning how to walk who love to go to the petting farm, all up to people in their 60s, 70s and 80s because there’s so much to do,” said Naro.

There’s also one aspect of the fair that Naro said even he looks forward to each Labor Day.

“Save up the calories for that weekend so you can have the fried dough, the onions rings, just about everything,” said Naro. “I find myself checking off all the items throughout the weekend. When the fair rolls around, you’ve just got to have it.”