Parents Robby and Destiny Mellenthin smiled as two of their children rode the spinning swing ride called Zumur at the SOKY Fair on Friday evening. 

Located in Lampkin Park, the fair kicked off its 64th year this week. 

The Mellenthins were one of many families who have attended the fair this week.

Tonja Cline, treasurer of the SOKY Fair Board, said as of Friday the fair has attracted 6,000 fairgoers. She expects another 15,000 over the weekend. 

Brook Talley, co-chairwoman, said the event is about more than the demolition derby or mud bog events. Talley said the goal of the all-volunteer organization is twofold: organizing a family-oriented event and raising money for charity services in the community throughout the year, such as Christmas shopping for underprivileged kids.  

For just $12 admission, fairgoers can enjoy rides, games and carnival foods. 

Amy Bean of Franklin visited the fair for the demolition derby this year, but the rides were a draw for kids. Bean watched as her 8-year-old son Matthew rode on a revolving car ride that spun like a carousel. She doesn’t worry about the rides for young kids, she said, but the Pirate Ship ride is different. The large ride features a rocking pirate ship that swings like a pendulum. 

Amanda Tomes considered a similar ride called the Frenzy.

“It caught my eye,” she said. “I just wanted to see what it did.” 

The tall, green ride rocks 12 passengers back and forth at increasing heights, which elicits screams from passengers. 

Doug and Emily Glenn came to the fair for a night of family fun. Their 10-year-old daughter Sydney said she doesn’t get nervous on rides and enjoys cotton candy. 

Aaron and Lori Woodward returned to the fair after eight years away. Lori Woodward said she wanted to see her 2-year-old son Huckleberry go down the large slide. 

“He has no fear,” she said. 

— Follow Daily News WKU, county schools and general assignment reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter at twitter.com/aaron_muddbgdn or visit bgdailynews.com.