The 2008 edition of the Ridgeway Summer Festival will bring two days of fun and entertainment.

With plenty of new editions and old favourites, organizers say the 18th annual festival, which is organized and run by volunteers from the Ridgeway Business Improvement Area, will sure to please children and adults alike.

"Our festival is the perfect venue for families. Not only can they be entertained and eat for free by entering one of the eating contests, but they can go home with cash by winning one of the games," said Dena Sahs, president of the Ridgeway BIA. "Our festival guests are local people from Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Welland, St. Catharines, Buffalo, and as far away as Hamilton and Toronto."

There will be an abundance crafters, wildlife and cars on display throughout the weekend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

There will be musical entertainment, demonstrations, clowns, a horse show, buskers, an auction, free entertainment and children's events including a candy floss eating contest.

"When looking for vendors and entertainment, we look locally first," said Sahs. "A lot of the entertainment is from either Fort Erie or the Niagara region."

The Lions Club pancake breakfast kicks off the festivities both days and the Ridgeway/Crystal Beach Kinsmen Club's annual street dance and party will take over Ridgeway Saturday night with music by Rick Sherk, who will open for the Mad Hatters.

On Sunday morning, a Community of Faith Worship Service will be held under the entertainment tent from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by an hour of entertainment by the Peace River Gospel Band.

And of course, the local historical shops will be open for the pleasure of guests.

The Ridgeway Farmers Market will expand its hours to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to mark the weekend and market co-ordinator Karin DiBiase promises new vendors and plenty of fresh, local strawberries and cherries.

New for this year are ventriloquist Mark Crocker, singing group The Fresh Impressions, country music by Ridgeway Rob and Friends, a live feed Saturday from 105.1 The River, a performance by the City of Thorold Pipe Band and '70s retro band The Purple Pigs.

Admission is free.