Something old, something new: The Hamburg Fair has a knack for showcasing its traditional elements while adding in some new ones.

Last year, the fair fired up some new entertainment initiatives and collaborated with Old Lyme's MusicNow Foundation. That music-palooza continues this year.

When the fair kicks off on Friday, it promises a big concert in the arena, with "The Voice" singer and Lyme resident Braiden Sunshine performing with his band.

The Nightingale's Youth Showcase, which highlights local singers under age 25, begins at noon Saturday. That night, the most excellent line-up is: the Katie Perkins Band, followed by the Hoolios, and then the Mystic Horns.

On Sunday, it's radio station ICRV's "Best of the Open Mikes" and then Old Time Fiddlers.

Of course, music is just part of the fun at the Hamburg Fair, which offers carnival rides and pony rides, exhibits of everything from fruits and vegetables to handcrafts and small animals, and lots, lots more.

This year's fair is dedicated to the Lyme Ambulance Association, which, founded in 1975, is one of New England's few remaining "No Cost to Patient" emergency and basic care ambulance services.

The Hamburg Fair, 5-11 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., and 9 a.m-6 p.m. Sun., 1 Sterling City Road, Lyme; $7, free for kids up to age 12, $5 for seniors and for active service men and women with I.D.; hamburgfair.org.