Last modified: Friday, September 12, 2008 1:29 AM EDT The Crackerbarrel Fair opened Thursday at the Wrentham Developmental Center. Heather Johnson, Wrentham, and her son Nicholas, 4, ride the super slide. (Staff photo by Mike George) Crowds welcome Crackerbarrel Fair BY STEPHEN PETERSON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF WRENTHAM - Pleasant late summer weather brought out a good crowd Thursday night for the opening of the four-day Crackerbarrel Fair at Wrentham Developmental Center. The 28th annual event includes carnival rides and games, food, crafts, and musical entertainment every day and night, and a host of activities this weekend. "It has never been this busy" for opening night, said Tony Marano, director of volunteer services and special projects at the center. He attributed the turnout to the good weather. Dozens of visitors walked the fairgrounds as the center's residents were treated to dinner and Kevin Silvia of North Smithfield, R.I. was singing folk music on his acoustic guitar from the stage. Booths were selling everything from scarfs to strawberry shortcake, clam cakes and chili. The King Philip Leos were selling meatball subs. Carnival rides include the usual carousel and Ferris wheel, but also rides with eye-catching names like the Zipper, Sooper Jet and Cliffhanger. "It's great. We came before and they loved it," Laura Francis of Mansfield said of her four young daughters, who just got off the Pumpkin Patch ride. Attractions this weekend range from a popular 3.1 mile road race at 9 a.m. Saturday and giant flea market opening an hour later to fireworks Saturday night at 10 and a popular dance show Sunday at 1 p.m. The Norfolk County 4-H Program has several livestock shows Saturday and Sunday. Also Sunday at 11 a.m., the 4-H will sponsor an open Costume Pet Parade. The fair is held on the fairgrounds off Shears Street, off Franklin Street (Route 140.) The times are 5 to 10 p.m. today; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Rides and food booths open at noon Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday will be bracelet day, with unlimited rides for $20 until 6 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but there is a $3 parking fee to support the Wrentham Lions Club's charities and the Friends of Wrentham, which sponsors the fair as a fundraiser for the developmental center's residents.