ARLINGTON — Despite Trafton Elementary School closing in June, a yearly fair sharing the school’s namesake will again be taking place.

As it has for more than half a century, the 56th annual Trafton Fair is coming to the old school grounds, but the building itself will not be available this year.

Even though fair attendees won’t be able to participate in indoor activities this year, organizers said they’re hoping to attract the usual number of individuals who check out the fair every year.

This year’s fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Trafton School.

Kelly Roundy, Trafton Fair organizer and former Trafton School Parents Club president, said that the majority of events and activities that make the fair unique will still be in place. The major difference will be that the actual Trafton School building will not be available for use.

“The district is letting us have it on site at Trafton, but we don’t get access to the inside of the building,” Roundy said.

The downstairs classrooms in the Trafton building have typically been home to a “country store” where children made and sold crafts and a dessert room where cakes and other goods were available for purchase. Additionally, the music room at Trafton held the cakes for the cake walk.

Roundy said despite that lack of space, the popular walk will again be offered.

Other activities and novelties at the fair include face painting, a dunk tank and clowns, as well as a variety of children’s games that community members can play for 25 cents.

Entertainment such as music and a petting zoo could again be part of the fair, as they have in previous years, Roundy added.

Although Trafton community members don’t know what the future may hold for the Trafton school building, proceeds from this year’s fair will go toward next year’s event, wherever it may be.

“We don’t know how long we’re going to have the building right now, but every year we want to have this for the kids, parents and the community,” Roundy said. “We’re asking the downtown community to support us and we’re hoping for a big turnout. A lot of people will be curious about this year’s event, and we’re saying any child that’s ever wanted to come can come.”

Sid Logan, executive director of operations at the district, said that the fair plays an important role in the Trafton community, and added that even though the building is closed, the public can still use the facility for community events.

Roundy said that district officials asked her earlier this summer whether she was still planning on holding the fair at Trafton.

After speaking Logan, Roundy spoke with people in the Trafton community to see whether the fair should again take place.

“I really don’t think that it’s something that the people will let go,” Roundy said.

Organizers of the fair are asking for volunteers to help out at the event. Interested community members can contact Roundy at 360-435-3672 or e-mail roundypoopaw@yahoo.com for more information.