The 53rd annual Birmingham Village Fair & Carnival rolls into town next weekend, offering new rides and events for the whole family to enjoy.

Sponsored by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, the fair runs June 2-5. It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber, which uses a portion of the money to support local charities.

“The Village Fair is a Birmingham tradition like no other,” Chamber President Joe Bauman said. “When people come to our office to purchase discounted wristband vouchers, they tell us stories all the time about how they attended the fair with their parents when they were young, and now they take their kids. It truly is a neighborhood, community based carnival.”

The fair offers a carnival midway, rides, games and plenty of food. It’s located in downtown Birmingham and within easy walking distance of restaurants and stores.

What’s new?

On Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3, the Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union will be offering for free:

•Photo opportunity with an enlarged One Million Dollar Bill.

•Sunglasses.

•Kids Kit containing activity book with crayons and book mark.

•Candy.

On Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, kids can get their bounce on at a free bounce house provided by 1-800-HANSONS.

The Chamber is seeking teens and young adults to volunteer at this year’s Birmingham Village Fair. If you know any high school students or young adults needing to fill requirements for community service hours, please contact Andrea Foglietta at 248-430-7688 or AndreaF@bbcc.com.

A $5 discount on carnival ride wristbands is being offered through June 1 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, Bank of Birmingham and Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union. Or go online to get the discount at www.bbcc.com.

Not only is the fair the traditional kick-off to the summer season, it’s also a giant boost to local charities. In the past five years, the Chamber has distributed over $100,000 to support causes in the greater Birmingham area.

“Thanks to our wonderful partnership with United Shore, we can expand our work with the Chamber’s Nonprofit Network and offer even greater financial support from the fair,” Bauman said. “We are also grateful for the support we receive from the carnival operators, North American Midway, and the city of Birmingham in helping make the Village Fair an annual success.”

For more information about the fair, including volunteer opportunities, visit the Chamber website at www.bbcc.com.

jgrossman@hometownlife.com | 586-826-7030 Twitter: @BhmEccentric