Buying tickets to listen to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, watch cars crash into each other at the demolition derby and see the mud fling at pig wrestling at the Park County Fair will require something different this year: A computer.On May 1, all grandstand events for the Park County Fair will go on sale online — and online only.

For the first time, tickets will be available only on the Park County Fair Web site, www.parkcountyfair.com. Fair Manager Steve Scott said the electronic transactions will make it easier for keeping records, help people spread out payments and eliminate the hassle of standing in line.

Scott said he understands that some people haven't purchased tickets online before — and that includes Scott himself.

“I have never bought anything online in my life,” he said.

Scott added that the fair office is willing to help folks navigate the new system.

“We'll sure as heck help them,” he said.

On the Web site, you can click the link next to the grandstand event you want to purchase tickets for. A seating diagram will show which seats are available. People need to be ready to pay for tickets with their credit card. There is a limit of 30 tickets per transaction.

Once purchased, tickets can either be printed or picked up at the ticket window during fair week, July 21-26.

All tickets will have a bar code and will be scanned as ticket-holders enter the grandstand.

The fair officially opens Tuesday, July 21, and the free stage will be in full swing starting at noon. On Thursday, July 23, free grandstand events include miniature bull riding and miniature donkey polo. Thursday also is the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” breast-cancer awareness day.

The fair closes on Sunday, July 26 and there won't be a gate charge. A church service will take place at 9 a.m. at the free stage area. The carnival and free stage events will continue until 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the Park County Fairgrounds office at 754-5421.