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The California-themed fun house and worm-chasing circular ride might not be the most well-known attractions being featured, but traditional favorites will be at the fair as well.

The newly hired carnival company, Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, is bringing rides for all ages, from children to grandparents to teenagers, company president Andy Schoendienst said.

The company was hired after meeting the board members for the fair at a convention in January in Indianapolis. Fair director David Smith said they “meshed” with the company.

“We were excited to be with them, and they were excited to be with us,” Smith said.

Smith said the company’s rules and regulations for keeping rides up-to-date and having good employees made a good impression on the board.

“This company has top-quality people, top-of-the-line rides, just top notch,” he said. “The fair is for the county and we try to do what’s best for everybody.”

Luehrs’ Ideal Rides has been awarded the Outdoor Amusement Business Association’s “Circle Of Excellence” award for five years and was the only company in North America to receive four of these awards in 2007.

“We’re not only proud of the rides, games and food but the personnel as well,” Schoendienst said. “We’re bringing the highest quality there is.”

For the Monroe County Fair, starting July 24, the company will have carnival specials every night.

In addition to Beach House and Wiggle Worm, rides at the fair will include bumper cars, the Ferris wheel, the merry-go-round and The Storm, a popular teenage attraction that catapults riders in three different directions at the same time.

Smith said he believes this change will make the fair better, but doesn’t think there will be a noticeable change in carnival attendance until the following year.

“This year everything is new and people are kind of skeptical,” he said. “I think next year, it will really pay off.”