The 143rd annual Cumberland County Fair in Cumberland opens on Sunday, Sept. 21, and has lined up special events to recognize Cumberland Rescue, which an 80-year old Yarmouth man says saved his life.

Mike Timmons, president of the fair, has scheduled several events in the honor of longtime harness horse trainer and driver Donnie Richards, who sustained serious injuries in January. Richards was kicked in the face by a horse in his stable at the fairgrounds.

Richards is Cumberland Fair’s track superintendent.

“He’s recovered quite well,” Timmons said on Monday. “He wants to recognize Cumberland Rescue for saving his life.”

A nonprofit group called Girls on the Run, which consists of elementary-school students with a mission of inspiring girls, will officially open the fair this year. The girls will be dressed in orange and black, which are Richards’ racing colors, and they’ll walk around the track at 10 a.m. The walk registration is at 9 a.m. and the public is invited to participate and make pledges that will benefit Cumberland Rescue, Girls on the Run, and Make-A-Wish.

The fair will feature a traditional lineup of favorite events, including a Pumpkin and Squash Weigh-Off, music, a midway, exhibits, animals and harness racing.

The fair, on Blanchard Road in Cumberland, runs through Saturday, Sept. 27. Admission is $9 daily; seniors, $3 on Tuesday and Thursday; and children 12 and under, free.

Timmons expects up to 50,000 to attend the fair for the week – if the sun shines.

For a full schedule, see www.cumberlandfair.com.