AMHERST — An annual tradition of carnival rides and associated activities returns to the Amherst Town Common Wednesday when the Amherst Rotary Town Fair begins.

But even though some food will still be available on-site, including the Rotary Club of Amherst selling beverages, the selections will be more limited as state rules related to safe food preparation continue to impact the event.

The fair will run from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, and then from noon to 10 p.m. the following three days, concluding on May 27.

The Amherst Rotary club will have a tent set up for fairgoers to get out of the sun and to dine. Water, soda and sports drinks will be for sale.

Unlike last year, though, when the Rotary brought in four food trucks to provide American food such as hamburgers and hot dogs, along with Korean food and ice cream, that is not happening.

“The changes to fire and health regulations made it too difficult for us to do that,” said Rotary member Kristi Bodin in an email.

Traditional rides, including a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and tilt-a-whirl, are expected to be part of the fair.

At the Rotary tent, there will be a free raffle and information about the club.

The fair, which has run for more than 40 years, remains a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club, which meets every Thursday at noon at Bertucci’s, 51 East Pleasant St.

Proceeds from the fair go to funding scholarships, assisting local nonprofits in the community with small grants and the larger community grant that ranges from $25,000 to $50,000.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.

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