AGN_County Fairs 2023

COUNTY FAIRS 2023

Saturday Grandstand Dirt Track Racing, FREE admission w/$5 fair gate 5:15 start time 2 Friday, June 2, 2023 | COUNTY FAIRS 2023 | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Wednesday Grandstand Livestock Exhibits, Home Economic Exhibits, Beer Garden w/music, Kids Day, 5K run, KCBS BBQ Contest, Talent Show, Chili cookoff, Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt, Community Church Service

Conner Family Amusements, Bear Hallow Wood Carvers, TaDa Robots, face painting, balloon artists, bingo tent, petting zoo, Wheel of Agriculture, 4H food stand, golf cart raffle

Name:

Address: Phone Number:

Sunday Grandstand Demo Derby 1:00 pm start time

Drop off at fair office for a chance to win $300 gift certificate to Dave’s Supermarket!

Truck and tractor pull a crowd favorite at fair

KENTLAND, Ind. — The 104th Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair will be held July 11-15.

Visitors can look forward to family-friendly events throughout the fair. The event takes place in the beautiful farmland near Kentland.

It offers festivalgoers five days of 4-H competitions, carnival rides, exhibits, a demo derby, and live entertainment.

Country music star Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line will headline a concert July 8.

For an adorable show, stop by the Little Miss and Mister Contest July 11 at 6:30 p.m.

“We work hard to put on several events throughout fair week,” said Cory Groover, fair

Newton County

Pun’kin Vine Fair

July 11-15

12189 S. Punkin Vine Road

Kentland, Indiana

spokesperson. “The Miss Newton County Queen Pageant has been a longstanding tradition.

“In 2015, we added another division to the pageant — Miss Teen Newton County.

“The kids and adult pedal tractor pull has been a part of the fair for years,” said Groover. This year, the event will be held July 15 at 4 p.m.

“The Board also provides a

Free Stage tent to entertain fairgoers,” she said. “Several local bands and artists play on the Free Stage.”

This year’s Free Stage lineup includes gospel music, a DJ, Farmer Dan, a magic show, classic rock music and country music.

Don’t miss 4-H night and Battle of the Barns — a free grandstand event — July 12.

“The antique tractor parade is a family event at the Newton County Fair,” said Groover. “Drivers often include their children and grandchildren in the event. The truck and tractor pull has been a crowd favorite for years.

“Our grandstand audiences have witnessed some amazing horsepower in action. Demolition

How the name “Pun’kin Vine” originated is open to debate, according to John Connell. Some of the old-timers say that at the time the first fair opened, there were “pun’kin” vines all around the gates as you entered the fairgrounds. Others say that remarks were made that the fairgrounds were only fit to raise “pun’kins.” Who is right or wrong doesn’t seem to matter now. After all, there is only one Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair.

derbies have been a favorite, too. Spectators love to see the crashes and bashes. We have hosted monster truck shows, rodeos, and motocross racing in past years.

“We try to bring in events that our families will enjoy watching. We want to be a part of your summer memories.”

Fair highlights include dirt

drag racing July 13 at 7 p.m., IPA Truck and Tractor Pull July 14 at 7 p.m., and Demo Derby July 15 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a free harness racing event July 18 at 4 p.m. Next year the fair will be held July 8-13. Learn more at newtoncountyfair.weebly.com.

Sawyer Brown, Leah Marlene headline fair

FAIRBURY, Ill. — A group that has more than 50 singles hitting the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and an American Idol finalist will headline the 147th Fairbury Fair.

Award-winning country artists Sawyer Brown headlines the fair with a performance Aug. 18.

Central Illinois-based Stone Cold Cowboys open the show that evening and will stick around for an after party performance later that evening.

Sawyer Brown was founded in 1981 in Kapok, Florida. After competing in the television competition series, Star Search, and winning the show’s grand prize, they signed to Capitol records in 1984.

The band has earned three No. 1 singles with “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do” and “Thank God for You.”

Sawyer Brown received the Country Music Association Horizon Award in 1985 and the 1996 Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Group of the Year Award.

In addition, they also won six-straight Vocal Band of the Year honors from the TNN/Music City News Country Music Awards and three-time Video Group of

the Year artists by the CMT Country Music Awards.

Leah Marlene, American Idol’s third-place finalist last year, will perform on the Fairbury Fair’s opening day, Aug. 16, with special guest Patrick Cereal, a local songwriter, singer and guitarist. Marlene is a songwriter, artist and producer. She has a unique, engaging voice and a songwriter style that combines elements of folk rock, pop, soul, fu nk, jazz and more.

She grew up in Normal in a house full of music and guitars as her father, Derry Rehang, is a songwriter and lead guitarist with the Canadian band, Honeymoon Suite.

She has been performing professionally since the age

Fairbury Fair

Aug. 16-20

600 S. 3rd St. Fairbury, Illinois

of 10 and been releasing music since she was 13.

Her latest original single, “Flowers,” was released last year along with her recent albums, “Many Colors,” “The Space Between” and “Arrow.”

The fair’s midway will feature entertainment for all ages throughout the fiveday event, including Conner Family Amusements, wood carving by Bear Hollow, TaDa Robots, VFW and Lions Club bingo, a petting zoo, Wild Style Designs, Unique Twist and Twisting Crew, 4-H food stand, livestock and home economics exhibits and judging, and Wheel of Agriculture.

The f airgrounds is well known throughout the Midwest for stock car racing, and admittance will be free for racing Aug. 19, beginning at 5:15 p.m. A demolition derby is on tap for Aug. 20, beginning at 1 p.m.

Details of the daily activities and times are available at www.thefairburyfair.com.

Sawyer Brown performs Aug. 18 at the Fairbury Fair.

Leah Marlene performs Aug. 16.

Lee County Fair looks back, thinks forward

AMBOY, Ill. — Even as the Lee County Fair board focuses on maintaining the strong traditions of the rural county fair, board members are committed to moving the fair forward.

This year’s fair schedule, with a variety of new events and returning favorites, is proof of that.

“We always want to make sure that we are forward-thinking. We don’t want to rest on being always a 4-H fair and junior show. We want to be sure we are looking forward and bringing opportunities to get people out to the fair and into the buildings,” said Katie Pratt, secretary of the Lee County fair board.

The biggest new addition to this year’s fair is an open show, in which anyone can exhibit items and earn prizes.

“We are really excited to offer an open show. We are going to try it on a very limited basis,” Pratt said.

The open categories are baking, floriculture and vegetables, photography and art. In the photography and floriculture classes, there will be a category for professional entries and for amateur entries.

“We are hoping to draw in some of our local businesses and we thought it would be nice to highlight them, like flower shops and photographers,” Pratt said.

Pratt said the idea came after discussion among fair board members and from talking to young people at the fair last year.

“In talking to some kids last year, they were saying, ‘I just want to bake a pie’ and ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if my grandma brought a pie and your grandma brought a pie.’ We were talking about the nostalgia and times when people would bring baked goods out to the fair and someone always won the blu e ribbon. That’s

what we want to foster in bringing in the whole family,” Pratt said.

Several fan favorite events from last year will make a return to the fair this year. The Lee County Fair and 4-H Show starts July 27 and continues through July 30 at the Lee County 4-H Center and Fairgrounds in rural Amboy.

Xtreme Rentals will bring back “Bouncin’ on the Midway,” a bouncehouse and inflatables along with a mobile game room and a foam pit.

A petting zoo and pony rides, the barrel train and the County Fair Speedway remote control car racetrack returns. The Magic By Cory magic show returns to the fair.

New this year will be a circus.

“It’s not animals. It’s the thrill events and acrobats with the Cincinnati Circus Thrill Show,” Pratt said.

A mini show takes place on the midway on July 26, and the circus will present its thrill show at 1 p.m. on July 30.

The rodeo returns to the fair with a different rodeo company.

“T and A Bucking Bulls is new this year and we are excited for them because it’s an open show so anybody can ride. They will have mutton busting and a sheep scramble for the kids and there are traditional rodeo events like barrel racing, pole bending and bull riding,” Pratt said.

Two show ring events will continue to put the spotlight on tradition at the fair.

The antique showmanship class returns to the show barns. The antique showmanship is the last class of the beef show, goat show, horse show and beef show.

“It’s been around for a few years and it’s a really fun

Lee County Fair and 4-H Show

July 27-30

1196 Franklin Road Amboy, Illinois

event. We invite people who have shown in the past to come in the ring and strut their stuff. It is a fundraiser so those people are nominated with a donation by someone else. If they don’t want to step into the ring, they have to buy themselves out of it,” Pratt said.

The event is held as a fundraiser with proceeds being directed toward maintenance and rehabilitation of the fairgrounds livestock facilities.

The Born and Bred in Lee County show class fea-

tures animals that are local to Lee County.

“That is done through the Mike Draper Memorial. His widow, Sandy Draper, was a fair board member for years. Mike was very involved with the fair. Sandy said one of the things Mike always wanted to see at the fair was recognizing local livestock breeders and owners. So, that is where the Born and Bred class came from,” Pratt said.

All animals entered, breeding and market animals, show against each other. The animals are judged on the best representation of their breed or species.

To be eligible, the animal has to have been born and/ or bred in Lee County and entrants are required to fill out a form with the ani-

mal’s origin.

This year, beef cattle, goats, sheep and swine are eligible to be entered in that class.

When it comes to the fair food menu, this year will see some changes.

“We don’t currently have a pancake breakfast on Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings and we haven’t found anybody to fill that spot. The 4-H Federation food stand will be open and serving during the fair,” Pratt said.

One new treat this year is “Watermelon with Wyffels.” Wyffels Corn Hybrids will be serving free watermelon slices on Thursday while supplies last.

Food trucks also return to the fair, offering a variety of treats including fair food, barbecue, Hispanic food and ice cream.

There is plenty of meat on the menu again this year as the Lee County Pork Producers and Compeer Financial serve up pork chop sandwiches on Friday night and the Lee County Farm Bureau Young Leaders serve up steak sandwiches on Saturday night. The Marketplace vendors’ market will again offer a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs on Sunday.

“Last year, we had a really good response with the Marketplace opening to kids who have their own businesses. We have all the kids who have their own businesses, they make their own jewelry or baked goods, goat soap, in one spot and it was really fun so we’re doing that again this year,” Pratt said.

Special events planned for Family Night

MELVIN, Ill. — The Roots and Boots tour will be featured at the Ford County Fair at 7:30 p.m. on June 30.

The tour includes three voices from ‘90s country music — Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye. These three singers have more than 40 Top 10 radio hits and have sold more than 25 million albums.

In addition, Halle Kerns will be opening the show. She has over 11 million TikTok views and 17 million global streams.

Advance tickets are $30. Tickets are $40 at the gate and $10 for children 10 and under. Tickets include admission, parking and carnival rides.

The Illiana Truck and Tractor Pull is set for 6 p.m. on June 29. Classes at the pull will include Pro

Ford County Fair

June

Stock, 4X4 Trucks, Mini Rods, Outlaw Tractors, Farm Stock Tractors and Old Skool.

The Ford County Fair opens with a horse show at 10 a.m. on June 25 and the Jackpot Breeding Gilt Show will also be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission on Sunday is a free gate.

Many other livestock competitions are scheduled throughout the fair including junior and open shows for hogs, beef cattle, rabbits, sheep, goats and poultry, as well as home economics judging.

On June 26, the Queen

Pageant is set for 7 p.m. The Little Mister and Miss Pageant will be held at 5:30 p.m. the following day, June 27, in the Dance Building.

The talent show will be divided into two age divisions — a junior division for contestants under 14, and a senior division for contestants between 14 and 21.

Set for 6:30 p.m. on June 27, the winner of each division will represent Ford County in Springfield at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention in January.

Family Night on June 28 features $10 armbands for the first 400 people and $20 after the first 400.

Sales of the armbands begin after 4:30 p.m. and the night will feature a dunk tank, adult bingo with mouse races, a petting zoo, a corn pit and fire

Rich traditions continue at fair

URBANA, Ill. — Dating back to the early 1850s, the Champaign County Fair will continue its rich tradition of showcasing the best in agriculture and home economics.

Headlining the entertainment will be the country music duo Brothers Osborne on the grandstand stage July 28 at 7 p.m. Country music artist Matt Stell, known for his hits “Prayed for You” and “Everywhere

But On,” is scheduled to open for the duo

John and TJ Osborne brought home the American Country Music award for Vocal Group of the Year and a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance last year.

The Champaign County Fair’s grandstand will also host nightly entertainment beginning with dirt track racing July 21, and a dem-

olition derby July 22.

Draft horse pulls are on tap for noon July 23 at the grandstand, followed with a draft horse show at 4 p.m.

The Boat Drunks will perform in their hometown Monday, July 24, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Boat Drunks have performed from coast to coast with nearly every member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and have opened shows for Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and Little Feat among many others.

Horsepower — the fourlegged and two-wheeled

trucks will be on display.

The Ford County 4-H Premium Auction and Children’s Tractor Pull are planned for June 29 in the Dance Building. The auction will begin with a dinner and meet and greet at 5 p.m. and the tractor pull is set for 6 p.m.

The mission of the auction is “to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that will enable them to become independent, productive and contributing members of society.”

The demolition derby will start at 6 p.m. on July 1 at the grandstand. Classes available to competitors include Limited Weld, Vans, ‘80s BoneStock and Compact.

For more information, visit http://fordcountyfair. org/.

Fan favorites return to Warren County Fair

ROSEVILLE, Ill. — The fair board of the Warren County Agricultural Fair heard what fairgoers wanted. Several fan favorite events from last year are making a return.

“We are giving the people what they want,” said Jon Strickler, president of the fair board.

From bucking bulls to mud volleyball and the ever-popular demolition derby and Figure 8 demolition derby, this year’s fair features the return of crowd-favorite events.

One new event is designed especially for families and happens on July 19.

“We’re working with our Regional Office of Education to put together a family night, with events

Warren County Agricultural Fair

July 15-22

625 N. Chamberlain St. Roseville, Illinois

like an obstacle course and more. We think it’s a great way to get young people and young families out to the county fair and exposed to the county fair,” Strickler said.

Choosing fair royalty is the first order of business. The Miss Warren County Fair Queen, Junior Miss and Little Miss pageant will start the fair week festivities at 5:30 p.m. on July 15.

See WARREN, Page 7

type — are on tap for the next two nights, with harness racing July 25 and motorcycle races July 26, both beginning at 6 p.m. at the grandstand.

Monster trucks will rattle the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. The grandstand features conclude Saturday, July 29, with tractor pulls at noon and 6 p.m.

Each day will be filled with numerous activities for all ages with 4-H open and junior open and non-livestock shows, educational displays revolving around conservation and agriculture, various vendors from businesses and organizations across the county, a carnival, and a variety of entertainment.

The fair’s daily schedule of events can be found at www.champaigncountyfair.cc.

FROM PAGE 6

On July 16, the fair focuses on getting dirty with the return of mud volleyball, starting at 1 p.m.

“As a fair board, we are always looking at different events and opportunities for our fair, but there are certain events we have every year that always bring out the crowds,” Strickler said.

The demolition derby on July 21 and the Figure 8 demolition derby on July 22 are always popular, Strickler said.

OPEN RODEO

Last year, an open rodeo and bull riding drew crowds and that rodeo and open bull riding is back on the fair schedule.

“We had a huge success with the rodeo, so we are going to do that again and we’ve added some events to that, including barrel racing. People were very

excited for the rodeo last year and wanted to see it again this year,” Strickler said.

Triple J Bull Riding starts at 7 p.m. on July 20.

MADD HOSS JACKSON

In the entertainment tent, Madd Hoss Jackson, a country/ western/outlaw country band based out of Mount Sterling, will perform on July 20 following the rodeo.

Staggard, a country and southern rock party band, takes the stage at the entertainment tent on July 22 following the Figure 8 demolition derby.

Different local groups and the fair board itself will be staffing the fair food tent throughout the fair, offering a variety of snacks, meals and drinks.

“We open that up for local groups and the fair board serves food a couple of days,” Strickler said.

Tickets for grandstand events are sold at the gate.

For more information, call the fair main office at 309-705-3155 or go to www.ilwcf.com.

Barnyard tractor pulls roll into fair

OAKWOOD, Ill. — The Barnyard Tractor Pull and Beautiful Baby Contest are among the activities at the Vermilion County Fair and Expo, set for June 6-10.

The fair opens June 6 with the Jr. Miss and Queen Pageant at 6 p.m.

The $7 admission includes all rides on the midway. The Brady Amusements carnival will be open Tuesday through Saturday.

The Barnyard Tractor Pull on June 9 starting at 5 p.m. will feature several classes, including 4,500 pounds, 5,500 pounds, 6,500 pounds, 8,000 pounds, 10,500 pounds and 12,500 pounds. In the Open Class, pullers can enter a 4,500-pound, 5,500-pound or 6,500-pound class.

In addition, the Youth Division is for kids 14 and under and they will be operating their tractors in first gear only.

Several activities are planned on Saturday including the Beautiful Baby/Child Contest at 10:30

Vermilion County Fair and Expo

June 6-10

1180 East Road

Oakwood, Illinois

a.m. Age categories for this event include: 1 day to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, 7 to 11 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years.

Pits open at 9 a.m. for the Demolition Derby and the grandstand opens at 2 p.m. for the 3 p.m. show.

Competitors have the option to enter several classes, including Limited Weld Full Size, Limited Weld 110 FWD Compacts, Vans, Gut N Go Compacts and ‘80s Bonestock.

Exhibitors will bring a variety of livestock to the fair, including goats for the open show at 6 p.m. on June 8.

The open poultry show is set

for 10 a.m. on Friday along with the open youth horse show at 6 p.m.

The seventh annual Terry Messmore Youth Horse Show will include three divisions — peewee, 8 years old and under; junior, 9 to 13 years old; and senior 14 to 18 years old.

The peewee swine show at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 is intended for fun and not competition. Kids can bring their own pig to show or a pig will be supplied to those who want to participate.

The market barrow and gilt show is set for 10 a.m. on June 10, as well as Vermilion County Cattle Classic at 11 a.m. This is an IBA points show and jackpot show, so premiums will be paid based on entries and sponsorships.

In addition, showmanship classes will be offered for juniors from 8 to 14 years old and for seniors 15 to 21 years old.

For more information, visit vermilioncountyfair.org.

Rodeo kicks off 93rd fair

PONTIAC, Ill. — The Livingston County Agricultural Fair is packed with four days of activities for all ages.

The fair, in its 93rd year, hits the ground running on Wednesday, July 19, with judging events, ranging from sheep and dairy to geology and woodworking.

A wide range of judging contests will continue throughout the fair.

The rodeo, tractor pulls and demolition derby will once again be major audience draws this year.

Following the king and queen crowning and scholarship presentation, the World Championship

Livingston County Fair

July 19-22

18142 4-H Park Road

Pontiac, Illinois

Rodeo by Broken Horn Rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 19.

The Broken Horn Rodeo Company is operated by Jim and Sandy McElroy and their sons, Kenny and Kevin, of Ripley, Ohio. The family combines their talents in the rodeo industry to ensure top quality performances and to keep this American tradition alive.

Ag games will be held in the grandstand area Thursday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m.

The grandstand action continues July 21 with Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Prior to that event4, a kiddie tractor pull is planed for 4:30 p.m. in the Show Barn.

On the final day of the fair, a chainsaw carving auction will be held at 7 p.m. in the grandstand area with all of the proceeds going toward the fair, followed by the demolition derby by Ramer Race Promotions.

Daily schedules can be found at www.livingstoncountyagfair.com.

Monster trucks, thrill show on tap

CROWN POINT, Ind. — The 171st Lake County Fair will take place Aug 4-13 in Crown Point, Indiana.

The fair will be jampacked with Grandstand shows, including the All Star Monster Trucks Shows with the Kamikaze Kid Fire Thrill Show during intermission, Aug. 4-6.

Aug. 7 features the Three Bar J Rodeo at 7 p.m. Also on the schedule is Micro Wrestling, the South County Mud Runners Mud Drags, and the International Demolition Derby.

Lake County Fair

Aug. 4-13

889 S. Court St.

Crown Point, Indiana

Dates and times will be posted on the fair’s website.

“Don’t forget about all the free shows and activities,” said Arlene Marcinek, fair spokesperson.

“Farm Bureau’s Lets Learn About Agriculture; the piglet nursery; daily animal judging; Show Me Safari Petting Zoo; Silly Safari, an

animal show three times daily; barns full of animals and buildings full of exhibits; Harvest Tyme Kids Activities daily; and the food.”

Gate admission will be $8 for ages 11 and up; ages 10 and under are free. Parking on the fairgrounds is free.

Free shuttle buses from Crown Point High School will be provided for fairgoers.

Mega passes and presale wristbands will be available this year, as well.

Learn more at lake-county-fair.com.

4-H members wash dairy cows at Lake County Fair.

Countdown to 100 at Jasper County Fair

RENSSELAER, Ind. — It’s almost time for the 99th annual Jasper County Fair, a tradition in northwest Indiana since 1924.

Guests can watch custom chainsaw art in action July 15-17.

Bob’s Bumpy Barrels, a ride around the fairgrounds for kids and grownups, will be back at the fair July 15-18. Later in the week, guests can check out Mr. D’s Magic Show July 20-22.

An exciting part of this year’s fair is the Kidbucks Game Show, which will take place all week.

The interactive show selects audience members to participate in fun games.

The final winner enters the Kidbucks chamber and grabs as many “Kidbucks “ as possible, as they swirl around the chamber.

Jasper County Fair

July 15-22

Other free entertainment, such as the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers, will keep fairgoers entertained all afternoon.

The Free Stage includes appearances by Magician Rob Thompson and the Silly Safari.

The carnival will be at the fairgrounds July 18-22. Opening night is “Kid’s Night,” featuring $20 wristbands to ride kiddie rides.

The rest of the week, wristbands will be $25 for all rides.

Visitors who bring three ca-

nned goods for the food pantry on July 20 will receive $3 off of the $25 wristband.

The Grandstand has a packed schedule, with a feature every night of the fair:

• Mud drags, July 15, 7 p.m.

• Monster trucks, July 16, 7 p.m.

• Latting Rodeo, July 17, 7 p.m.

• Battle of the Barns, July 18, 7 p.m.; bring canned goods for food drive.

• Micro Wrestling, July 19, 7 p.m.

• Eli Alger and the Faster Horses, July 20, 7 p.m.

• Demo derby, July 21, 7 p.m.

• Truck and tractor pull, July 22, 6 p.m., with fireworks to follow. Learn more at jaspercountyfair.weebly.com.

In honor of its 100th anniversary next year, Jasper County Fair is hosting a logo contest.

3671 W. Clark St. Rensselaer, Indiana

Popular country acts bring crowds to Marshall-Putnam Fair

HENRY, Ill. — For a “Little Bit of Life,” you can drive your “International Harvester” past the “Redneck Yacht Club” and over to the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds on July 13 to catch a country concert featuring one of country music’s enduring stars.

Craig Morgan, who has those popular country tunes, as well as other country ‘90s country favorites, will headline the country concert at the 2023 Marshall-Putnam Fair.

Opening for Morgan will be Whiskey Bent and the Joe Stamm Band.

This the latest in a series of concerts at the Marshall-Putnam Fair that has put the north-central Illinois fair on the must-see map for country music lovers.

“The concert has really started to make a name for itself. I wanted it to get to the point where, when people thought of the Marshall-Putnam Fair, they automatically thought ‘they have

an awesome country concert,’” said Drew Herridge, the fair’s concert director.

Years ago, the fair hosted country acts like Louise Mandrell. But by the time Herridge got on the board, and even years before that, the concerts had become a thing of the past.

“We started back up in 2019 with a small concert to get a feel for it and to see if the area wanted a country concert at the fair and to see if it was a good fit with our fair,” Herridge said.

Herridge and the fair endured a tough 2020, when headliner Tracy Byrd was forced to cancel due to the COVID pandemic.

The fair was able to rebook Byrd and he performed at the 2021 fair, with only a small change. Torrential rains the night before the Thursday night concert forced a change of venue — into the fairgrounds goat barn.

“All of our guests understood and it worked out great. Having a

Tracy Byrd

Marshall-Putnam Fair

July 12-16

915 University Avenue Henry, Illinois

country concert in the goat barn is the essence of a county fair, isn’t it?” Herridge said.

The experience did provide Herridge and the concert committee with an important “to-do” item.

“I am always thinking ‘where is our emergency location going to be if we get a torrential downpour?’ We always plan for an emergency location now because we always want to have our concert,” Herridge said.

The concert also offers local and regional artists the opportunity to open for some well-known names in country music.

“We have always felt that our openers are so important. We like

to get local acts and this is a huge opportunity for them, to open for these big country music performers,” Herridge said.

Morgan isn’t the only national name coming to the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds for the fair, which opens on July 12 with harness racing, another longtime fair attraction.

“It’s been going for years and it remains very popular,” Herridge said.

Along with harness racing, on Wednesday night, the fair board hosts a kickoff dinner and wine tasting event at the fairgrounds.

On July 15, starting at 2 p.m. in the grandstand, the Pro Pulling League will present America’s Pull, the Champions Tour Silver Series, featuring trucks and tractors.

On July 14, the demolition derby takes place.

“The demo derby always sells out. It’s a tradition for families to come to the demolition derby,”

Herridge said.

On July 16, the horsepower throttles down for the stock and antique tractor pull, starting at 1 p.m.

In the afternoon and early evening July 13, prior to the country concert, the fair will sponsor a Family Fun Night.

“We’ll have inflatables and activities for the kids. We have those every day of the fair, but Thursday night is our big night for those,” Herridge said.

For fairgoers, one of the biggest surprises will come right at the gate.

“We are not charging parking or gate admission so families can show up to the fair any time and there’s free stuff to do. I think our free admission is something that sets us apart from other county fairs,” Herridge said.

For more information and a full schedule of events, go to marshallputnamfair.org or call the fair office at 309-364-2814.

CELEBRATING 102 YEARS of the Marshall-Putnam Fair

July 12th-16th, 2023

Free Parking | No Main Gate Fee | Camping Available

WEDNESDAY JULY 12TH

• Wine Tasting and Dueling Pianos

• Kick-Off Dinner

• Harness Racing

THURSDAY, JULY 13TH

• Craig Morgan in Concert with Whiskey Bent & Joe Stamm

• Family Fun Activities

FRIDAY, JULY 14TH

• Demolition Derby

• Beer Tent Entertainment

SATURDAY, JULY 15TH

GALAXY-A-FAIR

PPL TRACTOR PULL

Saturday, July 15th | 5:30 PM

Ticket office opens at 2 PM

Open Pits, No charge to enter the pit area

Livestock shows going on throughout the week

SUNDAY, JULY 16TH

• Adult & Children Sunday Funday

• Beer Tent Entertainment

•Tractor Pull

• DJ and Beer Tent

Bring the entire family out during fair week there is something for everyone! Kids activities happening daily. For a complete list of events and times please visit marshallputnamfair.org or check us out on Facebook.

Liftoff for Space Adventures

KANKAKEE, Ill. — The Kankakee County Fair will be out of this world with fun as it highlights the area’s agriculture with an added dose of “space travel.”

The Space Adventures Thrill Show is new to the historic fair this year with two shows daily.

The show combines dangerous stunts with an educational foundation, teaching spectators about the moon, centrifugal force, the equipment to get to the moon and little-known facts about space travel.

“We pride ourselves in educating people of all ages using the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum. Using the laws of gravity to bring education in a very entertaining way to the entire family,” according to the Space Adventures Thrill Show website.

A full schedule of events kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 2, when the gates are open for exhibitors at 7

a.m. The day’s activities include a 4-H dairy cattle show, poultry and wildlife show, carnival, 4-H bunnies on parade costume contest, and garden tractor rodeo. The Creative Arts/Ag Building hosts open and junior competition for floriculture, horticulture, farm crops, collections and art. Opening day also features the first of many thrilling grandstand events with Kankakee County Speedway hot laps.

The daily Kidbucks game show returns this year. In Kidbucks, randomly selected members of the audience participate in wild and crazy games. Unlike many trivia-based game shows where contestants ring a bell and answer a question, Kidbucks is an

action-based game in which the contestants are competing in clever, creative, challenging and entertaining games of a physical nature. The grand champion enters the Kidbucks chamber and grabs as many “Kidbucks” as possible, as they swirl about the chamber. The bucks are tallied and redeemed for a prize based on how many bucks are collected.

Pompeyos Ranch, semifinalists in “America’s Got Talent” TV show, will perform with their amazing rescue dogs each day, as well.

4-H shows for horses and ponies, market gilts, dairy goats, beef, rabbits and sheep are on tap for Thursday, Aug. 3.

The popular Extreme School Bus Figure 8 race begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at the grandstand. Open and junior shows on tap for Friday, Aug. 4, include poultry and wildlife, horse and pony, beef cattle, boer goats, rabbits, swine and barrow.

The Illinois National Barrel Horse Association horse show begins at 5 p.m. Aug. 4 at the show arena, followed by a demolition derby at 7 p.m.

The livestock shows conclude Saturday, Aug.5, with rabbit and sheep open competition, adult and junior horse and pony shows, and games and speed open horse show. The 4-H livestock auction begins at 1 p.m. in the Cattle Show Arena.

The International Professional Rodeo Association championship rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 5. IPRA has become the sports sec-

ond largest professional rodeo association sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos. The IPRA has a membership base of over 2,400 members and currently sanctions rodeos across the U.S.

The Illinois National Barrel Horse Association horse show is on tap for 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6.

The fair will conclude with metal on metal in ACME’S Beater Bonanza, a demolition derby for 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder cars and trucks beginning at 6 p.m. For more information about the Kankakee County Fair, visit www.kankakeefair.org.

A new feature at this year’s Kankakee County Fair is the Space Adventures Thrill Show.

NEW BERLIN, Ill. — The Prairie State was still in its teens and Vandalia was the capital when the first Sangamon County Fair exhibited some top-quality local livestock on Oct. 22, 1835.

Six horses, two sheep, a yearling heifer and bull calf earned the top honors at the show held on an area farm.

From those humble beginnings, the Sangamon County Fair has always held true to its roots and has since transformed into a five-day event that draws visitors from throughout central Illinois and beyond with its high-quality exhibits and entertainment.

The fair kicks off with swine judging at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, and continues with a full slate of daily fun.

A unique feature each year at the fair is the Helping All Youth Learn Of Farming Techniques (HAYLOFT) exhibit, sponsored by the Sangamon County Farm

Sangamon County Fair June 14-18 318 W. Birch St. New Berlin, Illinois

Bureau, where parents and children can experience the daily life of a farmer. They will learn where their food comes from and what grains are in our foods by doing chores like gathering eggs and picking apples. They can also ride around on a tractor.

The Russel Miner Memorial Antique Tractor Drive rolls at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 17, presented by the Sangamon County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee. Nightly entertainment will be featured at the grandstand beginning Thursday, June 15, with the headliner Blackberry Smoke with Stoney LaRue. Blackberry Smoke was formed

www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIRS 2023 | Friday, June 2, 2023 13

in Atlanta in 2000. Their debut album, “Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime,” was released in 2003. Their second album “Little Piece of Dixie,” was released in 2009, and the album “You Hear Georgia” was released in 2021, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Chart.

A rodeo, presented by Rogue Rodeo, will be held at the grandstand Friday, June 16.

Rogue Rodeo is presented by Jerry Beaumont and Stephanie

Allgood, who state on their website: “Along with our little boys, we reside on a commercial cow/ calf operation in Monroe County, Iowa. Athletes and sports enthusiasts turned rodeo competitors, we see the sport of rodeo from a different perspective than most. In 2017, we recognized the need for another good rodeo company in Iowa and started Rogue Rodeo. We’re known for producing fastpaced, exciting, family-friendly rodeos in a professional manner.”

Saddle bronc riding is among the highlights that will be featured in a rodeo at the Sangamon County Fair grandstand June 16.

The popular demolition derby will be the grandstand feature on June 17 with a payout in six categories.

Call For Daily Bids 217-394-5700

Association and Illinois Tractor Pulling Association-sanction tractor pull Sunday, June 18. For a full schedule of daily events, go to www.sangcofair. com. GRANDSTAND SCHEDULE June 6th, 6 PM Little, Junior, and Queen Pageant Admission: Adults $5 Children $2 June 8th, 6 PM RC Car Races Admission: Free with Front gate admission June 9th, 6 PM Tractor Pull Admission: Free with Front gate admission June 10th, 6 PM Demo Derby Admission: TBD

2023 Vermilion County Fair One Earth. One Environment. One Solution. ETHAN OL Supporting Local Agriculture in Central Illinois Buying Corn Fro m YO UR Farm. Now Accepting Corn Up To 18% Moisture! 202N.JordanDrive GibsonCity, IL 60936 217-784-5321 www.oneearthenergy.com

June 6-10, 2023 1180 East Road, Oakwood, IL 61858 vermilionfair@gmail.com www.vermilioncountyfair.org 773-492-1902 SM-LA2078918

A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE BIKE EVERY DAY!

$7 Admission All Carnival Rides Tuesday 6-10 Wednesday 6-10 Thursday 6-10 Friday 5-11 Saturday 12-11 Grandstand Admission Thursday and Friday Night Four Free Bounce Houses While Carnival is Open! Petting Zoo Bob Bohm Entertainment Face Painting Mary Alice Ag Activity Zone

Fair features trotters, chart-topping artists

LINCOLN, Ill. — Self-described as “Illinois’ cleanest and best county fair,” the Logan County Fair delivers a multi-platinum record artist and a jam-packed slate of events.

Country music star Tracy Byrd with special guest Chris Cagle will headline the fair on Aug. 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds.

Byrd broke into the country music scene with his 1993 single, “Holdin’ Heaven,” which reached the top of the charts.

His second No. 1 his was “Ten Rounds of Jose Cuervo” in 2002. He has since charted more than 30 hit singles in his career, including 11 additional Top 10 hits.

4-H cat, guinea pig, home and family, and food, nutrition and health shows will begin July 29.

Logan County Fair

Known for its draw of top-notch trotters each year, the fair will host two days of harness racing.

Two- and three-year old horses will compete in Towline Trot and Pace and Illini Trot and Pace racing July 30 and July 31, respectively, beginning at 1:30 p.m. each day.

Judging for all general 4-H projects will ramp up July 31, and shows will continue each day.

Each day will conclude with special grandstand events beginning with the queen pageant on Aug. 1, followed the next eve -

ning with the 4-H Night/Scrambles.

Tractor pulls are slated for slated for Aug. 3, and a rodeo featuring Wooten Rodeo Company is on tap for the evening of Aug. 4. The 87th Logan County Fair

concludes Aug. 6 with a 2 p.m. demolition derby led by Robby’s Extreme Derby Promotions.

Also of note, Aug. 3 has been designated as Veteran’s Day and offers free admission and parking for veterans.

Senior Day will be held Aug. 4 and features free admission and parking until 5 p.m. for seniors 65 and over.

A detailed daily schedule of events will soon be available at www.logancountyfairil.com. July25-292023

Harness racing will be featured July 30-31 at the Logan County Fair in Lincoln, Illinois.

State’s oldest fair marks 177th year

LAPORTE, Ind. — Make new memories at the 177th LaPorte County Fair, July 8-15.

Country music singer

Jordan Davis is headlining a concert July 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Indiana’s oldest fair also features time-honored traditions, such as Pioneer Land., which takes visitors back in time. Stops include a log cabin, blacksmith shop, antique post and beam barn, one-room schoolhouse, post office, general store, Farm Bureau cabin, pioneer heritage garden, outdoor cooking kitchen, quilter’s cabin, artisan barn and wash house.

The entire village was funded and is operated by

Six big

volunteers depicting the 1800-1840s time period.

Pioneer Land will be open 12-9 p.m. every day.

Other staples of this year’s fair include:

LaPorte County Fair

July 8-15

2581 W. State Rd. 2 LaPorte, Indiana

• Rodeo Time, July 8 at 7 p.m.

•Demolition Derby, July 9 at 7 p.m.

• Figure 8 Demolition Derby, July 10 at 7 p.m.

• Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, July 10-13, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Demolition Derby, July 14 at 7 p.m.

• Monster Truck Show, July 15 at 7 p.m. Learn more at www. lpfair.com.

days of fun at Illinois’ largest fair

BELVIDERE, Ill. — It all started in March 1963 when the Boone County Pomona Grange members decided to keep the Boone County Fair alive and purchased 80 acres of bare farmland on Route 76 one mile north of Belvidere.

This leap of faith by area Grange members 60 years ago kept the Boone County Fair going and growing.

Sixty years later, it has expanded to 183 acres with many buildings, barns, stages, a 2 ,000-seat grandstand, paved roadways, modern restrooms, dining hall, permanent food stands, gazebos, half-mile dirt track, extensive lighting and sound, 200 permanent benches along with a year-round administration building and grounds maintenance shop — a great venue for a wide variety of activities mid-April to Nov. 1, including the biggest event of them all, the Boone County Fair, voted the No. 1 festival/fair in the Rock River Valley for 2021 and 2022 in the “What Rocks” Community Choice

Boone County Fair

Aug. 8-13

8847 Illinois Route 76 Belvidere, Illinois

Awards.

The Boone County Fair is the largest county fair in the state of Illinois, averaging 213,000 fairgoers attending each of the last five fairs. And 2023 should be no exception with six big days of fun Aug. 8-13.

This year’s grandstand shows feature country music artist Tracy Byrd on Saturday evening. Opening for him will be Feudin’ Hillbillys, a band from Champaign.

There will be gas and diesel pickup truck pulls along with super stock garden tractor pulls Wednesday evening, tractor and truck pulls all day Thursday, professional bull riding Friday evening, and two demo derbies on Sunday. It all kicks off Tuesday with the annual Miss Boone County Fair Queen

and Little Miss Pageant at the Grandstand.

The fair features some of the best livestock shows in the state for draft horses, ponies, goats, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, rabbits, poultry and swine.

Three large commercial buildings will feature home ec, ag and art exhibits, as well as vendors. Spread throughout the grounds will be a wide variety of delicious fair food. Skinner’s Midway and C arnival features a new, expanded kiddie ride section. Free entertainment and attractions will be featured throughout the grounds daily, including the large Free Entertainment Pavilion, a restored one-room schoolhouse, huge antique tractor display, the Grange Hall and Museum and the 4-H Wee Farm Petting Zoo.

For ticket prices, fair schedule and information on entering in either the livestock or non-livestock competitions, go to www. boonecountyfair.com.

Showing livestock is a tradition at the LaPorte County Fair.

Fun competitions include cupcake decorating contest

FREEPORT, Ill. — A cupcake decorating contest will be held for the first time during the Stephenson County Fair.

The Live Cupcake Decorating Contest is planned for 4 p.m. in the Dining Hall on July 29. This is a chance for contestants to showcase their decorating skills and cupcake artistry.

Two categories will compete — ages 5 to 13, and 14 and older. Cupcakes will be judged on creativity, technique, presentation and overall appearance.

The Lego Building Contest will also be held on July 29 at 2 p.m. behind the grandstand. Prizes will be awarded to the first place of each age group based on creativity.

Contestants will have 60 minutes to assemble their creation and they will be divided into four age categories.

Monroe Commercial Truck Equipment is presenting a welding compe -

Stephenson County Fair

July 25-29

2250 S. Walnut Road

Freeport, Illinois

tition on the opening day of the fair. This event will include two divisions — a trade weld test competition and an art competition. Events are planned for the grandstand each night of the fair starting with the Midwest Nationals Truck and Tractor Pull at 6 p.m. on both July 25 and July 26.

Classes for the opening night include unlimited super stock tractors, super farm tractors, pro stock diesel trucks, light weight super stock tractors and limited pro stock tractors. On July 26, pullers will compete with their light pro stock tractors, pro stock tractors, limited pro tractors, light limited super stocks and pro stock

diesel trucks.

Fun and interactive activities will be held throughout the evening on July 27 for Youth and Family Night, which is free admission at the grandstand.

Sponsored by the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, events include the queen presentation, friend of the fair, chicken scrambles, mutton busting and Ag Olympics.

Pro bull riding and barrel racing is the highlight of the Bulls & Barrels event at 7 p.m. on July 28. The night will be fun for the whole family with rodeo clowns and kids activities.

The demolition derby will begin at 7 p.m. on July 29. Tickets are $10 for adults, children under 7 are free, and a pit pass is $25.

Admission to the fair is $5 per person, except for July 27, which is $2 per person; kids 7 and younger are fre e and a season pass is $20 per person.

Jordan Davis to perform at Sandwich Fair

SANDWICH, Ill. — Jordan Davis will perform on the main stage at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 during the Sandwich Fair.

Davis was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018 and was awarded Best New Country Artist at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards. He has over 4 billion streams worldwide.

The opening acts for the concert will be Flatland Cavalry and Danielle Bradbery.

Tickets for the concert go on sale at 10 a.m. July 11. Ticket prices are $45 for the pit area and $35 for the festival area.

Sandwich Fair

Sept. 6-10

15730 Pratt Road

Sandwich, Illinois

Covering 185 acres, the fair features lots of entertainment that is included with admission, ranging from strolling acts for all ages to a variety of bands at the Agland Stage and the Home Arts Stage.

On the first day of the fair, harness racing will start at 11 a.m. and there also will be remote-control car racing at the track.

Motor sports activities

are set for Thursday night, Saturday and Sunday. The NTPA Truck Pulls will start at 6:30 p.m. at the track. Two shows of NTPA Tractor Pulls will be held on Saturday at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Two shows for the demolition derby on the last day of the fair are planned for 1 and 3:30 p.m. The antique car show will fill a section of the track infield on Sunday.

Some of the classic buildings at the fair date back to the 1800s. Fair history will be on display in the History Museum.

Parking is free at the fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.sandwichfair.com.