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/.