AGN_County Fairs 2024

SPECIAL SECTION

Free Summerfest event on tap at Warren County Fair

ROSEVILLE, Ill. — The Summerfest and Family Night at the Warren County Agricultural Fair is free with fun events for all ages on Wednesday, July 17.

“This is the second year for the Summerfest with the Regional Office of Education,” said Tina Huston, secretary-treasurer for the Warren County Agricultural Fair. “We had a lot of people come out for that last year.”

Starting at 5 p.m., the Summerfest will include bounce houses, kiddie pedal pull, chicken and pig scramble, water events, petting zoo and Ag Olympics.

Three young ladies will be crowned during the Queen Pageant on July 13 — the Queen, Junior Miss and Little Miss.

The mud volleyball competition is set for 1 p.m. in the horse arena on Sunday, July 14.

“That is really popular and kids of all ages can participate,” Huston said.

The grandstand events feature a rodeo, demo derby and figure 8 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

“County Line Diner will be serving food on the night of the rodeo,” said Jon Strickler,

Color Run for Fun to benefit CreatiVets

Big-name artists included in lineup

HENRY, Ill. — This year’s “Once Upon A-Fair” theme continues Marshall-Putnam Fair’s 103-year tradition of excellence.

The fair will feature 4-H and livestock shows and sale, harness racing, livestock judging, non-livestock judging, free kid games, wine-tasting event, exhibits, talent contest, queen pageants, car and antique tractor shows, stock and antique tractor pulls, grandstand shows, kids’ activities, senior citizens program, demolition derby, vendors, fair food and more.

Warren County Fair

July 13-20, 625 N. Chamberlain St., Roseville, Illinois

president of the fair. “They will be serving smoked brisket and smoked pork and we’re really excited to have them at the fair.”

In addition, bands are scheduled for all three nights after the grandstand events.

“Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters will be playing on Friday night,” Strickler said. “They draw a crowd.”

“We have a livestock auction and the community and businesses come together to give back to the kids and all the proceeds go to the kids,” Huston added. “We really try to cater to the kids at our fair and the bucket calf show is always very cute.”

The fair’s cake auction is also a crowd favorite.

“It is fun for the kids to see who can get the highest bid,” Huston said. “The money from that event goes to the fair.”

For more information about the Warren County Agricultural Fair, go to www.ilwcf. com.

One of this year’s premier events will feature a salute to veterans by teaming up with CreatiVets for a Color Run for Fun on July 16, where participants will be doused from head to toe with nontoxic powder of different colors.

Wear white or light-colored clothing. All proceeds from the run, as well as a drawing, will benefit CreatiVets.

CreatiVets is a nonprofit organization that empowers wounded veterans with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries to heal through art and music.

Richard Casper, CreatiVets cofounder and Washburn native, served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps infantry. During his deployment, he was hit by four IEDs in four months, causing him to suffer from a traumatic brain injury.

Upon returning home, Casper found it hard to adjust and suffered from PTSD until he discovered the healing power of music and art.

After experiencing firsthand the impact of music and art on his own recovery, he cofounded CreatiVets to help other veterans who are suffering.

Casper, a Purple Heart recipient, is an artist, entrepreneur and a songwriter with over 70 placements in film and TV.

The Marshall-Putnam Fair is known for drawing big-name artists to perform and this year

The top three Angus heifers entered in the Marshall-Putnam Fair Beef Jackpot Show line up for a photo at the conclusion of the 2023 judging. The livestock show also features sheep, goats, swine, horses and rabbits.

Marshall-Putnam Fair

July 14-21, 915 University Ave., Henry, Illinois

will not disappoint as Tracy Lawrence will headline a concert July 18.

Southern rock and country music band Confederate Railroad will open the show. An acoustic performance by Tyson Schulte, a Quad City area native, will kick off the evening.

Lawrence has sold over 13 million albums and charted numerous No. 1 hits. His most commercially successful albums, “Alibis” in 1993 and “Time Marches On in 1996, were both certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Lawrence has charted more than 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including eight songs that reached the No. 1 position: “Sticks and Stones,” “Alibis,” “Can’t Break It to My Heart,” “My Second Home, “If the Good Die Young,” “Texas Tornado, “Time Marches On” and “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.”

Of those, “Time Marches On” is his longest-lasting at three weeks, while “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” set a record at the time for the fastest ascent to

the top of that chart. He has won Top New Male Vocalist from Billboard in 1993 and from the Academy of Country Music in 1993.

Lawrence earned a Grammy nomination in 1997 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. He’s a six-time nominee and two-time winner for Academy of Country Music Awards.

His “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” earned him Vocal Event of the Year awards from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association in 2008 and 2007, respectively. He was the Top New Male Vocalist Award recipient in 1993 at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Confederate Railroad released their self-titled debut album, followed by four more albums in the 1990s for Atlantic. In addition, 18 of their singles entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

The band’s most recent studio album, “Lucky to Be Alive,” was issued on the D&B Masterworks label in 2016.

The band released their first live album, “Confederate Railroad Live: Back to the Barrooms,” on the E1 Music label in 2010.

For a complete schedule of events, go to marshallputnamfair.org.

The Warren County Agricultural Fair, particularly the bucket calf show at the fair, caters to the kids.

Monster trucks add horsepower to lineup at Boone County Fair

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Four wellknown names in the monster truck world will roll onto the grandstand track of the Boone County Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to add some horsepower to the fair’s weekday schedule.

“We have had a tremendous reaction online and on our social media to the announcement of this event and we are very excited for it. We’re hoping to sell out the grandstand on the first time on a Wednesday night,” said Tom Ratcliffe, a member of the Boone County Fair board and the PR and communications director for the fair.

“Blockhead,” “Dirt Crew,” “Dozer” and “Maximus” will be the featured attractions in the Triple Threat Monster Truck Spectacular. The event starts at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 in the grandstand and tickets are on sale now.

“The event also includes SXS racing and tuff truck racing. It’s going to be quite a show,” Ratcliffe said.

The Boone County Fair opens on Aug. 6 and continues through Aug. 11 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in rural Belvidere.

The annual Boone County Fair Queen pageant opens the grandstand events on Aug. 6.

“After the pageant finishes, we have to go out there and construct a monster truck alley and track,” Ratcliffe said.

The fair’s grandstand events continue on Thursday, with tractor and truck pulls and on Friday night, when Next Level Professional Bull Riding brings its Midwest tour to the fair.

Scotty McCreery, one of the youngest performers to ever win “American Idol,” takes the grandstand stage on Saturday night. McCreery just wrapped up his nationwide “Cab in a Solo” Tour. McCreery rocketed to fame in 2011 when he won the 10th season of “American Idol,” at age 17. His debut single, that he performed after he was announced as winner, is “I Love You This Big.” McCreery recently released

“Rise and Fall,” his newest album, that includes “Cab in a Solo,” as well as “No Country for Old Men” and “Stuck Behind a Tractor.”

Some of McCreery’s earlier hits include “Five More Minutes,” “In Between,” “You Time,” “This Is It” and “Damn Strait.”

Greylan James, who has earned accolades for his songs that have been performed by Kenny Chesney, Chris Janson, Blake Shelton and Chris Young, will open for McCreery.

James wrote the song, “Happy Does,” that Chesney released as the third single on his 2020 album, “Here and Now.”

James’s own songs include “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You,” “2 Years Back,” “You and Jesus” and “Old Truck Young Love.”

On Sunday, the grandstands roar back to life with two demolition derbies.

The Boone County Fair offers a full schedule of free entertainment for families.

“We like to offer a lot of entertainment and activities that families can come and enjoy each day on the fairgrounds,” Ratcliffe said.

“This year, some of our free entertainment includes the Rhinestone Roper, a cowboy and his horse that do roping tricks; The Ready Go Dog Show, a dog frisbee and agility show that features rescue dogs performing a variety of agility and frisbee tricks; the Great Lakes Timber Show, a lumberjack show that includes axe throwing, log rolling and chainsaw woodcarving; and the First Bite Fish Tank, where anglers of all ages can learn to fish, watch others fish or just view the underwater world of a giant fish tank.

“We also have our traditional antique tractor show, where we’ll have 150 to 200 vintage tractors, all makes and models, on display

Boone County Fair

Aug. 6-11, 8847 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere, Illinois

each day of the fair. We will have the Wee Farm Petting Zoo, as well as fair events like livestock shows and our three big exhibit halls, with exhibits and vendors.”

The fair’s entertainment pavilion opens each day at noon and will feature a variety of live local music and other entertainment, including farm broadcaster Max Armstrong, who will be at the fair at noon on Wednesday.

When it comes to keeping fairgoers well fed and hydrated, the Boone County Fair does double duty, with local civic groups operating various food concessions at the fair.

“We have a lot of civic and community groups who participate in the fair every year. They sell food and they use that as their big fundraiser or one of their big fundraisers for the year,” Ratcliffe said.

Different Boy Scout troops operate concessions on the grounds.

“One of the troops has a baked potato stand, which has become very popular, and the other troop, by the grandstand, sells ice cream,” Ratcliffe said.

Other groups include the local Cosmopolitan Club, which sells sweet corn; the local Lions Club, which offers pork chop sandwiches; and the Merri Milk Maids, members of the North Boone Community Unit School District 200 Booster Club, who run an ice cream stand near the main gate.

The Boone County Fair is owned and operated by the Granges of Boone County. Those include Beaver Valley Grange, Big Thunder Grange, County Line Grange, Capron Grange, Flora Grange, Prairie Grange, LeRoy Community Grange and Pomona Grange.

Chart-toppers headline fair

MELVIN, Ill. — Not one, but two headline acts will team up with the popular Illiana truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby and a full slate of other fun at the 98-year-old Ford County Fair.

The fair kicks off with a horse show and jackpot breeding gilt show Sunday, followed by a packed schedule over the next six days.

Country music artists Rodney Atkins and Chris Cagle will each perform on the main stage Friday night, June 28.

Cagle, who will take the stage first, charted his first song in 2000, “My Love Goes On and On,” and followed that up with multiple more chart-topping hits like “Laredo,” “What Kinda Gone,” “Chicks Dig It” and “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” a No. 1 hit.

Cagle’s debut album, “Play it Loud,” hit gold status, and he was an Academy of Country Music nominee for top new male vocalist in 2002. That same year he earned CMT Flameworthy’s Breakthrough Video of the Year Award.

The next act is a country music artist with six No. 1 singles, eight top 5 singles and 3.8 billion career streams. Atkins continues to be recognized as one of the most potent voices in country music.

Atkins, a native of Knoxville,

Ford County Fair

June 23-29, 329 E. Third St., Melvin, Illinois

Tennessee, charted his first single on the Billboard country chart in 1997.

His first album, “Honesty,” included the hit singles, “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” and “Watching You,” both of which spent four weeks on top of the country music chart. The album has since been certified platinum.

Atkins has received six nominations from the Academy of Country Music and two from the Country Music Association, winning Top New Male Vocalist Award from the former in 2006. Illiana Pullers Association-sanctioned truck and tractor pulls are on tap for to nights — June 26-27. Prize money will be awarded in six classes.

The fair’s finale will feature a demolition derby with limited weld, vans, compact and 1980s bone stock classes.

Other highlights include livestock and home judging competitions, rides, the Ford County 4-H premium auction, petting zoo and much more.

Details of the Ford County Fair can be found at fordcountyfair.org.

McCreery

Illiana Pullers Association-sanctioned truck and tractor pulls will be featured June 26-27 at the Ford County Fair.

4-H members show sheep at Jasper County Fair in 2023.

Jasper County Fair celebrates centennial

RENSSELAER, Ind. —

The Jasper County Fair is marking its 100th anniversary with a spectacular celebration July 20-27. This milestone event promises a blend of tradition and excitement.

The opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on July 20 in the Show Arena will feature a 100-year presentation, the National Anthem sung by John Vincent, the National Anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs, a children’s choir and an ice cream social.

A 100-year celebration parade will be held at noon on July 21, with awards for division winners. Centennial merchandise will be for sale in the Community Building.

The fair’s Grandstand will host a series of thrilling events most evenings at 7 p.m.:

• Saturday, July 20 — Truck and tractor pull

• Sunday, July 21 — Mud

Jasper County Fair

July 20-27, 3671 W. Clark St., Rensselaer, Indiana

drags

• Tuesday, July 23 — ATV barrel racing

• Wednesday, July 24 — D&D Pro Rodeo

• Thursday, July 25 —

Micro Wrestling

• Friday, July 26 — Demolition Derby

• Saturday, July 27 — Monster trucks

Free Stage Entertainment

The Free Stage will feature nightly performances at 7 p.m.:

• Saturday, July 20 — 45 RPM

• Sunday, July 21 — Finley River Boys

• Monday, July 22 — The Nerd Band

• Tuesday, July 23 — Jake Dodds

• Wednesday, July 24 —

Warranted

• Thursday, July 25 — The Flying Toasters

• Friday, July 26 — Mellencougar

• Saturday, July 27 — Party Foul

Sunday will also include a variety of family-friendly acts such as the Silly Safari, balloon animals, magicians and puppet shows in the Free Stage Tent.

Visitors can enjoy wood carving demonstrations, Bob’s Bumpy Barrel rides, the First Bite Fishing experience, a comedy circus, hypnotist performances and the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers.

Senior Day on July 23 features special programs, including a Jasper County Extension Homemakers Reunion from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Community Building will host the Jasper County Cake and Pie Contest at 6:15 p.m. on July 20. Other activities in the Com-

The granges operate their own food building in the center of the fairgrounds, that includes a kitchen, as well as a dining hall.

“During the fair, we have a dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Sunday. Thursday is pulled pork, Friday is fish, Saturday is barbecued chicken and Sunday is barbecued pork chops,” Ratcliffe said. For more information on the 2024 Boone County Fair, call the fair office at 815-544-2900, or go to www. boonecountyfair.com.

munity Building throughout the week include crafts, foam bubbles, magic shows, choir performances and a 100-year display.

The 4-H Supreme Showman show is at 5:30 p.m. on July 25. The 4-H livestock auction takes place on July 26, with lunch at noon and the auction at 2 p.m.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

In honor of the centennial, the fair is compiling a 100-year cookbook. Pre-orders can be made by emailing jcfacookbook@gmail. com.

Additionally, community members are encouraged to submit old photos and memorabilia by July 1 to jcfa100yearmail@gmail. com.

The fair will also host a baby photo contest and an oldest fair photo contest, with more details available at jaspercountyfair.weebly. com.

Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair set for July 9-13

KENTLAND, Ind. — The 105th annual Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair is just around the corner, taking place July 9-13.

This year’s fair promises a mix of traditional events and diverse entertainment, making it a highlight of the summer for the community.

The festivities kick off early with harness racing at noon on Saturday, July 6. This exciting event is free for all attendees and will be held at the Grandstand.

Monday, July 8, features the Little Miss and Mister Pageant at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Teen and Queen Pageant at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for box seats at $8, general admission at $5 and children ages 3 to 6 years at $2, with children 2 and under admitted for free.

At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, the D&D Pro Rodeo takes center stage. Seating options include box seats and infield seating at $15 and general admission at $10. Children ages 3 to 6 years can attend for $2,

while those 2 and under are free.

Wednesday is 4-H Night and Battle of the Barns, a free event starting at 7 p.m. On Thursday, at 7 p.m., the fair will host dirt drag racing, with infield and box seating at $15 and general admission at $10.

Friday brings the IPA Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. Box seats are $15, infield seating is

$20 and general admission is $10. Children ages 3 to 6 years are $2, with children 2 and under free.

The fair concludes on Saturday with a day packed with activities.

At 1 p.m., the Pedal Tractor Pull welcomes participants ages 3 to 12 and adults, with registration at 12:30 p.m.

The highlight of the evening is the Demo Derby at 7:30 p.m.,

Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair

July 9-13, 12189 S. Punkin Vine Road, Kentland, Indiana

hosted by Bent Steel Promotions.

Box and infield seating is $15 and general admission is $10. Tickets for children ages 3 to 6 are $2 and children 2 and under are free.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances on the Free Stage:

• Tuesday, July 9: The Hall Family (gospel music) — 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Holley Drive Acoustic Duo (classic rock and country) — 8 to 10 p.m.

• Wednesday, July 10: Phil King DJ Service (variety) — 7 to 9 p.m.

• Thursday, July 11: Andrews Family Magic Show of Wonder — 7 to 7:40 p.m.; Stephen Montemayer (cello performance) — 8 to 9:30 p.m.

• Friday, July 12: DJ Vince

Lowe and Daughter Lindsay (variety) — 5 to 7 p.m.; Big Dog Mercer Band (Chicago blues and rock) — 8 to 10 p.m.

• Saturday, July 13: John David Daily Band (country and rock) — 7 to 10 p.m.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

This year, Alexxys Standish, the first representative from Newton County to be crowned the Indiana State Fair Queen, will be a notable guest. Standish, who plans to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy, is also actively involved in the Kentland Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Volunteer Fire Association and the Miss Flame Organization. She will travel approximately 6,500 miles in June and July, visiting 45 counties as a State Fair Ambassador.

Learn more at newtoncountyfair.weebly.com.

THURSDAY AUGUST 8TH

Newton County pageant winners attend the Demo Derby at last year’s fair.

Champaign County Fair chock-full

URBANA, Ill. — The Champaign County Fair has been a popular draw for visitors from not only east-central Illinois, but also across Illinois and Indiana for over 170 years.

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.

Headlining the grandstand stage this year will be performances by Josh Turner and Tigirlily Gold on Friday, July 26.

Turner, a Grammy Award nominee for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album in 2006, was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2007.

At the time, he and Carrie Un-

Champaign County Fair

July 19-27, 1302 N. Coler Ave., Urbana, Illinois

derwood were the youngest members of the Opry. He was inducted by Vince Gill.

Turner’s career began in 2003 when he signed to MCA Nashville Records. That same year, his debut album’s title track, “Long Black Train,” was his breakthrough single release.

His second album, “Your Man,” in 2006 accounted for his first two No. 2 hits, “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me.”

His 2007 album, “Everything is Fine,” included “Firecracker,” which reached No. 2.

“Haywire,” released in 2010, produced his biggest hit, the four-week No. 1 hit “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and another No.

1, “All Over Me.”

It was followed by his album, “Punching Bag,” in 2012, whose lead-off single, “Time is Love,” was the biggest country hit of 2012, according to Billboard Year-End.

Tigirlily Gold is the 2024 American Country Music’s New Duo or Group of the Year Award winner.

On the same day of the concert, the duo of sisters Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh will be releasing their debut studio album, “Blonde.”

The two began performing music as teenagers, uploading cover songs to YouTube before moving to Nashville in 2017 to attend Belmont University.

After graduating, they uploaded cover songs to TikTok during the pandemic, which led to them receiving attention on social media.

Songwriter and record producer Shane McAnally discov-

ered the duo and signed them to the Nashville branch of Monument Records, of which he is a co-owner.

Monument released their self-titled EP in 2021, and they began performing at a Nashville bar owned by Dierks Bentley and changed their name to Tigirlily Gold.

In 2023, the duo released a second EP, titled “Blonde,” which includes their debut radio single, “Shoot Tequila,” which peaked at No. 47 on Billboard Country Airplay. They released “I Tried a Ring On” as their second radio single in January.

The fair’s grandstand events kick off Friday, July 19, with dirt track racing, followed each night with other highlights including a demolition derby, draft horse pulls, draft horse show, harness racing, monster trucks, rodeo, and truck and tractor pulls sanctioned by the Illiana Pullers Association and Illinois Tractor Pulling Association.

Further details of the fair’s events can be found at champaigncountyfair.cc.

Josh Turner performs at the Champaign County Fair July 26.

Savor summer at 178th annual LaPorte County Fair

LAPORTE, Ind. — The LaPorte County Fair, one of the oldest and most celebrated fairs in Indiana, returns July 6-13 for its 178th year.

The event promises a week of fun-filled activities, delicious food and a variety of entertainment options for the entire family.

This year’s fair will feature live music and performances, including a concert by rising country star Priscilla Block at 8 p.m. on July 9.

Attendees can also look forward to thrilling carnival rides, which will be available from Monday through Saturday.

Visitors should not miss Pioneerland, a historical village located within the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.

Established in 1995 to celebrate the fair’s 150th anniversary, Pioneerland showcases life from the 1800-1840 period.

LaPorte County Fair

July 6-13,

LaPorte, Indiana

The village includes a log cabin, blacksmith shop, oneroom schoolhouse, post office, general store and more, all meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers. All buildings in Pioneerland are handicap accessible.

The fair has designated special days to honor different community groups.

Seniors aged 62 and up can enjoy free admission on Seniors Day, July 8. Veterans and active military personnel will be admitted free on Veterans Day, July 11.

Among the fair’s popular attractions are a live shark and stingray encounter, Oakley the Tree Man and a Royal Bengal Tiger Show. Other crowd-pleasers include a rodeo, demolition derby, Bear Hollow wood carvers and the Silly Safari show. Learn more at

Lee Co. Fair & 4-H Show

Horses enter the Draft Horse Barn at LaPorte County Fair.

Motorsports, pageant planned

OLNEY, Ill. — A special event is planned for each day of the Richland County Fair, including the Miss Richland County Pageant on Monday, July 22.

Holly Duncan 2023 Miss Richland County Fair Queen

The pageant, which will also include the Little Miss Pageant, will start at 7 p.m.

Two nights of tractor pulling will be held on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20. On Friday, the Epic Services Pro Stock Diesels will compete along with local gas and diesel pullers.

The Illinois Stock Pullers Association and the Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers Association drivers will compete during the Saturday event. The pulling events will start at 7 p.m. both nights.

Visitors to the fair can enjoy

Richland County Fair

July 19-27, 502 White Squirrel Drive, Olney, Illinois

the talent show for free at The Bandshell on Tuesday, July 23. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the event.

Go-Kart Racing is also planned for that night including several classes of competition.

The last two days of the fair feature motor events, the Motocross on Friday and the Demolition Derby on Saturday.

Sponsored by LeMond’s Motorsports Olney, the Motocross competition starts at 7 p.m. and will include both Quad and Motorcycle classes.

Drivers in the Demolition Derby have the opportunity to compete for the $11,250 purse. Several classes are scheduled.

For more information about the Richland County Fair, go to www.richlandcountyfair.org.

Monster trucks roll into Peotone

PEOTONE, Ill. — Monsters and motorsports will dominate the midway — and the track — for the 2024 Will County Fair.

The monster truck show, including appearances by famous big wheels Bounty Hunter and Scarlet Bandit, rolls onto the track on Friday, Aug. 23. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Motor sports fans will have plenty to do at the fair, which starts Aug. 21 and continues through Aug. 25.

The Illinois Truck and Tractor Pulling Association opens the four-wheeled events with a tractor and truck pull on Thursday.

The pull starts at 6:30 p.m. and features 8,500-pound limited pro stock, 6,850-pound pro farm, 9,500-pound pro farm and light modified classes.

On Saturday, the popular Will County Fair demolition derby returns to the track. The event will include 4- and 6-cylinder

CELEBRATING OUR 88TH YEAR!

LOGAN COUNTY FAIR

LINCOLN, ILLINOIS

The Cleanest and Best County Fair in the State July 28-August 4, 2024

• Rodeo

• Queen Pageant

• Demolition Derby

• Livestock Scrambles

• ITPA Tractor Pull

• Nashville Country Music

• Three Days of Harness Racing

• 4-H, Junior, Open Livestock Exhibits

• Richard Tinsley Amusements Carnival

Will County Fair

Aug. 21-25, 710 S. West St., Peotone, Illinois

vehicles, 80s and newer street stock and powderpuff vehicles, old iron, and mini van, SUV and mini trucks.

On Sunday, the grandstand action switches from wheels to spurs for the International Pro Rodeo Association rodeo, starting at 2 p.m.

For music fans, the beer tent will offer a variety of performances designed to appeal to every musical taste.

4Cast, a rhythm and blues group from Indianapolis, kicks off the fair’s entertainment offerings on Thursday, starting at 8 p.m.

Nashville Electric Company, a country music party band out of Yorkville, brings its own brand of boot scooting fun to the beer

garden stage on Friday, starting at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, a return to classic rock is on tap as Any Given Weekend, a Chicagoland classic rock band, will perform, starting at 8 p.m.

The Mid Life Crisis Band, a classic rock cover band playing classic rock, blues and original songs, will take the stage at 6 p.m. on Sunday to finish out the fair.

The Family Entertainment Tent will offer a daily schedule of events, activities and entertainment that are free for fairgoers to enjoy.

The open and junior shows will take place throughout the fair. The 2024 fair book and entry forms will be updated and available in early June.

For more information on the Will County Fair or event tickets, call the fair office at 708-258-9359, or go to www.willcountyfair.org.

Blue Steel concert among highlights of Carroll County Fair

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ill. — Blue Steel will perform a concert at the Carroll County Fair on Friday, Aug. 9.

The country and rock band won the Rockford Area Music Industry Artist of the Year in 2019 and the Best Country Cover band from 2019 through 2023. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the grandstand and track are free with a fair wristband.

Truck and tractor pulling will be held on both Tuesday and Wednesday of the fair. Tuesday night competitions will feature the Tri-County Pullers and the Illini State Truck Pull.

The Badger State Tractor Pull is set for Wednesday night. The competition will start at 6:30 p.m. on both nights and admission is free.

In addition to the carnival on all five days of the fair, several kid events will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10. Kids should bring their ow n battery-powered Big

Wheel to compete in the Power Big Wheel Races at 10:30 a.m.

Open to kids from 2 to 7 years old, there is no entry fee for them to race on the track in front of the grandstand.

Bicycle Races will also begin at 10:30 a.m. for kids 2 to 16 years

old. Kids can race with their own bicycle and there is no entry fee.

The following prizes will be awarded: first place, $10; second place, $8; third place, $5; fourth place, $3; and fifth place, $2.

The Ninja Farmer competition will be held at 11 a.m., rain or

shine, in front of the grandstand. Games may be messy and wet.

Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age division with everyone also receiving ice cream. Age divisions are: Division 1 — 7 to 8; Division 2 — 9 to 10; Division 3 — 11 to 12; and Division 4 — 13 to 14.

Aug.

At 1 p.m., the Kiddie Tractor Pull will be open to all boys and girls weighing from 10 to 80 pounds. The top three kids pulling the longest distance in the three weight classes will win a trophy.

Presented by Robbo’s Extreme Derby Promotions, the Demolition Derby is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. The minimum payout for the competitors is $11,000 and the top five drivers will receive cash prizes.

Daily admission to the fair is $10; children 7 years and under are free. A season wristband is $30 and exhibitor wristbands are $20.

For more information about the Carroll County Fair, go to www.carrollcountyfair.info.

Diamond Rio headlines fair’s country concert

LINCOLN, Ill. — It will be 700 fenceposts to the Logan County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 3, as the popular country group Diamond Rio takes the stage at the fairgrounds in Lincoln in central Illinois.

The group, which had a list of hits in the 1990s, including their first hit single, “Meet In the Middle,” will perform, along with country singer and songwriter Adam Doleac, at 7:30 p.m.

The 2024 Logan County Fair opens on July 28 and runs through Aug. 4.

Diamond Rio became the first country group to have its debut single go to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

The group also racked up awards along the way, including multiple Grammys, Academy of Country Music awards and Coun-

Logan County Fair

July 28-Aug. 4, 1408 Short 11th St., Lincoln, Illinois

try Music Association awards.

The band, which underwent several personnel changes throughout the years, put out a long list of popular tunes.

Four of those, “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess” and “I Believe” made it to the top of the charts.

In 2011, the group won a Grammy in the category of Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for their album, “The Reason.”

For more information on the Logan County Fair, contact the fair office at 217-732-3311, or go to www.logancountyfairil.com.

August 21st - 25th 2024 • PEOTONE, IL SCHEDULE OF FAIR EVENTS

Wednesday, August 21st

“Family & Dollar Day”

• Admission & Rides are only $1 ALL DAY

• Free Ping Pong Drop / Touch a Truck @ 5:30pm

Thursday, August 22nd

“Senior Citizen and Veterans Day”

• I.T.P.A. Tractor & Truck Pulls @ 6:30pm

• Beer Garden: 4CAST @8pm

Friday, August 23rd “Monster Truck Day”

• Monster Truck Show @ 7pm

• Beer Garden: Nashville Electric @ 8pm

Saturday, August 24th

“Scramble Race & Derby Day”

• Will County Fair Scramble & Scramble Derby @ 1pm

• Will County Fair Demolition Derby @ 6:20pm

• Beer Garden: Any Given Weekend @ 8pm Sunday, August 25th “I.P.R.A. Rodeo Day”

• I.P.R.A. World Championship Rodeo @ 2pm

• Beer Garden: Mid Life Crisis Band @ 6pm

Tickets: $1.50 each / 22 for $30 Wednesday Rides are $1 & Thursday Wrist Bands available for $35

Diamond Rio and Adam Doleac will be the performers for the 2024 Logan County Fair Concert on Saturday, Aug. 3. Diamond Rio became the first country group to have its debut single go to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

Myriad of exhibits, judging at Livingston County Fair

PONTIAC, Ill. — Horticulture, small engines, gardening, entomology, animal science, sports fishing, small engines, welding, livestock shows, you name it, it’s all featured at the Livingston County Agricultural Fair.

The fair, in its 94th year, begins with a full day of activities on Wednesday, July 17, including a multitude of judging contests beginning with a sheep show at 8 a.m., followed by dairy, goat and dog shows, along with many other exhibits and judging events.

In keeping with the fair’s longstanding traction, the next three days are packed with agricultural and home exhibits and judging.

The fair’s annual rodeo, tractor pulls and demolition derby are huge spectator draws each year.

Livingston County Fair

July 17-20, 18142 4-H Park Road, Pontiac, Illinois

rodeos in a professional manner.

Ag games will be held in the grandstand area at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18.

Rogue Rodeo Productions, based in Albia, Iowa, is operated by Jerry Beaumont and Stephanie Allgood. Along with their young boys, they have a commercial cow/calf operation.

Athletes and sports enthusiasts turned rodeo competitors, they see the sport of rodeo from a different perspective than most. In 2017, they recognized the need for another good rodeo company and started Rogue Rodeo.

Rogue Rodeo is known for producing fast-paced, exciting, family-friendly

Following the king and queen crowning and scholarship presentation, the Rogue Rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 17.

Grandstand action continues Friday, with Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Prior to that event, a kiddie tractor pull is planned 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.

Ramer Race Promotions, based in Mendota, has been promoting demolition derbies throughout Illinois for over 20 years.

Detailed daily schedules can be found at www. livingstoncountyagfair.com.

Rogue Rodeo will provide family-friendly action at the Livingston County Fair in Pontiac, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 17.

“ONCE UPON A-FAIR

2024 MARSHALL - PUTNAM FAIR Once Upon A-Fair

CELEBRATING 103 YEARS!

July 17 - 21, 2024

Free Parking | No Main Gate Fee | Camping Available

SUNDAY, JULY 14TH

• Harness Racing at noon

• Queen Pageant 4:00pm

WEDNESDAY JULY 17TH

• Wine Tasting 5pm & Duelling Pianos 6pm-10pm

• Kick-off Dinner 5pm-7:30pm

THURSDAY, JULY 18TH

• Tracy Lawrence in concert w/ Confederate Railroad & Tyson Schulte 7pm

• Family Fun Activities 2pm-8pm

FRIDAY, JULY 19TH

• Demolition Derby 7pm

• Beer Tent Entertainment (Kickapoo Junction) 9pm-1am

SATURDAY, JULY 20TH

• PPL Truck & Tractor Pull 5:30pm

• Beer Tent Entertainment (DJ Mara) 9pm-1am

SUNDAY, JULY 21ST

• Breakfast 8am-10am

PPL TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL

SATURDAY, JULY 20TH | 5:30PM

Ticket office opens at 2 PM

Open Pits, No charge to enter the pit area

Livestock shows going on throughout the week

• Adult & Children Sunday Funday Noon-3pm

• Beer Tent Entertainment Noon - 3pm

• Car/Truck/Motorcycle Show 11am-1pm

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.

Kids Zone events at Iroquois Fair

WATSEKA, Ill. — Colton Dixon with Natalie Layne will perform during the Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Club Fair on Saturday, July 20.

Gates for the concert will open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Grandstand seating is $25 and track seating tickets are available for $35.

For the fourth year, the Kids Zone will be located in the area between the petting zoo and east restroom. Daily activities include hopscotch, wagon basketball, giant tic-tactoe, giant Connect 4, football toss, basket toss, yard Yahtzee, petting zoo and bean bag toss.

In addition, several special events are planned, including make your own ice cream, pedal tractor

Iroquois County Fair

July 16-21, 1390 E. 2000 North Road, Watseka, Illinois

pull, Maizie Meet n’ Greet, and Reptiles by Coal Black Exotics.

Hours for the Kids Zone are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The fair kicks off on July 16 with a Talent Show at 5 p.m., followed by the Miss Iroquois County Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageant at 7 p.m. Seating cost is $5.

The Demolition Derby on Thursday will feature several classes, including power wheels, limited weld full size, limited weld 110 FWD compacts, vans, wire trucks and 80’s wire bonestock.

Several horse events are planned for Friday, starting with the Draft Horse Show at 8 a.m.

followed by the Draft Horse Pull at 1 p.m. In the evening, the T&A Bucking Bulls Rodeo is set to begin at 8 p.m.

Two special events will be held on the final day of the fair starting with the All Faith Church Service with “A Natural High” at 9:30 a.m. at the 4-H Center. The Car Show on Sunday is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors to the fair can enjoy the Swyear Amusement Midway Rides each day.

An armband special for the rides is available on both Wednesday and Sunday for $25.

Gate admission is $5 for ages 6 and above and there is no gate fee on Sunday. The special carload price from 7 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is $10. A season pass is $17.

For more information about the Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Club Fair, go to www.iroquoiscofair.com.

Entertaining lineup at Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —

The Arena will host a variety of family-friendly events during the 2024 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 8-18. Monsters of Destruction take over The Arena Thursday, Aug. 8, with an all-out monster truck thrill show featuring exhilarating truck battles. Participating monster trucks include Against the Grain, Redneck Rampage, American Scout, Crusharoo and War Wizard. In addition to this head-to-head truck battle, attendees will also experience a Tuff Trucks competition and a unique side-by-side competition. Get up close with these monster trucks and meet the drivers at the Pit Party,

Illinois State Fair

Aug. 8-18, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Illinois

open two hours before the show. Monster truck rides will be available during intermission and after the show.

Tickets to Monsters of Destruction start at $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under (prices increase on day of the event).

VIP packages are also available for $40, which include access to VIP seating and a monster truck ride.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, fairgoers will be treated to a full slate of rodeo events by Wooten Rodeo.

Attendees will enjoy nine edge-of-your-seat activities including: Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Over 40 Tie Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association returns for three days of pulls on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12-14.

The Arena will be roaring as these massive machines compete to pull the farthest. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

See ILLINOIS, Page 17

Dixon

Featured Farmers at Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS — Featured Farmers will return to the Indiana State Fair Aug. 2-18. In its ninth year, this popular program celebrates and helps put a face on Hoosier agriculture by connecting consumers with fellow Hoosiers who grow the food they eat. These 15 farm operations represent a variety of regions through the state, showcasing different agricultural products and stories.

“Our mission at the Indiana State Fair is rooted in agriculture and connecting our fairgoers to the farmers feeding the world. We are proud of our Featured Farmer program and excited to unveil our 2024 honorees.” said Cindy Hoye, executive director, Indiana State Fair Commission. “These farmers have incredible stories to tell, and we are grateful to celebrate them with our partners at Corteva Agriscience.”

Visitors to the Indiana State Fair can attend a live chat at 2:30 p.m. in the Glass Barn with a Featured Farmer every day of the fair, in addition to many other opportunities to talk with that day’s Featured Farm family and learn about their family operation.

“The Indiana State Fair

ILLINOIS

At the Demolition Derby on Saturday, Aug. 17, skilled drivers will smash and crash into one another until only one remains to earn the title of Illinois State Fair Demolition Derby Champion. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for kids.

GRANDSTAND LINEUP

Five-time Grammy award-winning, multiplatinum rap icon Lil Wayne will headline the Illinois

Indiana State Fair

Aug. 2-18, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis

is t he perfect place for fairgoers who are also consumers to meet Indiana farmers from across the state who dedicate their lives to feeding all of us. We are pleased to once again make this connection happen through the Featured Farmers program which is in its ninth year. At Corteva Agriscience, we are committed to enriching lives and helping farmers succeed,” said Heidi Spahn, Corporate and Community Investment Leader, Corteva Agriscience.

Featured farmers, farm products and their home counties:

• Friday, Aug. 2: Scarborough Farms (soybeans), Laporte County

• Saturday, Aug. 3: Paschen Farms Inc. (pork), Cass County

• Sunday, Aug. 4: Howe Farms (beef, pork, hops), Lake County

• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Lueken Dairy Farm (dairy), Dubois County

• Wednesday, Aug. 7: Celtic Glen Heritage Livestock (beef cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits), Owen

State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Wayne has 109 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first male artist to surpass Elvis Presley on the list. In addition, sales in excess of 100 million records worldwide cemented his legacy as one of the best-selling artists of all time. He also garnered 11 BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, two MTV VMAs, and eight NCAAP Image Awards.

Tickets, ranging from $60 to $125, are available via Ticketmaster.

Count y

• Thursday, Aug. 8:

Union Go Dairy (dairy), Randolph County

• Friday, Aug. 9: Blue Yonder Organic Farm (organic-certified farmfresh products), Hendricks County

• Saturday, Aug. 10: Kirk Hoffman & Family Farms (corn, soybeans, wheat, forage production, maple syrup), Whitley County

• Sunday, Aug. 11: Fair Farms and Produce (farmfresh produce), Hancock County

• Tuesday, Aug. 13: Advanced Ag Resources Inc. (seed corn, seed beans), Wabash County

• Wednesday, Aug. 14: DDH Farms (corn, soybeans), Randolph County

• Thursday, Aug. 15: Winzerwald Winery (grapes, wine), Perry County

• Friday, Aug. 16: Tree City Bee Company (honey drink, honey, bees), Decatur County

• Saturday, Aug. 17: Everett Farms and Seed (corn), Boone County

• Sunday, Aug. 18: 550 Wagyu (beef), Tippecanoe County.

To learn more about the farmers and the the Indiana State Fair, visit https:// www.indianastatefair.com

The Grandstand lineup will include:

• Aug. 9: Keith Urban with MacKenzie Porter

• Aug. 10: Motley Crue

• Aug. 11: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with Ashley McBryde

• Aug. 13: Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke

• Aug. 14: Lil Wayne

• Aug. 15: Jonas Brothers

• Aug. 16: The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS

• Aug. 17: Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock For tickets and more information, visit https:// statefair.illinois.gov.

Lake County Fair returns Aug. 2-11:

CROWN POINT, Ind. — One of Indiana’s largest county fairs, the Lake County Fair, will be held Aug. 2-11 this summer.

The fair, known for its motto, “Where everyone is welcome,” promises an exciting lineup of entertainment and classic fair activities that cater to all ages.

This summer’s agenda is headlined by several big events:

• Aug. 2-4 — All Star Monster Truck Show

• Aug. 5 — D&D Pro Rodeo

• Aug. 7 — Micro Wrestling

• Aug. 9 — South County Mud Runners Mud Drags

Fairgoers can also take advantage of wristband deals for unlimited rides: $30 from Aug. 2-10, $20 on Aug. 11 and $15 on preview night.

Matt Hayden, a fair board member, reflected on his 40 years of memories at the fair, beginning with his participation in 4-H.

“My favorite memory of the fair was my first year of 4-H,” Hayden said. “I exhibited the

Lake County Fair

Aug. 2-11, 889 S. Court St., Crown Point, Indiana

grand champion swine. Back in those days, the livestock auction was held in the horse arena. I also treasure all the friendships I have made over the years through connections at the Lake County Fair.

“One of the things I enjoy most about the fair is meeting and talking with people. I enjoy being able to make the fair better each year and hopefully sharing a little bit of agriculture with fairgoers.”

Fellow board member Mike Fraley, who has served on the board for over 22 years, also cherishes the fair’s community atmosphere.

“Over these many years, I have formed so many wonderful memories and new friendships with fellow board members, superin-

tendents and fairgoers alike, but my favorite memories must be all the days and nights spent with my family having fun and eating well,” Fraley said.

He noted that his favorite fair food is Porky’s Boss Hog sandwich with coleslaw. He also enjoys the annual Bean Spitting Contest, a unique event at the fair.

The fair is hosting a Kids Coloring Contest, where children can submit colored pictures to win a free ride wristband for a day, a blue ribbon and a goodie bag. Instructions and downloadable PDFs for the contest are available on the fair’s website.

Convenience

To make attending easier, the fair offers free parking and a shuttle bus service running daily from Crown Point High School to the fairgrounds, starting at 11 a.m.

The Lake County Fair has a rich history dating back to its first event on Oct. 28, 1852. The initial fair featured 69 entries and awarded $48 in premiums. Since its humble beginnings, the fair has grown in size and popularity, while still maintaining its charm and focus on the community.

For more information and updates on the Lake County Fair, visit www.lake-county-fair.com.

4-H members display pies at the Lake County Fair.

‘We’ve Got a Good Thing Growing’ at fair

FAIRBURY, Ill. — The same year the nation was observing its centennial, a group of citizens in this Livingston County community gathered to form the Fairbury Union Agricultural Board.

The group purchased a 21-acre tract south of town as a location to host the first Fairbury Fair in 1877 and the event has been going strong ever since.

The “We’ve Got a Good Thing Growing” theme summarizes the fair’s longstanding tradition of highlighting the community with family-oriented entertainment, food, amusement rides, backyard barbecue and kids “Q” contest, and games.

Other activities include livestock and home economics exhibits and judging — and, of course, stock car racing Aug. 17 on the storied track that’s known by enthusiasts throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Known for drawing top-notch entertainment, this year’s fair

Fairbury Fair

Aug. 14-18, 600 S. 3rd St., Fairbury, Illinois

will not disappoint as Sara Evans will take the stage Aug. 16. KayLyn Pace, a Nashville singer, songwriter and musician, will open for Evans.

During her career, Evans, a native of New Franklin, Missouri, has carved a successful career anchored by her insightful songwriting and warm, evocative voice.

The singer, record producer, actress and author has had five songs reach the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country songs chart and sold over 6 million albums.

Nine additional singles reached Billboard’s top 10.

With such enduring hits as “Born to Fly,” “Restless,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Perfect” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” she’s earned

recognition as the fifth most played female artist at country radio and continues to be a force on the road with tour dates crisscrossing the country.

She has won accolades from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association and was also nominated for several other awards from both associations, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year honors.

Pace’s country rock music singles have been played on radio stations across the nation. She’s opened for Lee Brice, Pitbull, Chris Janson, Tyler Farr, Craig Morgan, Ashley Cooke and others.

Her boundless skill has taken Pace beyond the musical stage. Her screen debut in the 2022 Hallmark movie, “Cupid’s Christmas,” featured both her music and acting.

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

Evans will take the stage Aug. 16.

Sara