AGN_County Fairs 2022

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2 Friday, June 3, 2022

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Jasper County Fair welcomes Show-Me Swine Racers

RENSSELAER, Ind. — The 98th annual Jasper Jasper County Fair will take place County Fair July 23-30.

July 23-30 “New to the fair this year 2671 W. Clark St. is the Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo and Show-Me Swine Rensselaer, Indiana Racers,” said Gary Braasch, a fair spokesperson.

“Fairgoers will have the animals and be entertained chance to see and pet exotic with some porkers racing

around a track.

“Indiana Carvings, from Monticello, Indiana, will be creating wonderful figures out of wood. This chainsaw artist will amaze you with his creations.”

The fair will have musical entertainment on the Free Stage each night.

There also will be daily

livestock shows and 4-H exhibits on display throughout the fair.

Don’t miss Battle of the Barns at 7 p.m. July 27.

“New in front of the grandstands this year, we are having a Church Night hosted by the Rensselaer Area Ministerial Association featuring nationally

known Christian comedian Rik Roberts,” Braasch said.

“It will be a night of worship, music and fun.”

Also new this year, the carnival will be available all eight days of the fair.

“In years past, carnivals would only be able to set up to possibly be ready to go on Monday, but usu-

ally they wouldn’t start until Tuesday,” Braasch explained. “This year we will be having The Carnival Company out of Gratis, Ohio.”

The fair will end with a demo derby and fireworks July 30.

Learn more at jaspercountyfair.weebly.com.

Livestock Judging Contest new event at Indiana’s oldest county fair

LAPORTE, Ind. — The 176th annual LaPorte LaPorte County Fair will come to County Fair town July 9-16.

July 9-16 New this year is the 2581 IN-2 LaPorte County Fair Livestock Judging Contest, which La Porte, Indiana will take place at 5 p.m. July 13 in the Show Arena.

The contest will give County, ages kindergaryouth residents of LaPorte ten through senior year in

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high school, the opportunity to evaluate two classes each of meat goats, sheep, beef cattle and swine.

A professional judge will oversee the event, and winners will receive prizes. It’s a great, free opportunity to show your judging skills and explore new species.

While at the fair, visitors

Stephenson County Fair Rediscover the fair!

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can stop by Pioneerland — a staple at LaPorte County Fair. Travel back in time and experience a tradition that began in 1995.

Explore 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.

Fairgoers also can enjoy the Curious Kids Trail, where guests learn about agriculture and community history.

Also on this year’s agenda: a rodeo, demolition derby, Bear Hollow Wood

Carvers and Silly Safaris.

Concerts include Parker McCollum July 13, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band July 14 and The Cripple Creek Band July 16.

Veterans and active duty military can receive free fair admission July 14.

Learn more at www.lpfair.com.

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Mud Bog Race new fair feature OAKWOOD, Ill. — Visitors will “Get in the Groove” at the Vermilion County Fair and Expo June 22-26.

Open and junior show entries for the groovy-themed fair will be accepted in agriculture, culinary, education and natural history, fine arts, hobbies, and textiles from 4 to 6 p.m. June 21.

The fair opens June 22 with the Little Miss Pageant at 6 p.m., followed by the Junior Miss and Queen Pageant.

Open and junior floriculture entries will be accepted from 4 to 6 p.m., and the open swine weigh-in is from 5 to 7 p.m. June 23.

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Culinary arts will be featured at the Vermilion County Fair.

An open poultry show is held earlier in the day, and the new Pee-Wee Swine Showmanship show is at 5 p.m. on June 24.

The fun continues on June 25 with the market barrow and gilt show beginning at 9 a.m. and baby contest at noon.

A rodeo kicks off at 6 p.m.

June 25. The fair concludes on June 26 with a demolition derby at 5 p.m.

A carnival will be open Wednesday through Friday evenings and at noon Saturday and Sunday. The $7 admission includes access to all of the carnival rides.

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Champaign County Fair reaches 170 URBANA, Ill. — Fill your summer with memories at the Champaign County Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the Prairie State.

The Champaign Fair is 170 years old and is chock-full of entertainment, action and educational opportunities.

Leading off this year’s fair is Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum superstar Cole Swindell with Michael Ray, and Ashley Cooke for a 7 p.m. performance on July 22.

Swindell just earned his 11th career No. 1 single, a duet with ACM Top New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson, “Never Say Never.”

The powerhouse duet is the follow-up to his multi-week No. 1 “Single Saturday Night.” The two back-to-back top singles are on his just-released fourth

Champaign County Fair

July 22-30 1302 N. Coler Ave. Urbana, Illinois

album, “Stereotype.”

Swindell, a native of Glenview, Georgia, was the 2015 recipient of Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year Award.

He’s also a prolific writer, writing songs for Craig Campbell, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery and also co-writing hits for Florida Georgia Line and Chris Young.

Michael Ray is a country music singer and songwriter. He was mentored

by John Rich of Big & Rich on the singing competition, “The Next: Fame is at Your

Doorstep,” which he won, and co-wrote Big & Rich’s 2015 single, “Run Away with You.” His most recent single, “Whiskey and Rain,” was released ahead of his fourth studio album.

Up-and-coming country artist Ashley Cooke released her debut project, “Already Drank That Beer,” featuring tracks written by Cooke and many of Nashville’s hottest songwriters.

The Champaign County Fair’s grandstand also will host nightly entertainment for all ages, beginning with a demolition derby at 6:30 p.m. July 23. Demolition derby classes are compacts, modified, vans and ‘80s bone stock.

Horsepower of the fourlegged kind will be featured July 24 with the Illinois Horse Pullers Association’s draft horse pulls at noon

and a draft horse and draft pony show at 4 p.m.

The high-flying Cincinnati Circus will thrill the crowd with aerial acrobatics on July 25. Shows are scheduled for noon, 5 and 7 p.m. Harness racing will be the grandstand feature July 26 with a new start time of 6 p.m.

Motorcycle racing returns to the fair at 6 p.m.

July 27, coordinated by the Central Illinois Motorcycle Club. The Prairieland Monster Truck Nationals is slated for 7 p.m. July 28.

Return to the roots of car racing by attending the dirt track races July 29 with a 6:30 p.m. start.

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association-sanctioned pulls are at noon and 5 p.m. on July 30. Classes featured will be Classic, Light Modified, 6850# Pro Farm, Pro

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Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum superstar Cole Swindell with Michael Ray, and Ashley Cooke headline the Champaign County Fair on Friday, July 22.

Stock Diesel Trucks, 8500# Limited Pro Stock, 9500# Limited Pro Stock, and 9500# Pro Farm.

Beyond the daily grandstand entertainment, the fair remains tied to its early roots that began with the pioneer families of Champaign County bringing their best livestock, grain samples and other farm

products to show and compare with their neighbors.

Livestock, agriculture products, arts, textiles, culinary items, horticulture, f loriculture, needlework and crafts are a few examples of the judging contests’ entries for visitors to enjoy.

For more information, visit www.champaigncountyfair.cc.

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CELEBRATING 101 YEARS

LUCAS OIL AMERICA’S PULL Saturday, July 16th | 5:30 PM

of the Marshall-Putnam Fair

Ticket office opens at 2 PM Open Pits, No charge to enter the pit area

July 13th-17th, 2022

Free Parking | No Main Gate Fee | Camping Available

WEDNESDAY JULY 13TH • Wine Tasting and Dueling Pianos • Kick-Off Dinner • Harness Racing

Livestock shows going on throughout the week

SUNDAY, JULY 17TH • Adult & Children Sunday Funday • Beer Tent Entertainment • Stock Pulls

THURSDAY, JULY 14TH • Rodney Atkins in Concert with Brushville and Cody Calkins • Family Fun Activities

FRIDAY, JULY 15TH • Demolition Derby • Beer Tent Entertainment by “Fueled By Whiskey”

SATURDAY, JULY 16TH • Karaoke Contest • 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.

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Historic Kankakee County Fair features entertainment for all ages K ANK AKEE, Ill. — The upcoming Kankakee County Fair is nearly as old as the county itself and that tradition continues this summer.

The first fair was held in 1856, just three years after the county was created by the Illinois Legislature and has since continued to highlight local agriculture and entertainment for all ages.

A full schedule of events kicks off Aug. 3, 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, and garden tractor rodeo.

The Creative Arts/Ag Building hosts open and junior competition for floriculture, horticulture, farm crops, collections and art.

The antique tractor pulls are slated for 5 p.m. Aug. 3 with go-kart racing at 6 p.m. and Kankakee Speedway races at 7 p.m.

Daily performances also kickoff on opening day for the following features: • Kidbucks game show is a thrilling game show where 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.

• The Twin Stunts motorcycle thrill show features twin brothers

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Illiana Pullers Association-sanctioned truck and tractor pulls are set for noon Aug. 7 at the Kankakee County Fair.

Kankakee County Fair

Aug. 3-7 213 W 4000S Road Kankakee, Illinois

Sawyer and Shannon Schmidtman. The show consists of wheelies, acrobatics, burnouts, tandem and many more advanced maneuvers while maintaining safe control of their machines.

• Illusionist Luke Paul will dazzle the crowds with his magic.

• Pompeyo’s Ranch, recent semifinalists in America’s Got Talent, will perform with their amazing rescue dogs.

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

The popular Extreme School Bus Figure 8 race begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the grandstand.

Open and junior shows on tap for Aug. 5 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. 5 at the show arena,

followed by a demolition derby at 7 p.m.

The livestock shows conclude Aug. 6 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. 6. IPRA has become the sports second largest professional rodeo association sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos.

The association has a membership base of over 2,400 members and currently sanctions rodeos across the United States.

A second Illinois National Barrel Horse Association horse show is on tap for 10 a.m. Aug. 7 at the arena followed at noon by the Illiana Pullers Association’s truck and tractor pulls at the grandstand.

The fair will conclude with metal on metal in Spanky’s Beater Bonanza, a demolition derby for 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder cars and trucks beginning at 7 p.m.

A full schedule of daily events is posted on the Kankakee County Fair website at www.kankakeefair.org.

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Fair food, fun at Newton County Fair KENTLAND, Ind. — The 103rd Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair will be July 11-16.

“We are excited to announce the return of a carnival this year,” said Cory Groover, fair spokesperson. “The Carnival Company will open each night at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, through Saturday, July 16.

“Nightly bracelets are offered, only $10 for Newton County residents and $25 for non-Newton County residents.”

Enjoy shows on the Free Stage, including gospel music at 7 p.m. July 11, a magic show at 7 p.m. July

Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair July 11-16 12189 Punkin Vine Road Kentland, Indiana

12, country music at 7 p.m.

July 13, a healthy eating seminar at 5 and 6 p.m. July 14 and a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band at 7 p.m. July 15.

A variety of music from 15th & Hulman will take over the Free Stage at 7 p.m. July 16.

For more entertainment options, check out the Grand Stand lineup:

• July 9 — Harness racing at noon.

• July 11 — Little Miss & Mister Pageant at 6:30 p.m.

Teen and Queen Pageant at 8 p.m.

• July 12 — IPA Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.

• July 13 — 4-H Night and Battle of the Barns at 7 p.m.

• July 14 — Cincinnati Circus, 6 and 8:30 p.m.

• July 15 — Rodeo at 8 p.m.

• July 16 — Demo Derby at 7:30 p.m.

The fair also will feature 4-H competitions and exhibits, antique tractor parades and more.

Learn more at www.newtoncountyfair.weebly.com.

Concerts, 4-H featured at Porter County Fair VALPARAISO, Ind. — Visitors will have “more to do in ‘22” at the Porter County Fair July 21-30.

“We have a lot to share with our community this year, including four nights of epic concerts featuring Kane Brown, Lady A, HARDY and Chris Tomlin,” said Brooke Sauter, spokesperson at Porter County Fair.

“The fair will also debut the fully-renovated Birthing Barn exhibit, 4-H livestock shows, a nationally-renowned carnival presented by North American Midway, as well as bring new food and exposition vendors to our visitors.”

Admission to the fair is free before noon. Vendors start making food at 11 a.m.

Carnival rides begin at 1 p.m. daily.

July 28 will be the fair’s annual 4-H Celebration Sale at 6 p.m. It will take place live and online this year.

4-H CELEBRATION SALE FACTS What is it? 4-H members have the opportunity to sell at least one livestock project, including poultry,

Porter County Fair

July 21-30 215 E. Division Road Valparaiso, Indiana

swine, rabbits, beef, dairy steers, dairy milk, goats and sheep.

Who is it? These 9- to 18-year-old 4-H members feed, water, clean and care for their exhibiting animal until the fair. They will then groom and bring them to the fair to compete before an independent judge.

Why does it matter? The lessons learned include responsibility, commitment to a long-term project along with many other rewards. They also learn the balance of being accountable for performing all the downright dirty and difficult jobs that must also be done to successfully raise livestock.

These 4-H members acquire some base knowledge about animal care and develop real-world experiences like contacting a veterinarian for extra care

A 4-H member shows livestock at the annual 4-H Celebration Sale at the Porter County Fair.

when necessary. These projects also address a more in-depth lesson on the science of raising livestock.

How does it impact youth?

The proceeds from the sale are traditionally used for purchase and feeding of their animals in the following year. Part of the project requires reporting of expenses, profit, and managing finances.

Proceeds from the auction are often put into college savings accounts and support other future goals.

Learn more at www.portercountyfair.com.

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Popular musician headlines 145-year-old Fairbury fair FAIRBURY, Ill. — A country artist who has garnered 15 No. 1 singles, sold over 16 million albums and won multiple ACM, CMA and AMA awards will be headlining the Fairbury Fair in Livingston County.

John Michael Montgomery with central Illinois-based Feudin’ Hillbillys will perform in front of the historic covered grandstand on Friday, Aug. 19.

Since his days when “Life’s a Dance” turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, he’s followed with hits including “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You Love Me,” “The Little Girl,” “Be My Baby Tonight” and “I Can Love You Like That.”

His 2004 hit “Letters from Home” was one of the most moving tributes to the connection between soldiers and their families ever recorded.

The Feudin’ Hillbillys mix quite a bit of country with a little pop, some classic rock and ‘80s favorites, along with a touch of funk.

They have opened in concerts for Luke Bryan, Neal McCoy, Montgomery Gentry, Mark Chestnut, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio and several other artists.

Classic rock fans can take a step back in time to be entertained by Rolling Stones and REO Speedwagon tribute bands.

Richrath Project 3:13 will perform Aug. 19 in the beer tent beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Michael Jahnz was a lead vocalist for Gary Richrath, former lead guitarist and song writer for REO Speedwagon. They toured together for over a decade as the Gary Richrath Band. Jahnz and his Richrath Project 3:13 continue to honor the mem-

John Michael Montgomery will perform at the Fairbury Fair on Aug. 19.

Fairbury Fair Aug. 17-21 600 S. Third St. Fairbury, Illinois

ory of the late Gary Richrath at every show.

Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show are on tap to perform in the beer tent on Aug. 20 after the races at approximately 9:30 p.m.

This Billboard & Pollstar highly rated show are entering their 20th year in production with over 4,000 performances. The group received its highest accolades ever in 2010 when it was approved by the Roll-

ing Stones to perform longterm engagements with the Walt Disney Corporation.

The 145-year-old Fairbury Fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 17-21.

Each day is packed with daily activities including livestock, culinary, textile, floriculture, fine arts, vegetable and other judging contests.

There also will be a talent show and plenty of other daily entertainment.

The ever-popular Smoke on the Midway Backyard and Kids BBQ Contest is Saturday, Aug. 20. The contest is sanctioned and judged by KCBS. For more information, visit www.thefairburyfair. com.

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www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIRS 2022 | Friday, June 3, 2022

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Meet baby livestock at fair CROWN POINT, Ind. — The Lake County Fair will be a fun-filled week for fairgoers Aug. 5-14.

New this year, baby livestock will relax with their moms in the dairy barn — a great learning opportunity for little ones.

“We’ll have daily live births available to the public from Tuesday, Aug. 9, all day until Saturday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m.,” said Arlene Marcinek, fair publicity director.

“Don’t miss daily 4-H judging, open class animal shows, a Farm Bureau interactive display and much more. It’s still free before 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.”

The first Friday of the fair, Aug. 6, is Frugal Friday. Vendors will offer a smaller portion of a food or beverage item for $2.

Horse lovers can stop by the Horse Show Arena,

Lake County Fair Aug. 5-14 889 S. Court St. Crown Point, Indiana

which is active every day of the fair.

Animal lovers can stop by the Show Me Safari Petting Zoo, which is free and open daily. Show Me Swine Racers will have multiple pig shows a day.

At the Harvest Thyme Kids Farm, you can ride tractors, watch duck races or sit back and relax in the shade.

For thrill seekers, the Midway has entertainment for all ages. It’s also home to the Grandstand.

FAIR HIGHLIGHTS Aug. 6-13: Enjoy bluegrass and gospel music at Heritage Hall.

Aug. 6-7: Make a crop creation at Heritage Hall. It’s free to enter, and supplies are provided. The winners will receive prize money and ribbons.

Aug. 10: A balloon glow will take place 4 to 7 p.m.

Watch hot air balloons light up the evening sky.

Aug. 11-12: South Lake County Mud Runners mud drags will take place at 7 p.m. in the Grandstand.

Admission is $10.

Aug. 12: Paper airplane contest at 1:30 p.m. in the Showcase Tent.

Aug. 12: Ice cream-eating contest. Registration starts at 2 p.m.

Aug. 13: Mr. Funnyman show from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Showcase Tent.

Aug. 13: Frog jump at 11 a.m. north of the agriculture and special exhibits buildings.

Lake County 4-H members direct hogs in the show ring.

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Building near Gate No. For more information, 2. It’s the only air-condi- visit www.lake-county-fair. tioned building on the fair- com.

McHenry County Fair “Country Nights, Carnival Lights”

August 2 - 7, 2022 with special guest

Illini State Pullers • ATV Big Air Tour • Rodeo 4WD Promotions Demo Derby • Miss McHenry County Pageant All Star Barnyard Revue and Pig Races Mobile Glass Studio Pedal Pulls All American Lumberjack with Interactive Camp Chainsaw Sculpture Show DRS Skinner Amusements Barnyard Discoveries Livestock Shows, Commercial Exhibits and much more!!!

Saturday, August 6th

Visit our website www.mchenrycountyfair.com

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Tradition of delivering top entertainment continues

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Platinum-selling recording artist Chris Janson will headline the Ford County Fair on Friday, June 17.

Ford County Fair June 12-18 329 E. Third St. Melvin, Illinois

The Ford County Fair opens with a horse show at 10 a.m. on June 12 and concludes with the always entertaining Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets’ high energy ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll show on June 18.

New to the fair this year will be the Midget Wrestling Warriors on June 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“All of us here at the Midget Wrestling Warriors are very excited to entertain the fans in Melvin. We will bring more action and excitement than Melvin has ever seen,” said Midget Wrestling Warriors Superstar Short Sleeve Sampson.

Livestock and home economics judging and shows will be held during the week. Other special events include the queen pageant on June 13, Little Mister and Miss pageant and talent show June 14, children’s tractor pull June 16, daily petting zoo and carnival rides.

The Illiana Truck and Tractor Pull comes to Melvin on June 16, beginning at 6 p.m., featuring pro stock trucks, mini rods, outlaw tractors, farm stock tractors and old school. The Illiana Pullers Association that oversees the event is a state-level sanctioning body for the sport of truck and tractor pulling.

The demolition derby kicks off at 6:30 p.m. June 18 at the grandstand. Competition classes are modified class, vans, ‘80s stock and compact.

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MELVIN, Ill. — On the heels of releasing his fourth studio album, platinum-selling recording artist and entertainer Chris Janson will headline the Ford County Fair on June 17.

Janson, a Perryville, Missouri native, is an awardwinning singer-songwriter who renown musician Bobby Bones has named among the greatest six live performers in country music.

The American Country Music Award-winner has collected prestigious accolades that place him amongst country music greats. Both his inspiring hit “Drunk Girl” and his chart-topping, three-time platinum smash “Buy Me A Boat” were named among Nashville Songwriters Association International’s “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written” lists — making Janson one in a handful of the industry’s most elite artists to earn the title multiple times.

Also performing that evening will be Drew Green and Shawn Profitt.

Green, a country music singer-songwriter who has written songs for other artists including Florida Georgia Line and Conner Smith, released his debut single, “Little More Be Alright,” in 2020, and his introductory EP, “Dirt Boy Vol. 1.”

At just 20 years old, Profitt burst onto the new country scene last year with the release of his debut single, the heartbreak jam “Gone Before Goodbye.” Described as a cross between Luke Combs and Riley Green, Profitt’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful voice have already positioned him as a rising country star.

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Alpacas added to show at McHenry County Fair WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Exhibitors will bring alpacas to show for the first time this year at the McHenry County Fair, Aug 2-7.

Additional livestock shows during the 74-year tradition in northern Illinois will include beef, dairy, sheep, dairy goats, swine, poultry and rabbits.

In addition to the livestock shows at the Hansen Pavilion, a talent show is planned for 7 p.m. Aug. 5 and a hay bale throwing contest at 5 p.m. Aug. 6.

Nightly events will be held at the grandstand, starting with the Miss McHenry County Fair Pageant on Tuesday, Aug. 2, and admission to this event is free. It is Family Fun Day on Tuesday, with a special admission price of $5 per person to enter the fair.

Truck pulling, a rodeo and demolition derby are additional events planned for the grandstand during the six-day fair. Big & Rich with special guest Sara Evans will perform Saturday evening.

New for 2022 is the ATV Big Air event on Aug. 4, starting at 7 p.m.

Several grounds events are planned for the fair, including the Allstar Barnyard Review and pig races and the All American Lumberjack Show.

During the fair, the lumberjacks do an interactive camp so those attending the fair can do things like learning to log roll.

A chainsaw sculptor will complete works of art daily during the fair and another new addition to the fair is a mobile glass blowing studio.

Both items from the

McHenry County Fair

Aug. 2-7 11900 Country Club Road Woodstock, Illinois

chainsaw sculptor and the glass blower will be offered for sale during an auction on Aug. 7.

In Conservation World, the butterfly house will be open for visitors to walk through and interact with butterflies.

In this area, information will be available to learn how to improve habitat and save threatened and endangered species.

Many more fun activities are planned for the fair including pedal pulls, the McHenry County Sheriff’s

Crowds navigate the attractions during the McHenry County Fair at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Illinois.

Office K-9 Unit Demonstration, and the barnyard buddies, which also features a scavenger hunt.

Admission to the fair

is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 years old and children 5 years old or younger are free. Seniors 60 years and older and veter-

ans are $5 per person. A season pass is available for $30.

For more information, go to www.mchenrycountyfair.com.

12 Friday, June 3, 2022

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Community events planned for Stephenson County Fair FREEPORT, Ill. — All veterans enter the Stephenson County Fair for free on Tuesday, July 26.

The fair, set for July 2630, will also have a special admission of $2 per person on Thursday, July 28, for Youth and Family Day. “We’re doing a whole lot more at the fair this year than we ever have,” said Kate Boyer, executive manager of the Stephenson County Fair.

“We’re adding community events that not are usually seen at county fairs,” Boyer said. “The fair is a place to showcase your community, what you’ve got that’s interesting and the best of your county.”

I n t he com merci a l building there will be 24 booths that will change every day.

“The central aisle will change so we can incorporate more community partners who might not be able to be here for five days,” Boyer said. “It will include government groups, non-profits, clubs and service organizations, service businesses and on Saturday it will be a job fair.”

Every day there will be free games for the kids.

“There will be a watermelon eating contest, sack races, three-legged races and a water balloon toss,” said Boyer, who is in her first year as executive manager of the fair, but has worked with community event planning for 20 years.

“The fire department is going to have an obstacle course, smoke house and puppet show for the kids each day,” she said. “The Freeport Library is doing

Good Luck To All 4-H Participants We’re Proud of All Your Hard Work!

Stephenson County Fair

July 26-30 2250 S. Walnut Road Freeport, Illinois

Mustard is the classic sauce of choice for corn dogs, but some people prefer the sweet tang of ketchup to the pungent heat of mustard for a corn dog. a Read for Rides summer program so kids can earn tickets for rides at the fair.”

Livestock shows will be held throughout the fair and interactive activities are also planned in the livestock barns.

“We’ll have goat yoga, rabbit races, fiber art demonstrations, dairy milking and a dairy challenge,” Boyer said.

“We have 10 bands playing in the community tent and Back Country Roads will be playing on Friday night, the same night the rodeo will be at the grandstand,” she said.

The grandstand will feature tractor pulls on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, as well as the

demolition derby on Saturday night.

“On Thursday, the grandstand admission is free for Youth and Family Day,” Boyer said. “Events will include celebrity kiss a pig, chicken scrambles, mutton busting, calf scrambles and Ag Olympics.”

Several artisan demonstrations are planned including pottery, glass blowing, spinning, weaving, wood turning and blacksmithing.

“The local martial arts people are doing a Friday Night Fight Night where they will be conducting interactive demonstrations so the kids can hop in and join,” Boyer said.

“The Great Lakes Timber Show is coming back this year and they will be doing free lumberjack shows every day at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.,” she said. “The majority of our activities at the fair are free.”

A special lunch option is available on Wednesday, July 27.

“You can come in from 11 a.m. and eat lunch from any of the food vendors,” Boyer said. “As long as you leave by 1 p.m., you will receive a refund for your entrance ticket.”

Admission to the fair is $5 per person, kids 7 years old and younger are free and a season pass is $20 per person.

For more information about the Stephenson County Fair, go to www. stephensoncountyfair.org.

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Logan County Fair features three days of harness racing LINCOLN, Ill. — The Logan County Fair, July 31 to Aug. 7, will kick off with three days of harness racing.

The racing competitions will include trotters and pacers.

“We have the Downstate Classic on Sunday, July 31,” said Mike Maske, secretary of the Logan County Fair.

“We have some of the best racers in the county competing and it’s right before the state fair, so everyone is getting tuned up.”

Last year, about 60 horses competed in the racing at the fair.

“I don’t know of any downstate program that has 60 horses on one day,” Maske said. “There used to be 50 to 55 county fairs that had harness racing, but now I think it’s down to 20 or less.”

Logan County Fair July 31-Aug. 7 1408 Short 11th St. Lincoln, Illinois

The Logan County Fair is a traditional county fair in central Illinois.

“It’s like come home week — everybody comes back for the fair,” Maske said about the fair celebrating its 86th year.

“We’re tickled to have the opportunity to see our fair people,” said Maske, who has served as secretary of the fair for the past 20 years. “A lot of times you’ll go a whole year and not see your fair friends.”

A variety of grandstand events will be held at the fair starting on Tuesday evening with the queen

pageant.

“We have livestock scrambles, ITPA tractor pull and a rodeo on Friday night,” Maske said. “We’ve brought the rodeo back about three years ago and it’s been a favorite.”

On Saturday evening, 38 Special will be featured at the grandstand and the demolition derby is set for Sunday.

Tinsley Amusements will provide carnival rides at the Logan County Fair.

“These guys are tremendous,” Maske said.

“We have the cleanest county fair in the state of Illinois with clean restrooms and no trash on the ground,” he added. “We pride ourselves of that and it is everybody’s effort to get the trash picked up.”

Admission prices are $3 per person, kids 12 and

The Logan County Fair will kick off with three days of harness racing. under are free, parking pass is $7 and season passes are available at $16.

“We have the idea if we

get people in the fair at a For more information good price, they’ll come about the Logan County back every night,” Maske Fair, go to www.logancounsaid. tyfairil.com.

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15

New dates, better carnival for Henry County Fair CAMBRIDGE, Ill. — For the 2022 Henry County Fair, it’s a numbers game — and some of those numbers have changed.

The biggest numbers that fairgoers need to know about are the dates. This year’s Henry County Fair starts on June 15 and ends on June 19, Father’s Day. The change, explained Fair Board President Todd Verheecke, was to return the midway to the high standards that the fair board expected, but felt was lacking.

“In the past three to four years, our carnival had not been what we would like it to be, as far as the number and quality of rides. We talked to different carnivals and we were able to get Swyear Amusements, which we had at the fair about 10 years

Henry County Fair

June 15-19 311 E. North St. Cambridge, Illinois

ago,” Verheecke said.

The only catch was that the chosen carnival couldn’t make the fair’s traditional dates work.

“They said they would come, but it would have to be a week earlier than the fair usually is. There was a lot of discussion and checking with other activities, especially the livestock show people,” Verheecke said.

The new dates overlap with the Illinois FFA State Convention and some of the young people who will be

attending that convention are planning to show livestock at the fair.

But the fair board tried to reschedule the livestock shows that would conflict with the convention.

“We did a lot of planning so the people who are planning to go to the FFA state convention can still come and show at our fair,” Verheecke said.

Other numbers that fairgoers need to know as they save the dates for the 2022 Henry County Fair: • 5 — The fair board decided to make the fair a five-day fair instead of the former six days.

• 163 — The fair will be marking 163 years in 2022.

• 2021 — The year that “Just the Way,” the single

by Henry County Fair country concert headliner

Parmalee, in collaboration with Blanco Brown, star of “The Git Up,” topped the charts. Parmalee will perform in concert on June 17 with The NATU Band, from Bloomington, as the opening act.

• 4 — Wednesday is the fourth day of the week and the new day for the Henry County Fair queen pageant, which had been conducted on Tuesday night.

• 17 — June 17 is Father’s Day and Family Day at the fair. The grandstand event is harness racing and the fair also features a talent show, a chainsaw wood sculptor, along with other kid- and family-friendly activities.

• 6:30 — The Henry County Fair Demo Derby will start at 6:30 p.m. on June 18. The event

The Super Slide is a four-hump slide that kids ride down in burlap sacks. does require a separate ticket, available on the fairgrounds the day of the event.

Concert ticket information and more events, in-

cluding times and additional ticketing information, can be found at www. henrycountyfairillinois. com or by calling the fair office at 309-937-3391.

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Fair focuses on a familyand wallet-friendly event AMBOY, Ill. — The Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show is doing something unexpected at this year’s event.

“We want to create an experience that you are not going to get at other fairs,” said Katie Pratt, fair board secretary.

One of the major decisions the board had to make about the fair was whether to continue to contract for a carnival.

“Carnivals are very expensive and they are very hard to come by, especially post-COVID. The carnival company we had worked with no longer travels to Illinois,” Pratt said.

Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show

July 28-31 1196 Franklin Road Amboy, Illinois

For the cost of a carnival — a flat fee plus the gate receipts — the fair board came to the decision to instead fill the fair with family-friendly and wallet-friendly activities for all ages and interests.

The Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show is scheduled to take place July 28-31.

“What we are excited

about is that most of the activities are free. Once you get onto the fairgrounds, we want to make sure you have a good time on our dime, not yours,” Pratt said.

The list of events includes donkey races, axe throwing, archery and shooting sports demonstrations, a petting zoo and pony rides.

The Marketplace Vendor Fair will return to the fair this year, featuring local vendors and crafters with a variety of items for sale. A magic show, bubble show and face painting also are on the agenda.

Bounce houses, a foam

Brock Pezanoski of La Salle works his horse and rope while competing in tie-down roping during the Broken Horn Rodeo at the Lee County Fair in 2019. pit and a new mobile game room from Xtreme Rentals in Dixon are new additions to the schedule.

“We are bringing these things in so you can come in the gate and have a good time with your family. There’s a little bit of

something for everyone and we’ll probably try to add more as we get closer to the fair,” Pratt said.

The popular grandstand events will continue at the fair, including the tractor and truck pull on Friday night and the Bro-

ken Horn Rodeo on Saturday night.

Tickets for the grandstand events can be purchased separately at the fairgrounds.

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Marshall-Putnam Fair concert series in third year HENRY, Ill. — By the time the 2022 MarshallPutnam Fair rolls around, Fair Board President Robert Stadel is ready for it.

And the moment the gates open to visitors is the most fun part of the fair for Stadel.

“When Wednesday comes and the gates open and the people show up, you can start to take pride in what you’ve worked for all year.

That’s what makes it worth it,” Stadel said.

This year’s fair runs July 13-17 with the theme “Musical-A-Fair.” The fair is marking 101 years this year, and the country concert series, which started in 2019, will see its third concert, with headliner Rodney Atkins scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14.

Atkins is the artist of

such hits as “These Are My People,” “If You’re Going Through Hell,” “Honesty,” “Watching You,” and “Farmer’s Daughter.”

Atkins has lately been making the talk show circuit with his wife, Rose Falcon, as they have released a series of songs as duo Rod + Rose. Brushville and Cody Calkins will open for Atkins.

The fair’s country concert series was born out of discussions among fair board members of ways to bring more people to the fair. The inaugural 2019 concert featured newcomers Dylan Schneider and Austin Burke.

Fair concert committee members were excited to land Tracy Byrd for their 2020 concert, but those plans were put on hold as the 2020 fair and concert

Marshall-Putnam Fair July 13-17 915 University Ave. Henry, Illinois

were canceled by COVID19.

“We were fortunate to be able to get him to reschedule so we had two years to build the excitement and anticipation for that concert,” Stadel said.

However, that excitement turned to soggy concern for Stadel on the morning of the concert. Stadel and others park their campers at the fairgrounds and stay there for the days of the fair.

When Stadel stepped outside his camper on July 15, 2021, his heart sank, along

with his feet into the mud.

Torrential rains had pummeled the area, leaving the concert’s future in doubt.

“We could not get the stage out onto the track to set it up. Drew (Herridge, the fair board concert director) and the concert guys were standing outside the goat barn, which was a few trailer lengths from my camper. I said are we going to cancel it? And Drew said no, we’re having it in here,” Stadel said.

Stadel thought Herridge was joking.

The goats don’t officially take up residence until Friday of the fair, but the pens and show ring are set up weeks in advance. So, the goat barn was ready — for goats, but not necessarily for a Byrd.

“I thought he was joking for about 20 minutes. Then

he said can we get enough people in here to tear these pens down?” Stadel said.

The pens came down, the stage went up and the show went on as planned.

This year, popular events, including the Friday night demolition derby, the Saturday tractor pull and Wednesday’s kickoff dinner and dueling pianos event that starts things off, are all back on the fair schedule.

Another event that draws a crowd is the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau’s “Imagination Acres.”

“They have a big tent with all kinds of ag-themed activities for kids to do.

They are there through Saturday and that is all done by the Farm Bureau,” Stadel said.

Ticketing information

AP PHOTO

Country music star Rodney Atkins will perform at 7 p.m. July 14 at the Marshall-Putnam Fair.

for the country concert, a complete fair schedule and the 2022 fair book are available online at marshallputnamfair.org and more information is available from the fair office at 309-364-2814.

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Grange Hall and Museum to debut at Boone County Fair BELVIDERE, Ill. — History, of the Boone County Fairgrounds and of rural America itself, will have a moment at the 2022 Boone County Fair — and the Boone County Fairs in the future.

“We are building a Grange Hall and Museum right here on the fairgrounds,” said Tom Ratcliffe, Boone County Fair board member and director of advertising and publicity for the Boone County Fair.

The new addition will replace a museum that had been housed in the fair’s former administration building on the grounds.

“One of our county Granges sold their building.

They can build a new hall.

They can get their money back from the state Grange, so that is what they are doing. The hall can be

Boone County Fair Aug. 9-14 8791 IL-76 Belvidere, Illinois

used by any of the Granges around the area and we will have the Grange museum in there, as well,” Ratcliffe said.

The new museum is being designed in the style of an early 1900s dairy barn, complete with a metal cupola at the top.

The Grange hall and museum is significant to the fair since the Boone County Fairgrounds is owned by the seven Grange chapters in Boone County.

The new Grange Hall and Museum will be officially opened on Aug. 9, the

centerpiece at the Boone County Fair.

“We have 4,000 head of livestock at the fair. We have one of the biggest draft horse shows for a county fair in the state.

We had 250 draft horses last year and we’ve had teams come from Canada to show here in past years.

Our pony show is second to none. We had over 300 ponies last year. We have the biggest goat show. Around 300 goats showed last year.

We have a lot of livestock and that brings in a lot of people. People just love to see the animals and watch the livestock shows,” RatHear the thunder of the six-horse hitches at the Boone County cliffe said.

Fair in Belvidere, Illinois.

Everything at the fair is done in a big way. Three first day of the fair. displays at the 2022 Boone large concessions buildThe new hall will share County Fair. ings house vendors selling space with many other acLivestock and livestock everything from cheese to tivities, events, shows and shows continue to be a cookware and advertising

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their home improvement and construction services.

On the grounds outside, displays show off everything from cars to combines.

“We still have farm machinery exhibits and not a lot of fairs have those anymore,” Ratcliffe said.

This year, the fair’s country concert, on Saturday night, will feature Neal McCoy and Jo Dee Messina. Other grandstand events include truck and tractor pulls, bull riding and two demolition derbies on Sunday, Aug. 14.

“We just really try to offer something for everyone and events and activities that appeal to visitors of every age,” Ratcliffe said.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events, go to www.boonecountyfair.com or call the fair office at 815-544-2900.

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