COUNTY FAIRS 2025
SPECIAL SECTION
Thursday Grandstand
Christian Music 1 in Christ Concert Series FREE, 6:30 start time Saturday Grandstand Dirt Track Racing FREE admission w/$10 fair gate 5:15 start time Sunday Grandstand Demo Derby 2:00 pm start time
Friday Night Grandstand Show 7:00 pm THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
Livestock Exhibits, Home Economic Exhibits, Beer Garden w/music, Kids Day, 5K run, KCBS BBQ Contest, Talent Show, Chili cookoff, Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt, Community Church Service
Conner Family Amusements, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, TaDa Robots, Wild Style Designs, Millers Petting Zoo, Kid Buck$ Game $how, 4H food stand, bingo tent, fair week only 50/50 drawing
‘Redneck Woman’ singer at 99th Ford County Fair
MELVIN, Ill.— Country music singer and songwriter Gretchen Wilson will perform at the 99th Ford County Fair on June 27.
Wilson, of Pocahontas in south-central Illinois, made her debut in March 2004 with the Grammy Award-winning single, “Redneck Woman,” that hit the top of the Billboard country charts. The song served as the lead-off single of her debut album, “Here for the Party.”
Wilson followed this album one year later with “All Jacked Up,” the title track of which became the highest-debuting single for a female country artist upon its 2005 release. A third album, “One of the Boys,” was released in 2007.
Overall, Wilson has charted 13 singles on the Billboard country charts, of which five reached the top 10. She has sold
FORD COUNTY FAIR
June 22-28
329 E. Third St. Melvin, Illinois
over 8.2 million records worldwide.
Wilson joined the cast of a new music competition show, “The Road,” which will premiere on CBS in the fall of 2025. She will serve in the role of “tour manager” alongside costars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton as they travel America looking for the “next big musician” who will open for Urban on tour.
Dalton Davis will be the opening act. The emerging country music artist spent the last few years honing his craft on the road opening for acts such as Midland, Dwight Yoakam, Roger Allen Wade, Texas Hill
County Fair on June 27.
and many more.
The Ford County Fair will also feature a car show on June 24 featuring classic, custom and exotic cars, followed the next day by an antique tractor show. A demolition derby kicks off at 6:30 p.m. June 25.
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.
Country star shines at Boone fair
BELVIDERE, Ill. — The Boone County Fair Association announced that multiplatinum country star Justin Moore will headline the fair Aug. 9, with special guest Noah Hicks.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the performance are on sale now online at boonecountyfair.com.
Moore
Ticket prices range from $30 to $50. Tickets purchased online will be held in will call at the fairgrounds ticket office at Gate 1 and will be available to pick up beginning July 12 through Aug. 9. Ticket office hours will be posted on the fair’s website and Facebook page.
The 2025 fair also will feature the Miss Boone County Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageant Tuesday, Aug. 5; the monster truck show Wednesday, Aug. 6; truck and tractor pulls Thurs -
BOONE COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 5-10
8847 Illinois Rte. 76 Belvidere, Illinois
day, Aug. 7; Next Level Professional Bull Riding Friday, Aug. 8; and two demolition derbies on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Daily events include a Ready Go Dog Show, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, First Bite Fishing Tank, carnival, antique tractor display and horse shows.
The 2024 fair garnered a record attendance of 242,072 fairgoers.
The 2025 Boone County Fair will run from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 5 through Aug. 10. Daily admission is $10 ages 11 and up; 10 and under free. Admission for seniors 65 and up is free on Thursday. Free parking. Season passes are $25 in advance. Hours, schedule and more will be posted as they are available at www.boonecountyfair.com.
Gretchen Wilson will perform at the Ford
Oak Ridge Boys in concert at Fairbury Fair
FAIRBURY, Ill. — A group with 12 gold albums, three platinum albums, one double-platinum album, a double-platinum single and dozens of No. 1 singles will perform at the Fairbury Fair on Aug. 15.
The Oak Ridge Boys are famous for their chart-topping songs, including the country-pop classic, “Elvira,” as well as hits like “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God for Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free” and “Gonna Take a Lot of River.”
Their upcoming performance at the Fairbury Fair will showcase four decades of charted singles and 50 years of musical tradition.
FAIRBURY FAIR
Aug. 13-17
600 S. 3rd St. Fairbury, Illinois
ing fan base and recently release his single, “Hometown Song.”
Jasper Fair celebrates 101st year
RENSSELAER, Ind.— The Jasper County Fair will return for its 101st year July 19-26 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
GRANDSTAND EVENTS
The fair’s grandstand will feature nightly events, including:
• Saturday, July 19 — Truck & Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, July 20 — Mud Drags at 7 p.m.
JASPER COUNTY FAIR
July 19-26
3671 W. Clark St. Rensselaer, Indiana
• Sunday, July 20 — Paisley Grace at 2 p.m. and Finley River Boys at 7 p.m.
• Monday, July 21 — Lindsay Lowe at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 22 — ATV Rodeo at p.m.
• Wednesday, July 23 — D & D Pro Rodeo at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 24 — Battle of the Barns at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 22 — Rhonda Funk at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 23 — Warranted at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 24 — Night Shift at 7 p.m.
They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Opening the concert will be singer-songwriter Aaron Newsome of Pontiac. Newsome is amassing a large and still-grow-
The Oak Ridge Boys have earned numerous Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, GMA Dove, Grammy and American Music awards.
The 148-year-old Fairbury Fair has a 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 on the storied track that’s known by enthusiasts throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Details of the daily activities and times are available at www. thefairburyfair.com.
• Friday, July 25 — Monster Trucks at 7p.m.
• Saturday, July 26 — Demolition Derby at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks.
FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy live performances throughout the week:
• Saturday, July 19 — Nawty Band at 7 p.m.
• Friday, July 25 — Steve Trent & Small Town at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 26 — Triple C Band at 7 p.m.
Family-friendly activities will be available daily, including Aim High Canines and Mobile Arts Glass Blowing Demonstrations. For more information, visit the official Jasper County Fair website at jaspercountyfair.weebly.com.
The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at the Fairbury Fair on Friday, Aug. 15.
Fan favorites back at Livingston Fair
PONTIAC, Ill. — A fast-paced rodeo, metal-crunching demolition derby and thunder of Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls are just some of the many fan favorites at the Livingston County Agricultural Fair.
The 95-year-old fair begins Wednesday, July 16, with a sheep, diary, goat and dog show, mixed with horticulture, plant and soil science, electricity, tractor care, vet science, woodworking, animal science, entomology and many other judging competitions.
Swine, rabbit, horse and pony, pheasant and quail are among the activities on tap for Thursday, July 17.
Beef and poultry shows, mixed in with cake and cooking judging, style review, rooster crowing contest, kiddie tractor pull and a rocket launch are scheduled along with other activities for July 18.
The swine, rabbit, poultry, milk, wether and beef livestock
LIVINGSTON COUNTY AG FAIR
July 16-19
18142 4-H Park Rd.
Pontiac, Illinois
sales are on the final day.
ENTERTAINMENT
The fair’s grandstand area fun begins July 16 with the Rogue Rodeo, a fast-paced, exciting and family-friendly event.
Rogue Rodeo Productions, based in Albia, Iowa, is operated by Jerry Beaumont and Stephanie Allgood. Along with their sons, they have a commercial cow-calf operation in Monroe County in south-central Iowa.
Ag games will be featured in the grandstand area beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Grandstand action continues Friday, July 18, with Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Prior to that event, a kiddie tractor pull
Marshall-Putnam a ‘Red Carpet A-Fair’
HENRY, Ill. — It will be a “Red Carpet A-Fair” at the 104th Marshall-Putnam Fair, celebrating a tradition of excellence.
Headlining the entertainment will be country music singer and songwriter Randy Houser, who has racked up over a half dozen hits and over 1 billion streams.
He will perform Thursday, July 17. Also on the slate are musicians Timothy Wayne and Brody Vancil.
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. followed by the demolition derby by Ramer Race Promotions.
Ramer Race Promotions, based in Mendota, has been promoting demolition derbies throughout Illinois for over 25 years.
Detailed daily schedules can be found at www.livingstoncountyagfair.com.
Houser’s “How Country Feels” album topped the country radio charts. He added acting to his résumé in 2023 when he landed on-screen roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Killer of the Flower Moon” starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as in Dennis Quaid’s “The Hill.”
Wayne is a rising star in the country music scene. He’s also the nephew of country legend Tim McGraw. Vancil is from just down the road in Metamora, Illinois, and is a rising star in the music scene. A demolition derby is slated for 7 p.m. Friday,
MARSHALL-PUTNAM FAIR
July 13-20
915 University Ave. Henry, Illinois
July 18, with classes of 1980s and newer, open light weld full size, pro stock compacts, young guns and minivans.
A Pro Pulling League America’s Pull begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19. PPL classes will be pro stock tractors, super stock diesel trucks, unlimited super stock tractors, mini rod tractors and super modified tractors.
The ever-popular M-P Fair Cookoff Contest is Sunday, July 20. Cooking themes are “An Apple A-Fair,” “The Great Pumpkin,” “Viva Italia” and “Jr. Chef Roundup.”
Other fair events include an antique tractor show, car show, harness racing, Illinois State Fair karaoke contest, kiddie tractor pull, Power Wheels derby, and livestock shows.
Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls will be held at the Livingston County Agricultural Fair on July 18.
Travis Tritt headlines Champaign County Fair
URBANA, Ill. — The historic Champaign County Fair will once again be chock-full of fun and include daily grandstand entertainment of the four-legged and horsepower varieties, as well as a country music star.
Country singer-songwriter and actor Travis Tritt will hit the grandstand stage July 25, with opener Tyler Braden.
Tritt signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1989, releasing seven studio albums and a greatest hits package for the label between then and 1999.
In the 2000s, he released three studio albums on Columbia Records and one for the now-defunct Category 5 Records.
Seven of his albums, counting “Greatest Hits: From the Beginning,” are certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America. The highest-certified is 1991’s “It’s All About to Change,” which is certified triple-platinum.
Tritt has also charted more
than 40 times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including five No. 1s — “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You with My Heart,” “Foolish Pride” and “Best Intentions” — and 15 additional Top 10 singles.
He’s earned multiple Grammy, TNN/Music City New Country and Country Music Association awards along with numerous nominations. He’s been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992.
Tritt’s first acting role was alongside fellow country singer Kenny Rogers in the 1993 made-for-television movie, “Rio Diablo.” His second appearance was as a bull rider in “The Cowboy Way,” starring Woody Har-
relson, Kiefer Sutherland and Dylan McDermott. Numerous other roles followed.
Braden signed his career’s first music label deal with the record company Warner Music Nashville, launching him into the industry in May 2020 with the cover of the American rock band Need to Breathe’s song, “Brother,” followed by his first original song, “Secrets,” being released.
Braden shared his music video of “Secrets” on his YouTube channel titled after himself and now has over 4 million views.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The popular grandstand events open with a pro rodeo on Friday, July 18, beginning at 7 p.m. A demolition derby is on tap for 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19.
The draft horses come in on Sunday, July 20. The draft horse pulls begin at noon and the draft horse show kicks off at 4 p.m.
There will be harness racing
beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. On Wednesday, July 23, monster trucks will be featured, followed on Thursday with motocross.
Grandstand festivities conclude Saturday, July 26, with tractor pulls sanctioned by the Illiana Pullers Association and Illinois Tractor Pulling Association.
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.
Further details of the fair’s events can be found at champaigncountyfair.cc.
Country singer-songwriter and actor Travis Tritt will hit the Champaign County Fair grandstand stage Friday, July 25.
2025 MARSHALL - PUTNAM FAIR
Red Carpet A-Fair
CELEBRATING 104 YEARS!
July 16 - 20, 2025
Free Parking | No Main Gate Fee | Camping Available
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH
• Harness Racing at noon
• Queen Pageant 4:00pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16TH
• Wine Tasting 5pm & Dueling Pianos 6pm-10pm
• Kick-off Dinner 5pm-7:30pm
THURSDAY, JULY 17TH
• Randy Houser in Concert w/ Timothy Wayne & Brody Vancil 7pm
• Family Fun Activities 2pm-8pm
FRIDAY, JULY 18TH
• Demolition Derby 7pm
• Beer Tent Entertainment (DJ Mara) 9pm-1am
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH
• PPL Truck & Tractor Pull 5:30pm
• Beer Tent Entertainment (Taylor Bruninga Band) 9pm-1am
CELEBRATING 104YEARS
PPL TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH | 5:30PM
Ticket office opens at 2 PM
Open Pits, No charge to enter the pit area
Livestock shows going on throughout the week
SUNDAY, JULY 20TH
• Breakfast 8am-10am
• MP Stock & Antique Tractor Pull 10:30am
• Adult & Children Sunday Funday 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.
LaPorte County Fair gears up for its 179th celebration
LAPORTE, Ind. — The LaPorte County Fair, Indiana’s oldest county fair, is set to return for its 179th year July 5-12 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.
This beloved summer tradition offers a week filled with family friendly activities, including 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, home arts displays and Pioneerland — a living history village that brings the past to life.
CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS
The fair’s grandstand will host concerts, with country artist Warren Zeiders performing at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10.
CARNIVAL MIDWAY
The Skerbeck Entertainment Group’s Carnival Midway will operate July 7-12, opening with a preview night at 5 p.m. on Monday.
LAPORTE COUNTY FAIR
July 5-12
2581 W. State Rd.2
LaPorte, Indiana
Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $35. Individual ride tickets are also for sale.
DAILY EVENTS
Each day of the fair features a variety of events, including livestock competitions, 4-H showcases and special themed days like Senior Day and Veterans Day.
Also featured is a Birds of Prey demonstration, Queen City Stunt Circus, a roaming robot that interacts with guests and a monster truck show. For more information, visit lpfair.com.
Kendall County Fair filled with food, fun
YORKVILLE, Ill. — Looking for unique local crafts, great music, tasty treats, auto shows and numerous other activities for you, family and friends? The Kendall County Fair has it all.
The origins of this northern Illinois fair date back 171 years ago when the first Kendall County Agricultural Fair was held in Oswego, moving to Plano two years later and then, beginning in 1857, spent the remainder of its original 53 years in Bristol and Yorkville vicinity.
Entertainment at the original fair included horse races, chariot races, musical entertainment, games of chance, greased pole competitions, mule races, foot races and an ice cream stand. Exhibits consisted of horticulture, floriculture, livestock, needlework and machinery.
The original fair ended in 1907 and was resurrected in 1993. It has since grown into a popular event that draws visits
KENDALL COUNTY FAIR
July 31-Aug. 3
10826 Illinois Rte. 71
Yorkville, Illinois
from northern Illinois and well beyond.
Highlights of the 2025 Kendall County include 4-H livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, Western Horse Speed Show, live music and performances, food vendors, 4-H exhibits and displays, competitions and contests, market and commercial vendors, truck and tractor pulls and the ever-popular “Wheels and the Fair” Auto Show and Vendor Market.
The truck and tractor pulls begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Concerts are also on tap on that Friday and Saturday.
Brad Jackson & Shades of Country will deliver true classic country music to the stage with
a traditional country and western swing beginning at 7 p.m. Aug. 1.
A music doubleheader is slated for Saturday, Aug. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m., featuring Alika Arlynn Band and Ryan Craig Band, with a 30-minute intermission between groups.
Arlynn is a country artist from Illinois, blending country and rock music and creating an uplifting and inspirational experience that resonates with listeners of all ages.
The Ryan Craig Band performs all over Chicagoland and beyond. Last year, the band released two of its hit singles, “Drink Your Memory Away” and “Summertime Feeling.” Band members are all from Illinois. Leader singer Craig is from Peotone, lead guitarist Nathaniel Holmes is a Freeport native, bassist John Rock hails from Lake in the Hills and drummer Kevin Lipovitch is from Pingree Grove.
The Kendall County Fair Experience
The Kendall County Fair offers excitement for the whole family! From 4-H to funnel cakes, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live music, truck and tractor pulls, a western speed show, livestock competitions, and more. All events are free with admission! Don’t miss the biggest event of the year! www.kendallcountyfairgrounds.org
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS WITH A NEW VISION
Since 1928, the Warren County Agricultural Fair has been a place where tradition meets community. Now, as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2028, we’re excited to announce something truly transformative — the 2025 groundbreaking & beginning construction of a brand-new multi-purpose building, the Pattee Pavilion, that will stand as the cornerstone of the fairgrounds for generations to come.
Fair showcases agricultural heritage
CROWN POINT, Ind.—
The Lake County Fair is set to make a grand return Aug. 1-10, celebrating its 95th year of bringing community, agriculture and entertainment together at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.
Known as one of Indiana’s largest county fairs, the event promises a blend of traditional charm and modern excitement.
The fair will kick off with a Russell Dickerson and Niko Moon concert on July 31, including opening
LAKE COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 1-10
889 S. Court St. Crown Point, Indiana
act Shaylen.
Other concerts include bluegrass gospel music from Rusty Nail Crossing Aug. 1-8 and Eric Lambert and The Lovely Char Duo on Aug. 2.
Attendees can also look forward to a bustling midway filled with carnival
rides and games, motorsports events and more.
The fair also showcases Lake County’s agricultural heritage with livestock exhibitions, 4-H competitions and other educational experiences for all ages.
Local artisans and crafters will display their talents, and numerous food vendors will serve up classic fair treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
For more information, visit www.lake-countyfair.com.
Free admission to grandstand events
FREEPORT, Ill. — Gate admission to the Stephenson County Fair this year includes general admission to all grandstand events.
Set for July 22-26, admission to the fair is $10 for adults, and kids 8 and under are free. An exhibitor pass costs $20, and a season pass is $35.
The first two nights of the fair feature tractor and truck pulls at the grandstand. The Midwest Summer Nationals start with Session 1 at 12:30 p.m. with pro farm, light super stock, pro stock diesel trucks and hot farm classes.
Session 2 will kick off at 6 p.m. with mini rods, super farm and pro stock classes.
The second day of competition begins at 12:30 p.m. with the Section 1 FFA Pull — Back Roads Pullers Sanctioned classes.
The evening session starting at 6 p.m. will include light limited super stock, limited pro stock and modified tractor classes.
The Tough Truck Challenge is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. and it will feature cars,
www.oglecountyfair.com
2025 OGLE COUNTY FAIR
Wed. July 3 0 – Sun. Aug. 3
1440 Limekiln Rd. • Oregon, IL 61061
Regular Gate Admission Prices (includes carnival rides):
1 - Day Admission = $ 10
Age 4 and under = Free Gate Admission
($5 carnival wristband may be purchased separately)
5 - Day Admission Pass = $4 5
STEPHENSON COUNTY FAIR
July 22-26
2250 S. Walnut Rd. Freeport, Illinois
trucks, vans, jeeps and SUVs. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three in each class and the fan favorite in each class will receive $50.
A full day of concerts is planned for the grandstand on Friday, starting with ‘50s tribute band Rockin’ Fenderskirts at 2 p.m., Johnny Cash tribute band American Cash at 4 p.m., ZZ Top tribute band Eliminator at 6 p.m., and STYX tribute band Anthem’s Grand Illusion at 8 p.m.
The Total Destruction Demolition Derby is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday. Pit passes for this event are $30.
Many activities for all ages are planned for the fair every day and most of them are included with the fair admission.
Near the community tent, the fire department will provide several fun events including a smoke house, touch a truck and a kiddie obstacle course.
Free inflatables will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily games for the family will start at 3:30 p.m. outside the community tent that will include sack races, three-legged races, watermelon eating contest and a water balloon toss.
Join Miss Amanda for Storytime at the Fair starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In addition to reading stories, kids can make a project and participate in activities.
Sponsored by the Kiwanis, free pony rides will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday. Additional events that day include Kids Dance Camp at 2 p.m., Faith at the Fair worship music at 1 p.m. and a pig scramble at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, a Lego building contest is planned for 5 p.m. at the Heritage Hall.
Also on Saturday, the Kiddie Tractor Pull will begin at 12:30 p.m. The Talent Show will start at 2 p.m. in the community tent.
For more information about the Stephenson County Fair, go to www. stephensoncountyfair.org.
Regular Grandstand Prices (after gate admission):
1 - Day Grandstand = $1 5
Age 4 and under = Free
1 - Day Pit Pass (Wed - Sat) = $20
815 - 732 - 6962
Scan for tickets
Reduced Price Preseason Entrance Tickets can be purchased online or at most Casey’s in Ogle County until 11:59 pm Tuesday July 29 th , see fair website for exact Casey’s locations.
Entrance, grandstand , and pit pass tickets may be purchased by visiting the website or scan the QR code. All online Grandstand Tickets Sales stop at 3:00 pm day of event. Grandstand gates open 1 hour prior to the event. Grandstand tickets may be purchased at gate depending on availability.
GRANDSTAND EVENTS
• Wed 6:30 pm Illini Stock & Sanctioned Tractor Pulls
• Thur 6:30 pm Illini Sanctioned Truck & Tractor Pulls
• Fri 7:00 pm T & A Bucking Bulls
• Sat 6:3 0 pm Robbo’s Extreme Demo Derby
(With Paid Admission)
• ALL CARNIVAL RIDES
•Queen Contest (Wed)
• Live Music on County Stage
( Thurs – Sat TBA )
• Ready Go Dog Show
• The Rhinestone Roper
• Animal Shows & Exhibits
• Benefit Horse Show (Sun)
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
• Chain Saw Artist & Auction
• Brian Holt Magic Show ( Fri & Sat)
• Sunday Church Service
• Kids Pedal Pull (Sat)
• Antique Tractor Display & Parade
• Commercial Exhibits
• 4 - H Children’s Farm
• 4 - H Dodgeball Tournament (Fri)
Fair packed with entertaiment
OREGON, Ill. — The action-packed, high-energy Ready Go Dog Show is coming to the Ogle County Fair, July 30 to Aug. 3.
The big air dog show features a talented pack of 15 rescue pups during a 25-minute show. It includes a variety of breeds ranging from the Belgian Malinois breed to a 9-pound Chihuahua mix.
Show times are 4, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Rhinestone Roper is also new to the fair this year. This 40-minute Wild West Show includes trick roping, bullwhip cracking, knife throwing, gun spinning and fast-draw shooting.
Don’t miss this show that will be at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, at 2, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and at noon, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Grandstand events at the fair will include the Illini State Pullers on both Wednesday and Thursday, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The T & A Bucking Bulls rodeo will be at the grand-
OGLE COUNTY FAIR
July 30-Aug. 3
1440 Limekiln Rd. Oregon, Illinois
stand on Friday, Aug. 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. with mutton busting.
The main rodeo show is set for 7 p.m. and will include bull riding, saddle broncs, bareback broncs and barrel racing.
Robbo’s Extreme Derby Promotions will present the Harlan Holm Derby Show on Saturday, starting at 6:30 p.m., and the Kids Power Wheel Derby will be held prior to the derby at 6 p.m.
The kids derby is open to children up to 10 years of age and a first-place trophy will be presented.
All carnival rides are free with paid admission and many other activities will also be free at the fair, including the Kiddie Pedal Pull at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The pull is open to all boys and girls weighing 25 to 80 pounds and participants will be divided into three weight classes. Trophies will be given to the
top three finishers based on distance.
Antique tractors will be displayed every day and they will participate in a tractor parade at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, traveling the perimeter of the fairgrounds.
The 4-H Dodgeball Tournament starts at 6:30 p.m. in the beef barn on Friday. Teams of six people will compete in two age brackets — Junior Division, ages 13 or younger, and Senior Division, open to all ages. Participants must be affiliated with a 4-H member.
Chainsaw artist Dave Ferrell will present several shows daily and his carvings will be auctioned on Saturday after the animal auction in the beef arena at 6:30 p.m.
Fairgoers can enjoy the Magic of Brian Holt on Friday as he walks around the fairgrounds from 4 to 8 p.m. doing magic and making balloon animals. On Saturday, he will perform a show at 4 p.m. on the Ogle County Stage.
For more information about the Ogle County Fair, go to www.oglecountyfair.com.
Variety of attractions at Pun’kin Vine Fair
KENTLAND, Ind. —
The 106th annual Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair is scheduled to take place July 7-12 at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland.
The fair will feature a variety of attractions, including:
• 4-H competitions showcasing local youth projects and livestock.
• Carnival rides provided by The Carnival Company LLC.
• Special events such as the D&D Pro Rodeo Company Rodeo on July 8.
• Little Miss & Mister
NEWTON COUNTY
PUN’KIN VINE FAIR
July 7-12
12189 S. Punkin Vine Rd. Kentland, Indiana
Pageant for children ages 5 to 7.
• Food vendors serving classic fair treats.
The 4-H events will commence with project entries on Wednesday, July 2, followed by various judging events and shows throughout the week, including:
• Dog Obedience and
Agility Show — Sunday, July 6.
• Livestock shows — including sheep, goats, rabbits, swine, poultry and beef.
• Horse and pony shows — multiple events throughout the week.
• 4-H Night at the Fair — awards and recognition on Wednesday, July 9.
• Livestock Auction — Friday, July 11.
• Supreme Showmanship and Pie in the Face Contest — Saturday, July 12.
Learn more at newtoncountyfair.weebly.com.
Tractor pulls, rodeo and Blue Steel band highlight Carroll County Fair
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ill.
— A new rodeo, T and A Bucking Bulls will be at the Carroll County Fair on Aug. 7.
Starting at 7 p.m., admission to the grandstand is free for the rodeo and will include barrel racing, bronc riding and steer roping.
The fair will feature tractor and truck pulls on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the grandstand. Tri-County Pullers and Illini State Truck Pull will both begin at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.
The Badger State Tractor Pull is set for the following night beginning at 6:30 p.m. and admission to the grandstand is free for both nights.
Blue Steel, a country and rock band, will entertain fairgoers on Friday, Aug. 8, starting at 7:30 p.m. The band was recently inducted into the Rockford Area Music Industry Hall of Fame. Admission is free to the grandstand and track.
Bingo will be held every day of the fair, east of the 4-H Building, and prizes will be awarded. Join in on the fun from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
In addition to the carnival every day, there are several events for kids to enjoy, including the Power Big Wheel Races on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Kids from 2 to 7 years old should bring their own Power Wheel to race on the track in front of the grandstand.
The Bicycle Races will also begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday for kids ages 2 to 16 and they will be divided into six classes. Kids can enter free with their own
CARROLL COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 5-9
28374 Milledgeville Rd. Milledgeville, Illinois
bike and win a prize. Prizes will be $10 for first place, $8 for second place, $5 for third place, $3 for fourth place and $2 for fifth place.
In the hospitality tent, the Kiddie Tractor Pull starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday. This event is open to both boys and girls weighing from 10 to 80 pounds and contestants will be divided into three weight classes. The top three winners in each category will win a trophy.
Rain or shine, the Ninja Farmer competition starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday in front of the grandstand. Prizes will be
awarded in each age division for this timed event and everyone competing will receive ice cream at this free event.
A cake walk is planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Friday, the Live Cake Decorating Competition will be held in the Culinary Department.
Each contestant will bring their own decorating supplies for the event. After the judging is complete, the cakes will go to the Cake Walk behind the grandstand.
Daily admission to the fair is $10; children 7 years and under are free. A season wristband is $30 and exhibitor’s wristbands are $20.
For more information about the Carroll County Fair, go to www.carrollcountyfair.info.
New this year, T and A Bucking Bulls with barrel racing, bronc riding and steer roping will take over the grandstand at the Carroll County Fair on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Wheels of Ag game show returns to Will County Fair
PEOTONE, Ill.— The 122nd Will County Fair opens with Family Day on Aug. 20 with general admission at $1 per person and all rides are also $1.
Admission will be half price or $4 for all seniors and veterans on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The Family Entertainment Tent will offer a daily schedule of events, activities and entertainment that are free for fairgoers to enjoy, including a church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
For the second year, contestants will have the opportunity to learn more about agriculture at the Wheels of Ag game show all days of the fair.
From 80 to 100 vendors will provide a wide variety of products during the fair ranging from baked potatoes and ice cream to crafts and jewelry.
Thursday is Ride-A-Thon
WILL COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 20-24
710 S. West St. Peotone, Illinois
Night for the carnival that opens at 4 p.m. Kids can ride any ride as often as they like with the purchase of a wristband for $35.
Motor sports fans will enjoy the Scramble & Scramble Derby on Friday, starting at 7 p.m. at the grandstand. This event features obstacles for the drivers and a trophy and cash prize will be awarded to the best-looking vehicle chosen by fan applause.
On Saturday, at 6:30 p.m., the popular Will County Fair Demolition Derby returns to the track. The event will include 4and 6-cylinder vehicles, ‘80s and newer street stock and powder-
August 20th - 24th 2025 • PEOTONE, IL
EVENTS
Wednesday, August 20th
“Family & Dollar Day”
• Admission & Rides are only $1 ALL DAY
• Free Ping Pong Drop / Touch a Truck @ 5:30pm
Thursday, August 21st
“Senior Citizen and Veterans Day”
• I.T.P.A. Tractor & Truck Pulls @ 6:30pm
• Beer Garden: 4CAST @8pm
Friday, August 22nd
“Scramble Race & Derby Day”
• Will County Fair Scramble & Scramble Derby @ 7pm
• Beer Garden: Nashville Electric @ 8pm
Saturday, August 23rd “Demolition Derby”
• Will County Fair Demolition Derby @ 6:30pm
• Beer Garden: Any Given Weekend @ 8pm
Amusement rides and general admission are $1 on Family Day, Aug. 20, at the Will County Fair.
puff vehicles, old iron, minivans, SUV and mini trucks.
Admission to the Demolition Derby is $15 for the grandstand and pit passes are $20.
For music fans, the beer tent will offer a variety of perfor-
mances from Thursday through Sunday.
Check the fair website after July 1 for this year’s fair book and all the updated information on events and activities scheduled for the five-day event.
Sunday, August 24th “I.P.R.A. Rodeo Day”
• I.P.R.A. World Championship Rodeo @ 2pm
• Beer Garden: Mid Life Crisis Band @ 6pm
& Sunday
Tickets: $1.50 each / 22 for $30
Wednesday Rides are $1 & Thursday Wrist Bands available for $35
General admission to the fair is $8 per person on Thursday through Sunday; children 9 years old and younger are free. For more information about the Will County Fair, go to www. willcountyfair.org.
Carroll County Fair August
Farmer Games added to fair schedule
AMBOY, Ill. — Farmer Games is a new activity at the Lee County Fair on opening day, Thursday, July 24.
Farmer Games will be held in the show barn, starting at 6 p.m. It will include games such as bale stack, bale toss and musical bales. This competition is open to kids and adults.
Also on Thursday night of the fair, set for July 24-27, a ladies event is planned for 5:30 p.m. with Get Creative with TMG Designs. Those participating will have an opportunity to make a craft during the fair.
Two nights of tractor and truck pulls will be featured at the grandstand on Thursday and Friday nights. The Back Road Pullers & Lee County Tractor/Truck Pull starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
On Friday, the Illini State Pullers and Lee County Fair Tractor/ Truck Pull will begin at 6:30 p.m. Pit passes for both nights are $25.
In the Show Barn, the Pin Dodgeball event is set for 7 p.m. Friday. It will include a junior tournament
LEE COUNTY FAIR
July 24-27
1196 Franklin Rd. Amboy, Illinois
for kids 13 years old or younger and a senior tournament which is open to all ages for the six-player teams.
The T & A Bucking Bulls rodeo is 7 p.m. Saturday at the grandstand. In addition to mutton busting for kids 8 years old or younger, the rodeo will include barrel racing, bull riding and saddle, bareback and ranch broncs.
Many activities are available for kids to enjoy at the fair, including the petting zoo, pony rides, the barrel train that runs daily and the County Fair Speedway, a remote-controlled race car track.
Farm House Bounce will be on the Midway with a variety of bounce houses and games. The Midway will also include the basketball wagon, for kids to practice their shooting skills throughout the fair.
Magic by Cory Show is set for 4 p.m. Friday and
bingo has been moved to 4 p.m. Saturday in the entertainment tent.
All the project judging starts on Thursday at the fair. The 4-H Show is for Lee County 4-H members.
The Junior Show is for 8- to 21-year-olds from any county, and includes livestock and small animals, crops, mechanical sciences and visual arts.
The Open Show is for all ages from any county. Contestants can enter cooking/baking, floral/ gardening, fibers, photography or art. Online registration for the junior and open shows are available on the fair website.
Daily admission to the fair is $5 and children 12 and under are free. A season pass costs $18.
The Fun Pass costs $35 and it includes admission to the fairgrounds and all grandstand shows.
The 4-H Fun Pass for Lee County 4-H members is $15 and it includes admission to all grandstand shows.
For more information about the Lee County Fair, go to www.leecountyfairgrounds.com.
Fair to break ground for new facility
ROSEVILLE, Ill. — For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Warren County Fair Association is building a new facility as the fair approaches its 100th anniversary.
Established in 1928, the fair is planning a groundbreaking this year to start the construction of a multipurpose building, the Pattee Pavilion.
Sitting at the entrance of the fairgrounds, the new building will serve as the cornerstone and face of the fair.
This building will provide a dedicated home for
WARREN COUNTY FAIR
July 12-19
625 N. Chamberlain St. Roseville, Illinois
the general project, floriculture and horticulture shows. It will include a covered patio with a serving window.
It will house a fair office, meeting rooms, restrooms, a fully compliant kitchen and pageant queen areas. In addition, the building will feature flexible space that can be used through-
out the year by the community.
All are invited to become part of the legacy to raise the final $250,000 to make the vision a reality and have construction of the building completed in time for the 100th fair in 2028. All donations will go directly toward building costs.
Gifts of over $100,000 will be honored with naming opportunities, a way for people to leave a legacy for generations to come.
For more information about the Warren County Agricultural Fair, go to www.ilwcf.com.
