It’s a time honored tradition that continues to draw thousands of people each year – the annual county fair season is in full swing! Generations of families throughout Illinois come out each year for their local county fairgrounds to enjoy their fair’s wide variety of fun and entertaining offerings. There is definitely something for everyone at your local county fair, from art exhibits to horse shows to car demolition derbies, county fairs have it all!
The Randolph County Fair is up and running right now, starting last Friday at the Fairgrounds in Sparta. Before the Randolph County Fair ends on Sunday, July 19, fairgoers will enjoy the traditional fair delights, including livestock and agricultural exhibits, a horse show, a truck and tractor pull, a craft fair and other special events. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and admission is free, although there is a fee from some activities. Go and join the some 5,000 people expected to attend the Randolph County Fair this year – you won’t be disappointed!
If you can’t make it to Sparta, consider attending the Monroe County Fair in Waterloo. The Monroe County Fair runs Sunday, July 19 through Sunday, July 26. This will be the 68th year for the Monroe County Fair which has provided a venue to showcase local agricultural, livestock and business products, in addition to 4-H and FFA talent. A highlight of the Monroe County Fair has always been the Friday night Demolition Derby. Come on to Waterloo and check it all out!
Like all county fairs, both the Randolph and Monroe County Fairs have a huge array of food choices for the whole family and carnival rides for the kids. It’s a good time for everyone who attends whether or not you are involved in agriculture. If you are involved in agriculture, come out to the Fairs and celebrate the season! If not, come on out and enjoy all that the fairs have to offer, including a vast collection of livestock, crops, etc. that are proudly produced and displayed by your local farmers. You’ll be amazed!