New beer garden rounds out DuPage fair experience

During the past five years Deb Klein and Susan Lubonovich have developed a Friday tradition at the DuPage County Fair.

The women spend the day at the Winfield Township Democratic Organization booth and enjoy an afternoon corn dog.

Though this year, the pair will begin a new tradition.

“We were looking forward to having a beer with our corn dog,” Klein said.

For the first time, the fair is selling beer and wine at the five-day event in the hopes of generating additional revenue and increasing attendance.

The fair’s newest addition will be open from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“We missed it in years past,” Lubonovich said.

Both agree that the presence of the beer tent is “more normal” than a dry fair or festival. Fairs in Lake and McHenry Countys also host beer gardens. as part of the annual events.

Though for many the ability to purchase alcohol is not the driving factor behind attending the DuPage County Fair.

“The fact that it’s here is just a benefit,” Lubonovich said.

Jan Naborowski and her husband, Paul, agree, though they believe that the presence of the new venue may influence decision to return next year.

“It makes a difference that I would come back,” Jan said. “I like that they have a nice covered place to sit.”

An array of different organizations will offer a selection of various beers and wines as well as food to fair goers throughout the weekend.

“When we were asked to volunteer, both of our hands were up,” said Judy Stelter, a volunteer with the Wheaton Elks who worked in the tent on Friday.

“It offers the different organizations who volunteer their time a chance to give back to their charities” said Rocky Fischer, also of the Wheaton Elks.

While the addition seems to be well received, large amounts of rain stunted the fair’s early turnout and impacted the success of alcohol sales.

“We’re picking up steam every day in the beer tent,” fair President Jim McGuire said. “Because of the weather conditions it’s been a little rough.”

So far the new attraction has not drawn the attendance McGuire hoped for as the grounds have been “a little soupy and muddy.”

Flooding required officials to construct a new horse arena and put down extra wood chips on the damp grounds during Friday’s fair.

With no rain in the weekend forecast, organizers are hopeful that the promise of sunshine will draw a larger attendance.

“We’re kind of in recovery mode from the weather,” McGuire said. “So the team is pulling together right now and we’re going to keep it going.”