Country Fair brings old time fun to Kline Creek Farm

The annual Country Fair, organized by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, re-creates an 1890s community fair, complete with oddities and wonders.

The fair runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31, at Kline Creek Farm, the forest preserve's 1890s living-history farm at 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Admission is free.

Visitors will experience the excitement of unusual exhibitors. The Amazing Budabi Brothers demonstrate acrobatic juggling at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Professor Marvel's Amazing Flea Circus performs tiny feats at 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dr. J.A. MacRae's Tent of Wonders displays artifacts and oddities at noon and 2:15 p.m.

Throughout the day visitors also can compete for ribbons, play games, have their portraits taken, check out exhibits of 1890s tools and technology, see award-winning livestock, find out what it takes to bake the best cookies, and hop on horse-drawn hayrides.

In the 1890s, a community fair was a highly anticipated event for farm families. They could learn about innovations in farming equipment and see demonstrations of new home technologies such as telephones and electric lights. A fair was also a social occasion where hundreds could compete for prizes and enjoy a taste of adventure.

All ages are welcome. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Snacks and beverages will be for sale. For information on the Country Fair, call (630) 876-5900.