Kane County Fair returns to St. Charles
Visitors to this year's Kane County Fair seeking thrills beyond what live music or carnival rides can provide are invited to test their strength at a new grandstand event.
The Jack Axe Competition will allow men and women to embrace their inner lumberjack by throwing axes and pulling logs.
"We … were trying to come up with something that really invigorates (the county fair)," said Eric Klein of Batavia, co-founder of the Jack Axe Competition and self described president of all things "super cool."
His partner in the operation and "Chief Axe" is Eric Winkler of St. Charles. They founded the growing project in tribute to the legend John Payne, in an attempt to embrace adventure and rejuvenate their lives.
Participants will take center stage in the grandstand, beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, the fair's opening day, and compete in feats of strength to win the $250 prizes, culminating in one male and one female victor.
The first event is a modified caber toss where challengers will take a four-by-four wooden post - 16 feet long for men and 12 feet for women - and attempt to flip it end over end. Next they will carry a large boulder, tug a log, throw an axe, and finish sawing a log.
This month's event is something of a preview of the Jack Axe Games and Festival to be held at the fairgrounds on Aug. 29 and 30.
"We see these mud runs, Spartan races, and warrior dashes, which are great fun, but lots people want to participate," Klein said. "Some don't want to run. Some of the stuff takes a bit of strength. We want to entice people not just in their 20s or 30s, but people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s to participate."
Patricia Szpekowski, the fair's public relations representative, said the Jack Axe event should bring some excitement to the fair's opening night.
"Basically its twofold - if people want to participate, they can," Szpekowski said. "Otherwise there's free admission to spectators for people who come watch in the grandstand."
Spectators won't need to worry about flying axes or heaved boulders, she said, as "it is completely safe in the stands."
Aside from the challenge, Kane County Fairgrounds visitors will have a wide array of activities to choose from between the fair's opening on Wednesday, July 15, and closing on Sunday, July 19.
Wednesday is "customer appreciation day" where attendees can purchase unlimited rides from 3 p.m. to close (11 p.m.) for $20. That evening, 7th heaven will be preforming on the Miller Lite Sound Stage at 7 p.m.
The following day, country music artist Jamey Johnson will perform in the grandstand at 6 p.m. for $20. The grandstand will host Professional Championship Bull Riding for $14 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday will conclude the grandstand performances with the Smash em Bash em Demolition Derby at 2 and 7 p.m.
Daily activities include the Kane County 4-H exhibits and judging, pig races, midway games and rides, magic shows, and a petting zoo.
Organizers don't want hot weather to deter potential fairgoers. Visitors who want to cool down or go shopping are invited to visit the air-conditioned commercial expo at the Prairie Events Center.
"We know people are coming to have fun and have good time at the fair, but they're invited to stop by and see what kind of services and products these businesses have to offer," Szpekowski said.
Admission to the fair is $5 Wednesday and Thursday, and $10 Friday through Sunday. Admission is free for children younger than 3. Seniors and military personnel may enter for free Wednesday and Thursday before 5 p.m.
For information, visit www.kanecountyfair.com or call (630) 584-6926.
If you go
What: The Kane County Fair
When: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16; noon to midnight on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 19
Where: The Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road in St. Charles
Admission: $5 Wednesday and Thursday; $10 Friday through Sunday, $5 for children 3-12; free for children younger than 3; Free for seniors and military personnel before 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday
Details: <a href="http://www.kanecountyfair.com">www.kanecountyfair.com</a>; (630) 584-6926