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Images: A look back at the Lake County Fair

The Lake County Fair kicks off Wednesday, July 29, in Grayslake, so let's enjoy this historical look at the fair over the years.

In the fair's 157-year history, it has been held in many locations, including Waukegan, Libertyville, Antioch, Gurnee, Wauconda and two Grayslake locations.

Two boys ride a carnival ride at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake in the 1990s. Historical image of the Lake County Fair. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
The Mitchell Band in 1905 at the Lake County Fair in Libertyville. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
The racetrack at the Libertyville Fairgrounds was initially designed for horse racing at the turn of the century. As automobiles and motorcycles became increasingly popular, these vehicles were introduced to the track along with the traditional horse races. Neither the event nor the riders are identified here. courtesy of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
The racetrack at the Libertyville Fairgrounds was initially designed for horse racing at the turn of the century. As automobiles and motorcycles became increasingly popular, these vehicles were introduced to the track along with the traditional horse races. Neither the event nor the riders are identified here. Circa 1900-1910. courtesy of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
Horse races at the Lake County Fair at the Libertyville Fairgrounds during 1900-1910. courtesy of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
Lake County Fair in Libertyville in 1919. Historical image of the Lake County Fair. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
An early automobile race at the Libertyville Track featured two unusual race cars, circa 1913. On the left is a Case "Jay-Eye-See" and on the right, the Zip Simplex. In the background a Mercer Raceabout can be seen in action. Both featured cars were driven by Louis Disbrow. Disbrow won one event in the Zip, beating Eddie Rickenbacker. courtesy of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society
Steers are exhibited at the Lake County Fair in Libertyville in 1918. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
A good-sized crowd at the Lake County Fair at the Libertyville Fairgrounds in 1908. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
Aerial picture of the Lake County fairgrounds in Grayslake in the 1980s. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
Buttons the Clown at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake in 1994. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
Buttons given out during the 50th anniversary of the Lake County Fair in Grayslake along Route 45 and Route 120 in 1978. courtesy of the Grayslake Historical Society
Program from the 1976 Lake County Fair in Grayslake along Route 45 and Route 120. courtesy of the Grayslake Historical Society
Ribbon cutting with the pageant queens at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake on Route 45 and Route 120 in 1992. To the right is State Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
A motorcycle daredevil performs stunts for a crowd at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake on Route 45 and Route 120 in the 1980s. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
A little boy reaches up to a stilt walker at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake in the 1980s. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
Three girls ride a carnival ride at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake on Route 45 and Route 120 in the mid 1990s. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
Two boys ride a carnival ride at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake in the 1990s. courtesy of the Lake County Fair Association
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