Just say bah
As it has been for generations, the bedrock of the Lake County Fair will be the animals.
This year, however, fair goers can expect one animal-related event that's completely different when the gates open Tuesday. The annual event that draws 150,000 to 200,000 visitors runs through Sunday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
"We've got something new coming this year. It really focuses on kids. It's called Mutton Bustin'," said David DeYoung, president of the Lake County Fair Association.
A rodeo for kids, Mutton Bustin' gives youngsters the chance to grab a handful of wool and let 'er rip.
"It's really one of the most intriguing little things we've seen in a long time," DeYoung said.
Essentially, the event mirrors the better known fair staple of bull riding. Contestants aged 6 years and younger, who weigh less than 60 pounds, try to last 6 seconds on a sheep that can be as unpredictable as a bull, organizers say.
"It's a chance for younger kids to be in a rodeo, basically," added Mitch Brya, fair association vice president.
"They bring their own sheep, they bring their own gates. They have a complete rodeo setup," Brya said of the promoter, Tommy G. Productions.
Three shows a day will be performed Tuesday through Friday, with four shows on each weekend day. Registration will be on site.
"It's probably one of the most intriguing little things we've seen in a long time," DeYoung added.
Traditionalists shouldn't worry, however. The Barnes Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will offer shows on Friday and Saturday.
New promoters also are on board for the motocross and demolition derby events. A monster truck pull, battle of the bands, carnival rides, live music, and a wide variety of animal, plant and cooking competitions, among other amusements, remain county fair favorites.
On another note, the Miss Lake County Fair Queen pageant is a highlight on Tuesday night.
Last year's winner, Ashley Willner of Lake Villa, went on to win the Miss Illinois County Fair queen competition. The Junior Miss and Little Miss pageants will be Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
Despite the competition with community fairs and festivals, the Lake County Fair continues to evolve and fine-tune its offerings. The admission price remains $7 with free parking.
"Even though you think we're the same old thing, we aren't," said DeYoung. Security is also a big part of the fair, with county sheriff's deputies a familiar part of the landscape.
DeYoung also emphasized that visitors shouldn't be concerned about the fair's future. There is a tentative deal to sell the fairgrounds to a developer in exchange for the Titus Farm on Peterson Road and cash.
The fair board will present plans to Grayslake's zoning board of appeals Wednesday.
"No matter what happens if we move (or) when we move, we'll always have a fair," DeYoung said.