Kane County Fair's deals cater to families
Kane County Fair attendance has increased in recent years following several years of a decline in numbers. Last year, 141,528 people attended the fair, and 121,600 were on hand in 2006.
Fair spokesman Floyd Brown said organizers hope to keep that trend going this year, with deals aimed at appealing to families with young children as well as those who have not been children for a long time.
Brown said a large portion of the fair's attendees are at the Kane County Fairgrounds in the early afternoon.
And deals on Friday through Sunday will attempt to increase that even more.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, people at the fair can buy $15 armbands good for unlimited rides on that day from noon to 5 p.m.
"We had so many people come in from noon to 5 o'clock (last year), vendors were sold out," Brown said. "Let's see if this enhances our attendance during the day and into the evening."
The 140th Annual Kane County Fair begins with animal judging Wednesday morning. It will run through Sunday evening and includes daily main events as well as a daily gas card raffle, where a local gas station will give out four $50 cards. As in previous years, kids 4 and younger get in free throughout the fair's five days.
Brown said he expects a great turnout this year and that organizers do what they can to increase attendance, but the fair's reputation sometimes sells itself.
"It's well thought of," he said. "The fairs are traditional. There are families that have been coming for years. It's the festival of festivals."
While Wednesday's main event is championship bull riding at 7:30 p.m., the fair officially kicks off in the morning with sheep and poultry inspection at 8 a.m. Horse and ponies will get judged at 8:30 a.m. and swine take their turn at noon.
The 4H-sponsored projects serve as the main reason behind the fair, Brown said.
"The entertainment is more of a way of getting the people there," Brown said.
Other discount days at the fair include Dollar Day on Wednesday, when admission will be $1 and attendees can buy 10 rides for $10. Thursday's special is geared toward seniors, with anybody 62 and older admitted free from 12 to 4 p.m.
If you go:
The Kane County Fair begins Wednesday with 4-H animal contests. The midway opens at noon. Some other highlights for Day 1:
8 a.m. Sheep, poultry judging
8:30 a.m. Horse, pony judging
Noon Swine judging
Noon Midway opens with rides and attractions
2, 4:30, 7:30 p.m.: Cowboy Bob Hamm on Miller Lite Soundstage
2:30 p.m. Bruce Korosa on Miller Lite Soundstage
5:30 p.m. Lucky Town on Miller Lite Soundstage
7:30 p.m. Championship bull riding $5 admission
8 p.m. New Invaders on Miller Lite Soundstage
• Complete schedule in Neighbor