Beer history at Lake County Fair

Andy Yarc placed his hands around history at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake.

Yarc, 28, of Libertyville, purchased the first beer ever sold at the fair in what is the event's 81st year. For the record, Yarc had a 16-ounce Bud Light that cost $5.

"I didn't realize it, no," Yarc said when informed his beer had more significance than quenching his thirst. "I'm very proud, though."

Gloria Usmiller of Ingleside had the honor of pouring the first beer. "I'm not a liquor drinker," she said as she tended the taps.

Tuesday was the debut of the six-day fair at its new $20 million complex at Peterson and Midlothian roads. Beer sales are the other major change.

Citing a desire to boost the bottom line, fair officials obtained a liquor license early this year from the village of Grayslake and later agreed to sell beer within the confines of two tents. It's not unusual for county fairs to sell beer or wine.

Bill Obenauf, a fair board director, said the event was dry for 80 years, in part, because enough officials didn't think alcohol mixed with agriculture education, which is the fair's focus.

"We've had a lot of people asking for (beer) for several years," Obenauf said.

Similar to the rules at other outdoor festivals, fair patrons must show valid identification proving they are 21 or older to get a wristband for the beer tent. Tickets are sold for the beer.

Kristina Nedeljkovic, 21, of Gurnee, was another early arrival to the beer tent at the end of the main drag, which opened before the other tent located toward the rear of the property near the animal barns.

Nedeljkovic liked the tent's setup, which includes picnic benches and a stage for musicians. Chris Slone played the guitar as the first act on the stage.

"For people who are of age, it's a good idea," Nedeljkovic said.

Erica Angelos, 21, of Waukegan, accompanied Nedeljkovic to the fair. She said the beer tents and music provide a nice way to mingle at the event.