'Green' farming, giant horses new to this year's McHenry County Fair
The McHenry County Fair starts its 60th anniversary run today, with some new attractions and lots of favorite, family-friendly activities.
The five-day fair runs today through Sunday, Aug. 5-9, at the Woodstock fairgrounds, located east of Route 47 on Country Club Road.
Money may be tight, but that won't put a damper on this year's fun, says fair manager Dick Crone.
"Even though the economy has been struggling, we're hopeful that attendance will be stronger than ever this year," he said, suggesting that this summer, families are postponing costly vacations for more affordable outings "right here in our own backyard."
One new feature, Crone said, is the Percheron Draft Horse Exhibit, which is coming from Iowa. Several of the huge horses will be shown in a ring near the fair's front gate where visitors can view them; or, if they're brave, even ride on one of these gentle giants. "We have regular horse shows scheduled on the weekend, but this is something different," Crone said. "We don't often see these kinds of horses, and they'll be there every day."
Another new addition, the "Agriculture Of The Past" exhibit of antique tractors and farm implements, is on display each day near the 4-H building. For an extra $5, fans of farm equipment can also enjoy Sunday's Truck and Tractor Pulls and Combine Demonstration, a perennial favorite that starts at 5 p.m. in the grandstand.
Green-thinking fairgoers will enjoy the "Alternative Ag Tour," hosted by the McHenry County Master Gardeners and the McHenry County Farm Bureau. Ethanol fuels, wind power, and other renewable energy technologies are featured in building E, along with home generators, landscaping, beekeeping, grains, vegetables, and flowers.
"When you enter the fair, you get an Ag-Tour form," Crone said. "If you stop at each booth (on the checklist), you can enter in a drawing for valuable prizes."
A demonstration garden, located between buildings E and F, showcases flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, field corn and soy beans. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer expert advice.
Children who love animals will enjoy the Pygmy Goat Show at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. This year's contest is sanctioned by the National Pygmy Goat Association with prizes totaling $1,747.50.
But that's not the main attraction. Who doesn't love to watch those adorable little goats?
Kids can also try their luck at the free "Pedal Pull" contest, set for 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, near building F, or watch the grown-ups compete in Sunday's Garden Tractor Pull, set for 9 a.m. in the grandstand.
A pedal tractor is provided for the kids, but adults have to bring their own lawn tractor - and a safety helmet, if they're smart. Preregistration is not required. Just show up before the contest starts, sign up, and test your mettle against the county's best. It's all in good fun, and yes, some folks do take these things very personally!
Skinner's Amusements will be back with "the best carnival around," Crone says, offering $15 "Wristband Days" with unlimited rides from 1-5 p.m. today through Friday. Free fun in the entertainment tent includes bingo at noon today and Thursday and free pop-rock band music at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
The McHenry County Fair opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday - Sunday, Aug. 5-9. Gate admission is $ 7 for adults, $3 for children ages 8-12. Visit mchenrycountfair.com for details, or check our schedule on page X.