News

Staycation the theme for Kane County Fair

Posted July 11, 2010 11:00 pm

By Andrew Steckling

The economy in turmoil has plagued the minds and wallets of Americans for the past several years.

It has also had an impact on festivals and fairs, and the Kane County Fair is no exception.

In 2009, the fair implemented a "staycation" theme for festivalgoers, providing relatively inexpensive ways to travel and entertain the family at a popular attraction.

This year will be no different, according to fair officials.

President Larry Breon and public relations chairman Floyd Brown said the goal of this year's festival was to make it as family-friendly, family-oriented and family-affordable as possible.

"Families, especially in a time like this, can't afford to travel anywhere, or have very limited funds if they do," Brown said. "For our fair, all these wonderful things are available at very low prices that provide so many opportunities for people to enjoy themselves."

Breon, who has volunteered at the fair for over 40 years, said various discounts and ride packages are offered throughout the weeklong festival.

In addition to the free live entertainment, which includes notable tribute bands Hi Infidelity and American English, shows at the Midway are scheduled throughout the day and are free to patrons.

"You can have a full day on the grounds and not spend a single dime on anything, if you plan everything out right," Breon said.

The fair is expected to draw around 140,000 patrons this year, a number that can easily fluctuate based on the weather patterns, according to Breon.

"If it's raining, people don't come out," Breon said. "If it's 110 degrees in the shade, people won't come out. That's the main trouble with hosting an outdoor festival, the weather is so unpredictable."

However, several indoor exhibits, including the 4H competition and various vendors, are housed in air-conditioned buildings. If patrons are not interested in attending those particular events, buildings can also be used to beat the heat.

The layout of the festival has changed this year, due to the recent completion of a two-year grounds improvement project, "for the better," Brown said.

"Before we improved the grounds, whenever there was a shower, the dirt paths would become uneven and be difficult for our guests using strollers or our handicapped guests. Now it's so much better. The land is back to even and several buildings provide a chance to escape the weather, if such an occasion arises," he said.

Gates open Wednesday afternoon, and a special $2 admission is available to all patrons on that date. Thursday through Sunday, though, admission is $7.

For information about events or vendors for the festival, visit kanecountyfair.com or call (630) 584-6926.

Riders soar through the blue skies on the Wave Swinger as the Ferris wheel towers over the midway at the Kane County Fair Thursday in St. Charles. Rick West | Staff Photographer

If you go

What: The 2010 Kane County Fair and Festival

Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles

When: noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15; noon to midnight Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 18

Cost: $25 for season tickets, free every day for children younger than 5. General admission $2 on Wednesday for patrons 5-62, $7 Thursday-Sunday for ages 5 and older. Seniors 63 and older admitted free on Wednesday.

Details: <a href="http://kanecountyfair.com" target="new">kanecountyfair.com</a> or (630) 584-6926

Low cost options at the Kane County Fair

Varied musical acts: With acts like the Blooze Brothers and American English scheduled throughout the fair, patrons can sit back and enjoy a variety of musical genres at the Miller Lite stage, all for the cost of admission at the front gate.

Free Midway entertainment: Non-stop shows, such as the Great Little Bear Show and Grandpa Cratchet Comedy, start at noon everday.

Rides: Discounts on rides are offered throughout the week. Visit kanecountyfair.com for details.

Exhibits: A variety of exhibits are housed on the grounds. Visitors can spend time in the air-conditioned buildings and potentially purchase items from these vendors.

4H competition: Twenty clubs in Kane County will exhibit livestock, various hobbies and topics while vying for blue ribbons and the grand championship.

Parking: Parking is free every day of the fair.

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