Traditions to continue at McHenry County Fair
There won't be much new and different at this year's McHenry County Fair - and organizers are proud of it.
The event, which runs Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 4-8 in Woodstock, will be full of classic fair food, entertainment and activities, according to president Dick Crone of Harvard, who has been on the fair board for eight years.
"One of the charms of the McHenry County Fair is tradition," Crone said, "which doesn't necessarily connote something new. More the familiar, traditional, normal expectations you'll find with the county fair."
Admission to the fair is $6 for ages 13 and up and $3 for senior citizens and kids ages 8 to 12. Weeklong passes to the fair can be purchased for $15. Wristbands for unlimited rides will be available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1-5 p.m. for $15.
Returning to this year's event will be the queen pageant, the demolition derby, tractor pulls and, of course, 4-H judging and exhibitions.
With more than 1,000 members, 4-H is the largest youth organization in McHenry County, and the kids participating have spent the past year, sometimes more, preparing their projects for the week of judgment.
Crone's favorite part of the fair each year is seeing the projects and the looks on kids' faces when they are recognized for their hard work, he said.
"For some kids, maybe they're not good at sports or the best student," he said. "This gives them an opportunity to be good at something."
But this year's fair is not just for the kids and the animals.
Entertainment
Entertainment committee chair Wade Heisler of McHenry has worked long, hard hours to make this year's shows worth returning for.
The beer gardens will be open every night, starting at 6 p.m. Local bands will perform for crowds Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, including an AC/DC tribute band, an Elvis impersonator and bands from genres across the board. All music will be in the entertainment tent and is free.
Thursday is veteran's day. All retired and active military personnel with identification can get into the fair for free. There will also be a 21-tractor salute Thursday in the Grandstand. Vintage tractors from years of all conflicts from World War I through present day will give a salute to the veterans, and the names of all fallen heroes from McHenry County will be called. It's a very somber yet patriotic time, Heisler said.
Staying coolWhile classic fair attractions are sure to draw the masses, a few improvements will also keep fairgoers satisfied.To combat potential summer heat, many air-conditioned areas will be available for fair goers to cool off in. All buildings with sides will be partially air-conditioned, Crone said, to provide a respite from the sun's rays.The McHenry County Fair promises to bring classic fair staples to life and hopes to lure residents back one more time to experience their favorite aspects of the event."I love to see the excitement on kids' faces when they see they animals and can walk up and pet the goats," Heisler said. "It makes the younger children realize agriculture is a part of life, part of what you eat every day. If it wasn't for farmers working tirelessly against mother nature, we wouldn't have food on the table."For a complete schedule of events, visit mchenrycountyfair.com.If you goWhat: The annual McHenry County FairWhen: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday Aug. 5; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6; 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7; 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8Where: McHenry County Fairgrounds at Route 47 and Country Club Road in WoodstockAdmission: $6 for attendees 13 and older, $3 for senior citizens and children 8-12; $15 for a weeklong passDetails: Visit mchenrycountyfair.com or call (815) 338- 5315False20001333Keira Holtzee, 4, from Woodstock and Kiya Mindard, 5, from Poplar Grove enjoy a carnival ride during last year's McHenry County Fair in Woodstock.Daily Herald file photo, 2009False <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=397500">Fair queen pageant is more than meets the eye <span class="date">[08/02/10]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>