Kane County Fair returns with longtime favorites and a few new acts
A few new acts will join longtime favorites when the 157th Kane County Fair returns to the fairgrounds in St. Charles this week.
The fair is open 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 15-16; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 17-18; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.
The fair has evolved and grown over the years, according to fair spokesperson Pat Szpekowski.
“The beautiful (fairgrounds) have been carefully expanded and enhanced over the years,” Szpekowski said in an email. “The Kane County Fair’s meager beginnings began in Aurora so many years ago, moved to Wing Park in Elgin, and finally settled at this St. Charles location in 1955.”
The fair starts with pre-fair fun on Wednesday, when only the carnival is open. Admission (cash) at the gate is $5 for ages 3 and older on Wednesday and Thursday; $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12 Friday through Sunday; free for kids younger than 3. It’s also free for seniors over 62 and military with ID until 5 p.m. Thursday. A season pass is $25; parking is free.
New this year are the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Tim Balster’s Magic on the Farm show daily, and Mack’s Chainsaw Art.
Returning favorites include the Fantasy Amusements carnival, 4-H show, kids’ events, racing pigs, a petting zoo, vendors, a JP Classic Car Show on the weekend, and a livestock auction at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Music acts on the Miller Lite Sound Stage, free with fair admission, include Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Tripping Billies at 8 p.m. Friday; Mark Atkins at 5 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m. Saturday; and Pino Farina band at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Grandstand acts, for which there is an extra fee, include Professional Championship Bullriders & Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Advance tickets are $22.24 or $11.75 for kids 10 and younger at rodeoticket.com or at the grandstand starting at 6 p.m. A demolition derby takes place at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday for $10.
Hot weather should not pose a problem for fairgoers, according to Szpekowski.
“Attendees are welcome to go inside the air-conditioned buildings, including Robinson Hall,” she said. “The Prairie Events Center building has the restrooms and it is air conditioned.”
For more information, visit kanecountyfair.com or call (630) 584-6926.