Music acts dry up at Kane County fair

Country music fans, don't look to the Kane County Fair this year to see a big-name act.

Tired of dealing with weather issues, and noting the past popularity of other types of shows, the Kane County Fair Board has booked only animal and machine acts for the grandstand at the July festival.

"We have a new approach this year," said Floyd Brown, spokesman for the fair.

It's not that there won't be any musical entertainment at the fair. Instead of one big-name act -- like Gary Allan, who was rained out last year -- the fair board decided to hire regional acts people can see for free at the Miller Lite Soundstage.

They will perform on a new stage, in an area that has seating for a couple of hundred people. It will be next to the beer garden.

Ronny Baker Brooks, the Cryan' Shames and the Ides of March are scheduled to perform. Admission to those acts is included in admission to the fair.

In the grandstand, there are "essentially thrill shows," Brown said. One advantage is the grounds staff can usually throw a tarp over the infield and re-grade quickly after a rain.

Musical performers, on the other hand, are afraid of having electronic equipment damaged in wet weather, or getting hurt.

"They don't want to be out there," Brown said.

Spectators pay extra to get in to grandstand shows, and when they are canceled, the fair board has the hassle of refunding the money.

So this year, you can watch the Professional Bull Riders show Wednesday night and the Big Hat Rodeo Championship on Saturday. Then there is what fair organizers call "The Triple Crown of Motorsports" with monster truck racing Thursday night, the Motor Sports International Truck Pull on Friday night ("believe it or not, a real popular thing," Brown said), and the ever-popular demolition derby on Sunday.

And, yes, the famous Megasaurus car-eating monster will entertain during the motor sports shows.

For ticket prices, schedules and other information, visit www.kanecountyfair.com.