DuPage County Fair opening Wednesday in Wheaton
For five days every July, DuPage County residents get a chance to step into a world dominated by monster trucks, bucking broncos and guys who like to smash their cars into other guys who like to smash their cars.
It's the kind of place where Larry the Cable Guy can mix with Wall Street Guy, where some of the chicks who come out to hear the bands actually have feathers, and where people still reward prized farm animals with blue ribbons.
It's the DuPage County Fair and it opens its five-day run Wednesday and continues through Sunday at the fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.
Fair hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for kids ages 3 through 12. A $30 pass gets you in for all five days.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the carnival rides, the vendors and all sorts of food, this year's fair offers shows each day, some of which require extra fees. A quick look at some of the best:
• Monster Truck shows at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; free with admission;
• Michael Lynch from TV's “The Voice” at 8 p.m. Thursday; free with admission;
• Rodeo at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday; $8 admission;
• Demolition Derby at 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; $8 admission.
For details, visit dupagecountyfair.org.
DuPage County Fair Schedule
The DuPage County Fair opens Wednesday and continues through Sunday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Fair hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 through 12. For details, visit www.dupagecountyfair.org.
Wednesday, July 23
8 a.m. Sheep Judging
8:30 a.m. Poultry Judging
11 a.m. Flag-Raising Ceremony
Noon-5 p.m. Quilt Square Painting
1 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
1-7 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener
2 p.m. Beef Cattle Judging
2 p.m. Butter Churning
2-4 p.m. Birds of Prey
2-5 p.m. Pit Bull Rescue
2:30 p.m. Monster Truck Show
5 p.m. Photography Contest
5 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
8 p.m. Monster Truck Show
8 p.m. DuPage Band
9:45 p.m. Fireworks
Thursday, July 24
9 a.m. Dairy Goat Judging
9 a.m. Swine Judging
10 a.m. Blend a Cappella
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monarch Magic
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open Air Drawing Contest
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener
11:30 a.m. Landscaping Tips
Noon Cirque Zuma Zuma
Noon-5 p.m. Quilt Square Painting
1 p.m. Blend a Cappella
2 p.m. Butter Churning
4 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
4 p.m. Bob McGuire
5 p.m. Cirque Zuma Zuma
5-7 p.m. Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction
6-8 p.m. Blend a Cappella
7 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
8 p.m. Dairyland Donkey Races
8-10 p.m. Michael Lynch from “The Voice”
Friday, July 25
8 a.m. Sheep Judging
8 a.m. Dairy Cattle Judging
8:30 a.m. Rabbit Judging
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. County Craft Faire
Noon Cirque Zuma Zuma
Noon-5 p.m. Quilt Square Painting
1 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
2 p.m. Butter Churning
2 p.m. Rotten Sneaker Contest
4-6 p.m. Chicago Honey Bears
5 p.m. Cirque Zuma Zuma
5 p.m. Vocalist Andre Williams
6-8 p.m. 4th Point
6:30-9:30 p.m. Spirits of DuPage Wine and Beer Tasting
7 p.m. Horse Performances
8-9 p.m. Chicago Honey Bears
9 p.m. DuPage Band
10:30 p.m. Fireworks
Saturday, July 26
8:30 a.m. Swine Judging
9 a.m. Dairy Goats Judging
9 a.m. Cookie Contest
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Talent Show
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. County Craft Faire
Noon Horse Performances
Noon-2 p.m. Chicago Honey Bears
Noon-3 p.m. Radio Disney Road Crew
Noon-5 p.m. Quilt Square Painting
1 p.m. Rodeo
2 p.m. Butter Churning
2 p.m. DLD Dance Studio
2-4 p.m. Love and Thunder
3:30 p.m. Watermelon Eating Contest
4 p.m. Meat Demonstration
5 p.m. Antique Tractor Parade
6 p.m. 4-H Awards Program
6-8 p.m. Chicago Honey Bears
6:30 p.m. Rodeo
7 p.m. Horse Performances
8-10 p.m. Jason Owens
Sunday, July 27
9 a.m. Church Service
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. County Craft Faire
Noon Pedal Pull Contest
Noon St. Baldrick's Head-Shaving Event
Noon Horse Performances
Noon-5 p.m. Quilt Square Painting
1 p.m. Demolition Derby
2 p.m. Butter Churning
2 p.m. Livestock Auction
2 p.m. Bags Tournament
2:30 p.m. Pie-Eating Contest
2:30-5 p.m. Bob Diveley
5 p.m. Antique Tractor Parade
5 p.m. DuPage Band
7 p.m. Horse Performances
7:30 p.m. Demolition Derby
9 p.m. Release of Commercial Exhibits