By the numbers: Checking in at four county fairs
It's county fair season, with four of the local festivals starting in July, offering animal exhibits, rides, vendors, food, music and much more.
Most of the fairs offer special ticket packages and deals on certain days, and all of them have a lot more going on than can be listed here, so check their websites for the best rates and full schedules. Some featured events require an additional fee.
Kane County Fair
3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 18-19; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 20-21; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Carnival only ($20 wristband) on Wednesday. Featured events include a Monster Truck Show at 7 p.m. Thursday; Professional Championship Bullriders and Cowgirls at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Smash Em Bash Em Demolition Derby at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Also 4-H animal exhibits, Imagination Gallery, JackAxe Obstacle Course and more. Musical performances include Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Hi Infidelity at 8:30 p.m. Friday; Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m. Saturday; and 7th heaven at 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission free Wednesday and every day for ages 2 or younger; $5 Thursday; and $5-$10 Friday through Sunday; season tickets $20. Visit kanecountyfair.com.
DuPage County Fair
8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, July 25-29, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Animal and 4-H exhibits, student art contest, Dino Mania Adventure, roving performers, wood carvers, motor sports track and more. Featured events include Karaoke Night on Wednesday; Latting Rodeo on Saturday; and two demolition derby shows on Sunday. Musical performances include 7th heaven at 7 p.m. Wednesday; Lake Effect at 6 p.m. Thursday; Michael Lynch at 8:30 p.m. Friday; Eric Chesser at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Rick Lindy at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $15, $10 for seniors, and $7 for kids 3-12. Visit www.dupagecountyfair.org.
Lake County Fair
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 25-26; 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 27-28; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Livestock barns, expo hall, vendors, carnival midway rides and games, family events, pig races, lumberjack show, Banana Derby racing (monkeys riding dogs) and more. Featured events include Lake County Fair Queen Pageants at 6 p.m. Thursday; monster truck show at 7 p.m. Friday; rodeo at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; demolition derby at 1 p.m. Sunday. Musical performances include Bella Cain at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:30 p.m. Friday; American English at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Wild Daisy at 2 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission is $10 for ages 13-64; $5 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older and active military, veterans and family with valid military ID; and free for ages 5 and under and active military in uniform. Season passes are $35, or $15 for children and seniors. Visit www.lcfair.com.
McHenry County Fair
Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 31; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 1-4; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Drive, Woodstock. Livestock shows, agricultural and 4-H exhibits, entertainment tent with live music, carnival rides and food. Featured events include the McHenry County Queen Pageant at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Combine Derby at 6 p.m. Wednesday; and Rodeo at 7 p.m. Thursday. Musical performances include Logan Mize at 7 p.m. opening for the Kentucky Headhunters at 8:30 p.m. Friday; and UltraViolet at 9 p.m. Saturday. Raffle winners will be announced at 10 p.m. Illinois State Pullers Tractor Pulls Saturday, and demolition derby Sunday. Daily admission is $8 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 60 and older, veterans with ID and kids 6-12; a season pass is $25. Visit www.mchenrycountyfair.com.