Counties celebrate summer with fairs full of fun, food

Summer is festival season and there are few outdoor bashes bigger than county fairs. Whether you want to teach your family more about agriculture, listen to some live music, get some thrills at a carnival or just eat lots of delicious food, you can find what you're looking for at these county celebrations.

Kane County Fair525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.comAdmission: $7; free for kids younger than 5Hours: Noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 14-15; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 16-17; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 18A trained bear show will be part of the entertainment at the Kane County Fair this year, joining a lineup featuring a talent show, magic acts, a petting zoo and live music ranging from rock to jazz. "We have a lot of the tried-and-true things that we have every year that seem to be phenomenally popular like pig races, a demolition derby and the rodeo," fair president Larry Breon said. "It seems to be something that everybody enjoys."If your kids are seriously into carnivals, you can pick up an unlimited ride wristband for $15. Grandstand attractions, such as a truck pull and bull riding, are an additional $10.DuPage County Fair2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-6636, dupagecountyfair.orgAdmission: $10; $3 for kids ages 3-12Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, July 21-25Along with the traditional livestock exhibits, the fair offers carnival rides, food vendors, a talent show and live music. Grandstand concerts cost $10 and include a performance from Lonnie Brooks and Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater Saturday, July 24. Kids can find plenty of entertainment with magic shows, a petting zoo, duck and pig racing and clown acts. For an additional $7, you can also catch a demolition derby at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 25.Lake County Fair1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, (847) 680-7200, lakecountyfairassoc.comAdmission: $10; $5 for seniors and kids ages 5-12; free for kids younger than 5Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, July 27-Aug. 1The 82nd annual Lake County Fair brings back all the favorites including a demolition derby, rodeo, and truck and tractor pull along with a variety of livestock exhibits. This year adds a few new attractions including dueling pianos, safety demonstrations from local fire departments and a Latino disc jockey. Pony rides and bingo also have been added. The music lineup focuses mostly on smaller bands with highlights including Beatles tribute group American English and Hannah Montana tribute Charissa and the Auburn Sky Band. Other draws include talent contests, the Miss Lake County Fair pageant and a battle of the bands.McHenry County Fair1051 Country Club Road, Woodstock, (815) 338-5315, mchenrycountyfair.comAdmission: $7; $3 for kids ages 8-12; free for kids younger than 8Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, Aug. 4-8Along with livestock events featuring rabbits, sheep, goats, pigs and more, the fair's tribute to agriculture includes antique tractor parades and wool-spinning demonstrations. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday truck and tractor pulls cost $5. For an extra $7, you can catch the demolition derby Sunday. There's also a full lineup of live music ranging from an Elvis impersonator to an AC/DC tribute, plus karaoke and free bingo. Kids can enjoy all the carnival rides they want for $15 from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and join their family for line-dancing lessons and games like an egg toss.True20001329Carnival rides like the Ferris wheel are always popular attractions at county fairs.Daily Herald file photoTrue