View from the Cab: Fair time

By: Kent Casson

It will feel a bit more normal this summer as many county fairs are expected to take place across the state.

This means the Central Illinois Farm Network’s Fair Central Tour will be out in full force, covering these summertime traditions complete with livestock shows, lemonade shakeups and funnel cakes. Also, who doesn’t love an elephant ear once in a while?

The Ford County Fair is set to start June 13 with a horse show and continues throughout the week with hogs, beef, rabbits and sheep. Some other favorite events include the queen pageant, Little Mister and Miss event and the big country concert on Friday night which features Eli Young Band and Shennandoah this year.

Livingston County’s Ag Fair is planned for July 21-24, which is a Wednesday through Saturday in case you want to know for planning purposes. The fair is always held at the beautiful Livingston County 4-H Park near Pontiac with plenty of shade trees. Highlights are dairy, goats, beef, swine, rabbits, horses and a dog show. The world championship rodeo will be presented July 21 along with a demo derby July 23 and tractor pulls from the Illini State Pullers in the grandstand on July 24.

The world’s largest 4-H fair, the McLean County Fair, will be held August 4-8 at the vast Interstate Center grounds just west of Bloomington. A big draw is the 4-H royalty contest opening night in the Cloverleaf Auditorium. Cloverleaf Hall is always a happening place during the fair’s opening day as the various 4-H projects are exhibited and judged. Visitors can enjoy tasty lunches from the McLean County beef and pork producers on different days and learn all about ag in the fun zone.

You’ll want to put the 145th annual Fairbury Fair on your calendar as well. The local tradition returns August 18-22 right before the kids go back to school. Fair organizers hope to kick-off the event will a large musical act. Luehr’s Ideal Rides will again be featured on the midway and two nationally and internationally known tribute acts are expected to perform. Also, enjoy the traditional livestock shows, fair entries and contests like the chili cookoff and “Smoke on the Midway” barbeque event.

We can’t forget about the big Illinois State Fair which runs Aug. 12-22 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. The theme will be “One Illinois” which is meant to project unity and celebrate a return to holding activities together.

Prepare for a busy but fun summer fair season throughout Central Illinois and let us bring you all of the action.