Kane County Fair blends modern conveniences, old-fashioned fun starting July 20

The Mariachi Tierra Jaliscience band will perform at the Kane County Fair. Courtesy of Pat Szpekowski

Though the Kane County Fair has been around for 148 years, it has moved into the modern era. A free smartphone application will allow visitors to buy tickets and see what events and activities are available each day.

This year's fair opens Wednesday, July 20, and runs through Sunday, July 24, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles.

"We have racing pigs, a magic show and a petting zoo, so everybody can hopefully find something that appeals to them," Kane County Fair Board President Larry Breon said. "It's an economically pleasing place for a family to go. It doesn't cost a whole lot."

The Kane County Fair combines a variety of attractions, bringing in around 60,000 people each year.

"The whole fair scene has changed. It's not what it started out to be as an agricultural educational thing for the farmers. It's not that way anymore because of where we live and how things have changed," Breon said.

New to the fair this year are two mariachi bands performing from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 24, Four other bands such as 7th heaven and Hi Infidelity will perform throughout the festival at the Miller Lite soundstage. Admission to any of the performances at the Miller Lite soundstage is free.

Headlining the fair is St. Charles country band Six String Crossing. The band will perform after the professional championship bull-riding and barrel race in the grandstands around 9 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23.

"It's fun to play our hometown, and a lot of friends and family get to come out and see us perform," said Brandon Williams, lead singer and songwriter. "Really, no matter what age group, there's something that people will enjoy. It's always just fun."

The championship bull riding and barrel race begin at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. There is a grandstand entrance fee of $14 for adults, $7 for children and free for children younger than 5 years old.

Other grandstand events include Charredo, a traditional Mexican horseman show, for $5 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 and the Smash'em Bash'em Demolition Derby for $10 each show at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24.

Free activities throughout the fair include a magic show, the Miller Petting Zoo, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs and All Star Amusement Instructions.

Returning to the fair is Jack Axe Games with a free Jack Axe Jr. obstacle course, or elementary age obstacle course, for kids ages 5 to 11.

"It's really targeted toward accomplishment as opposed to a winning time," Jack Axe co-founder Eric Klein said. "It's fun but challenges the kids a little bit. It encourages them to think and actively use their body to figure out what's the best way through the obstacle."

Fantasy Amusement is providing some new attractions such as a fun house called the Krazy Kabin, a kiddie tractor ride and a kiddie swing ride. Returning will be the Freak Out, a pendulum-style ride that goes up about 127 degrees at great speed, a family ride called the Wacky Worm that has fast curvy turns as well as the Ferris wheel.

Tickets for rides cost $20 at the gate with unlimited rides from 3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21.

On Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, unlimited rides are available for $20 from noon to 5 p.m. with sales stopping at 4 p.m. This offer doesn't include admission to the fair.

Sunday, July 24 has an evening special from 6 to 10 p.m. with $5 fair admission and $15 for unlimited rides.

The global network of youth organizations 4-H plays a major role in the fair providing several exhibits showcasing the projects 4-H members have completed. Projects vary from taking care of livestock to baking to visual arts.

"Hopefully (attendees are) interested in seeing livestock in our area that's getting to be a less and less seen thing," Breon said. "Kids need to know milk comes from a cow not from Jewel."

Animal judging will take place throughout the fair and the 4-H Fashion Review and awards will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 23 in the east wing of the Prairie Events Center.

Hours and admission

The fair is open from 3 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, and Thursday, July 21, with admission at $5 for people older than age 3. Kids younger than 3 are admitted free. Senior citizens over the age of 62 and members of the military with their IDs have free admission until 5 p.m.

On Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23, the fair will be open from noon until midnight with admission at $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children age 2 and younger.

Fair hours on Sunday, July 24, are noon to 10 p.m., with admission at $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children age 2 and younger.

For tickets and details, visit kanecountyfair.com or download the Kane County Fairgrounds app.