Whether you like cows or cream puffs, ferris wheels or tractor pulls, there’s something for everyone at the state and county fairs. The fairs originated as a place to learn about the latest agricultural equipment and see the area’s finest livestock and poultry. Today, they’re a great place to teach kids about farming and animals and a chance to eat anything on a stick.
July 31 – Aug. 4 McHenry County Fair www.mchenrycountyfair.com
Highlights: motocross, tractor pulls, demolition derby
Aug. 1-4 Kendall County Fair www.kendallcountyfair.org
Highlights: family stage entertainers, petting zoo, truck & tractor pulls
Aug. 1-11 Wisconsin State Fair www.wistatefair.com
Highlights: cream puffs, jalapeño-eating contest, entertainers Miranda Lambert, Christopher Cross, Yes.
Aug. 2-18 Indiana State Fair www.in.gov/statefair
Highlights: world’s largest popcorn ball, glass barn, catch & release fishIN’ pond, entertainers Styx, Blood Sweat & Tears, Coco Jones.
Aug. 8-18 Illinois State Fair www.agr.state.il.us/isf
Highlights: Butter Cow cam, horse racing, Ethnic Village with international cuisine, auto races, demolition derby, entertainers Toby Keith, REO, The Band Perry
Aug. 8-18 Iowa State Fair www.iowastatefair.com
Highlights: world-famous Butter Cow, deep-fried butter, entertainers Toby Keith and Carly Rae Jepsen
Aug. 14-18 Kenosha (WI) County Fair www.kenoshacofair.com
Highlights: family circus, petting zoo, camel rides, pig races
Aug 21-25 Will County Fair www.willcountyfair.org
Highlights: Family Day Aug. 21, rodeo, chili cook-off
Jul-22-2013