See you at the fair!
It’s getting to be that time of year again when we start thinking about corn dogs, cotton candy and seeing all of our friends at the county fair. The 154th annual Bureau County Fair will run Aug. 26-30 this year. The fair offers families a chance to learn about agriculture, experience the thrills of the carnival rides, eat unique foods and see great musical entertainment all for a very low price.
On the opening day of the fair, Aug. 26, the whole family will be admitted to the fairgrounds for only $5 for a carload of people. That night everyone can enjoy a ride on one of the many exciting carnival rides for only $2. When you compare that price with Six Flags $40 per person admission and $15 parking fee, you can see why it’s a great idea to stay close to home for your entertainment this summer.
Several new rides and lots of the old favorites will be coming to the fairgrounds straight from the Illinois State Fair. The Freak Out will return for those brave enough to ride the 40-foot tall swinging pendulum ride. You don’t have a car for the demolition derby? Get your crashing done in the Bumper Cars. Wrist band ride specials will be Thursday through Sunday which will allow you to ride for hours for one low price.
The fair is looking for 50 contestants for the Wednesday night activity in the grandstand. Riders are needed to participate in the Donkey Races. The races consist of five action packed elimination heats followed by a championship match. If you have seen Donkey Basketball at your local school, you will know to expect non-stop laughter as the “Donkey Jockeys” try to race their animal around the track. Teams could be made up from a group of high school football players, cheerleaders or even match races between the mayors of our nearby villages. If you are interested in setting up a team, call the fair office at (815) 875-2606. There is no cost to participate.
A new event has been added as the Thursday night entertainment. HCWA Pro Wrestling will be putting on steel cage wrestling matches in front of the grandstand. Also Thursday will be the second annual Horse Speed Show in the McCutchan Arena. Riders of all ages will compete in barrel racing and pole bending.
Livestock shows will be held every day of the fair. Draft horses will be shown Saturday and the Western Horse Show will be Sunday morning.
Friday night’s Country Concert will feature two stars for the price of one. Heidi Newfield, formerly of Trick Pony, will open the show at 7:30 p.m. After a short intermission, Billy Currington will take the stage singing his most recent hits “Don’t” and “People are Crazy”. Tickets are on sale now at the fair office for all of the shows.
Saturday is Tractor Pull day at the Bureau County Fair with the Riverbend Antique pull beginning at noon and the Illini State Pullers at 6 p.m. Kids up to 12 years old can participate in the pedal pull Saturday afternoon by the Fine Arts building.
Eighteen churches are participating in the Community Worship Service in the grandstand on Sunday at 10 a.m. You are invited to join them for a wonderful morning of worship in word and song. If you would like to stay and visit the fair following the church service, there will be a special reduced admission rate. Free watermelon will be served beginning at noon. The exciting Demolition Derby caps off the entertainment on Sunday night.
The 2009 Bureau County Fair Queen Pageant will be held in the Allen Building at 6 p.m. Aug. 27. Crowned that night will be the Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Bureau County Fair and they will reign over the ‘09 event. Contestants are needed for the Queen pageants. Rules and information will be on the Web site shortly for all three pageants. Miss Bureau County Fair will win a $1,000 college scholarship and a chance to compete at the State Queen Pageant in January in Springfield.
In addition, if you have an exhibit for the fair’s historical museum, would like to volunteer, or for more information about upcoming events at the fairgrounds, call the office at (815) 875-2905, or visit the Web site at www.bureaucountyfair.com.
Kathy Costerisan is a representative for the Bureau County Fairgrounds.
