After the fair ... the fun still continues
When the thousands of fair-goers, the rides and concessions leave the Bureau County Fairgrounds, it’s a quiet place again. We had a terrific 2009 Bureau County Fair, and it’s always a letdown when everyone goes home.
Although rain dampened the first two days of the fair, the rest of the week went off as scheduled with the exception of two horse events. The carnival was packed with new rides, and the food vendors had all sorts of tasty treats. The church service and music were inspiring. Although the parking lots were a little muddy, the shuttle busses got everyone into the grounds to see their favorite events.
Planning for the entertainment at the 155th annual fair, Aug. 25-29, 2010, will begin within the next few weeks. It is a year-round job planning the week-long annual event. The entertainment committee will meet with the concert promoter and submit a few names to see who might be available and in our price range for next summer.
In January, the fair board goes to the Illinois State Fair convention in Springfield. At this time, the other grandstand events and the free kids’ shows are booked. We will also be there to cheer on the 2009 Bureau County Fair Queen Jordan Diehl, as she competes in the Miss Illinois County Fair Pageant.
The fairgrounds will be full of screams again in October when Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road Haunted Fairgrounds event returns, starting Oct. 9. The attraction this year will be deeper, darker and more intense than previous years, offering new thrills to those who love to be scared. The haunted barns have been completely revamped, so new surprises lurk around every corner.
The event will be held on Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 9 to Halloween night. From 6 to 7 p.m., lights will be on in the barns for the faint of heart. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. the lights are off, and the spooks come out. Tickets are $7 per person. Kiddie Kingdom will be back again for the children who are too young for the haunted house; admission is only $1. Mummies’ Café will again be serving tasty treats like killer dogs and dragon spit. A limited number of positions for actors will be available; auditions to be held soon.
The fairgrounds is always a busy place in the colder months. Events are already being scheduled for 2010 and 2011. To schedule your event at the fairgrounds call me at (815) 875-2606. Mid-week events can qualify for reduced rental rates. A liquor license is now available for wedding receptions and banquets.
Some of the upcoming events at the fairgrounds include: The Homestead Flea Market this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The October Flea Market will be moved back a week to Oct. 18. The Huge Winter Garage Sale will be Nov. 14. There will be a Holiday Craft and Gift Sale and Flea Market on Dec. 13.
The Northern Illinois Farm Toy Show and Model Train Fair will be held on Nov. 21. Bring the boys out to see the train layouts and the tractors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up call (815) 875-2606.
The Sauk Trail Gun Collectors show will return on Oct. 24 and 25 and on Nov. 28 and 29.
The Starved Rock Area Special Olympics Winter Games will be held on Jan. 9, and the
January Flea Market will be Jan. 10.
Winter storage will be available for campers, boats and RVs through the end of October to March 2010.
See www.bureaucountyfair.com for information on all of the events listed above.
Kathy Costerisan is a representative for the Bureau County Fairgrounds.
