Community Corner
McHenry County Fair Set for August 3-7
This year's event features tractor pulls, writing contests, livestock, horticulture, free parking and talent shows.
McHenry County Fair goers will get a good value for their buck, and even if rain hits the area, some of the activities are still protected. With those factors in mind, Dan Linneman, public relations intern for the fair, said attendance will be strong and that the organization’s Facebook page is growing exponentially too.
This year’s fair is set for Thursday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 7, at Route 47 and Country Club Roads in Woodstock. The fair exhibits open at 7 a.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“We have a pretty good set up for any storms that come through,” Linneman said. “A lot of our stuff does at least allow for the entertainment to take place.” The event’s first ever antique tractor pull, set for Thursday, August 7 at 8 p.m., can run rain or shine, he said. It follows the Veteran’s Salute, which features 21 antique tractors, many of which driven by veterans. Thursday is also Seniors’ Day.
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Linneman said McHenry County Fair is a great value because parking is free, and the grandstand entertainment is “probably the lowest cost in the area.” Also, $15 wristband ride specials are offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for unlimited rides between 1-5 p.m.
In addition, Linneman said volunteers make it happen.
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“Our whole fair board is all volunteer members who pretty much do all the setup and are in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly,” said Linneman, whose family runs the sheep exhibit. While the fair does employ some paid employees, including event judges and maintenance staff, community outreach participants also contribute the operations.
Community Showcase events include K9 Demonstrations on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m., Thursday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at noon . Accordion Player Tony Hermanek will perform at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and at 3 p.m. Saturday. Violinist Akash Sureshkumer will perform at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Vocalists Savino Sisters are set for 1 p.m. Sunday; Vocalist Anne Marie is set for Friday at 3 p.m.; and the Woodstock Ballet is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday. Additional programs include Dancepiration, martial arts, educational programs, dancing, mother/daughter look-alike contest, and puppet shows.
Open shows will include beef and dairy cattle; swine; poultry; rabbits; pigeons; sewing; crafts; art; writing; photography; foods; antiques; horses.
Daily admission is $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 8-12 years; free for children 7 years and younger; $3 for seniors 65 years and over. A five-day pass is $15.
Grandstand Entertainment tickets are additional to fair admission prices. The schedule is:
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3 -- FREE!
7pm -- McHenry County Fair Queen Contest
THURSDAY, AUG. 4 -- FREE!
6:30pm -- 21 Tractor Salute to the Veterans
8pm -- Antique Tractor Pulls
FRIDAY, AUG. 5
6pm -- Truck & Tractor Pulls, Combine Demo
Derby, $5.00
SATURDAY, AUG. 6
Noon -- Truck & Tractor Pulls
6pm -- Illini State Pulls Truck & Tractor Pulls, $5.00
SUNDAY, AUG. 7
3:30pm -- Demolition Derby, $7.00
