McHenry County Fair Is Aug. 3-7

McHenry County Fair-goers will get a good value for their buck, and even if rain hits the area, some of the activities are 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 runs from Thursday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 7, at 1050 Country Club Road, Woodstock. The fairgrounds are about a quarter-mile east of Route 47. The fair exhibits open at 7 a.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. Friday, and at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We have a pretty good setup 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 antique tractor pull, set for 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, can run rain or shine, he said. It follows the Veteran’s Salute, which features 21 antique tractors, many of which will be driven by veterans. Thursday also is Seniors’ Day.

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 and 5 p.m.

Linneman said volunteers make it happen.

“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 to operations.

Community Showcase events include:

• K9 Demonstrations at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Thursday and at noon Sunday.
• Accordion player Tony Hermanek performs at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and at 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Violinist Akash Sureshkumer performs at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Vocalists Savino Sisters are set for 1 p.m. Sunday.
• Vocalist Anne Marie performs at 3 p.m. Friday.
• 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 through 12; free for children 7 and younger; $3 for seniors 65 years and older. A five-day pass is $15.

Grandstand Entertainment tickets are additional to fair admission prices.

The schedule is:

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3 – FREE!

• 7 p.m. – McHenry County Fair Queen Contest 

THURSDAY, AUG. 4 – FREE!

• 6:30 p.m. – 21 Tractor Salute to the Veterans
• 8 p.m. – Antique Tractor Pulls 

FRIDAY, AUG. 5 

• 6 p.m. – Truck & Tractor Pulls, Combine Demo Derby, $5

SATURDAY, AUG. 6

• Noon – Truck & Tractor Pulls
• 6 p.m. – Illini State Truck & Tractor Pulls, $5.

SUNDAY, AUG. 7

• 3:30 p.m. – Demolition Derby, $7.