Fair filled with food, fun

Kendall County Fair

July 31-Aug. 3

10826 Illinois Rte. 71

Yorkville, Illinois

YORKVILLE, Ill. — Looking for unique local crafts, great music, tasty treats, auto shows and numerous other activities for you, family and friends? The Kendall County Fair has it all.

The origins of this northern Illinois fair date back 171 years ago when the first Kendall County Agricultural Fair was held in Oswego, moving to Plano two years later and then, beginning in 1857, spent the remainder of its original 53 years in Bristol and Yorkville vicinity.

Entertainment at the original fair included horse races, chariot races, musical entertainment, games of chance, greased pole competitions, mule races, foot races and an ice cream stand. Exhibits consisted of horticulture, floriculture, livestock, needlework and machinery.

The original fair ended in 1907 and was resurrected in 1993. It has since grown into a popular event that draws visits from northern Illinois and well beyond.

Highlights of the 2025 Kendall County include 4-H livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, Western Horse Speed Show, live music and performances, food vendors, 4-H exhibits and displays, competitions and contests, market and commercial vendors, truck and tractor pulls and the ever-popular “Wheels and the Fair” Auto Show and Vendor Market.

The truck and tractor pulls begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Concerts are also on tap on that Friday and Saturday.

Brad Jackson & Shades of Country will deliver true classic country music to the stage with a traditional country and western swing beginning at 7 p.m. Aug. 1.

A music doubleheader is slated for Saturday, Aug. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m., featuring Alika Arlynn Band and Ryan Craig Band, with a 30-minute intermission between groups.

Arlynn is a country artist from Illinois, blending country and rock music and creating an uplifting and inspirational experience that resonates with listeners of all ages.

Her songs are a heartfelt reflection of her personal journey, sharing stories of her experiences and the relationships that have shaped her life.

Arlynn combines Gretchen Wilson’s gritty realism, Carrie Underwood’s soulful sophistication and Shania Twain’s dynamic production style.

The Ryan Craig Band performs all over Chicagoland and beyond. Last year, the band released two of its hit singles, “Drink Your Memory Away” and “Summertime Feeling.”

The country rock band is most known for its variety in music and play favorite covers ranging from Joe Diffie to Metallica.

Band members are all from Illinois. Leader singer Craig is from Peotone, lead guitarist Nathaniel Holmes is a Freeport native, bassist John Rock hails from Lake in the Hills and drummer Kevin Lipovitch is from Pingree Grove.