Fairbury Fair celebrating sesquicentennial

Fairbury Fair

Aug. 19-23

600 S. 3rd St.

Fairbury, Ill.

FAIRBURY, Ill. — The Fairbury Fair is celebrating is 150th birthday with two nights of Grandstand concerts featuring national artists and a busy five days of fun.

On Aug. 20, the fair welcomes acclaimed Christian artist Big Daddy Weave. Renowned for heartfelt songs and personal stories of freedom in Christ, the band has earned a devoted following thanks to their authenticity and openness.

Hits like “My Story,” “The Lion and the Lamb,” “Overwhelmed,” “Redeemed” and recent favorites from the album, “Alive,” that includes “I Know” and “All Things New,” have made Big Daddy Weave one of the most beloved names in Christian music.

Their anthems of Jesus’s chain-breaking love have inspired millions and become rallying cries for redemption and hope.

Thursday night’s concert is sponsored by Not Today DMD, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of and funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research.

“Our journey with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is not easy, but it’s filled with purpose, faith and a fierce love that keeps up moving forward. Every step we take is fueled by hope, resilience and the incredible people who stand beside us,” said Daniel Flessner, Not Today DMD founder.

Headlining the historic fair on Aug. 21 is country music powerhouse Shenandoah. Shenandoah stands as one of country music’s most enduring and influential bands.

Renowned for their rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, this Grammy, CMA and ACM award-wining group has delivered such timeless his as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” “Sunday in the South,” “I Want to Be Loved Like That” and “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart.”

As a platinum-selling act, Shenandoah’s music continues to resonate across generations. Their achievements include 13 No. 1 country singles, a 12.5 billion airplay audience and 1.5 million monthly streams.

The opening act for Aug. 21 is Blackhawk. The country act is celebrated for their signature harmonies — shared with their music and their fans — which helped them sell over 7 million albums and achieve some of the most distinctive country radio hits of the 1990s.

Stock Cars

The storied Fairbury American Legion Speedway on the fairgrounds is popular stock car venues that draws competitors near and far. It’s also the home of the Prairie Dirt Classic.

On Aug. 22, the track will host its weekly cup racing with Fairbury Fair Fan Appreciation Night featuring late models, modifides, stock cars and pro modifides. Admission is free; $35 for pits.

Full Schedule

Throughout the week, the Midway will be filled with activities including a carnival, food stands, bingo, livestock and home economic exhibits, entertainment, and many other attractions for all ages.

Details of the daily activities and times are available at thefairburyfair.com.