Making more memories at historic fair

Champaign County Fair

July 25-Aug. 1

1302 N. Coler Ave.

Urbana, Illinois

URBANA, Ill. — One week of nonstop action is slated for the Champaign County Fair that’s been making memories since 1852.

Each day will be filled with numerous activities for all ages with 4-H, junior and open livestock and nonlivestock shows; educational displays revolving around conservation and agriculture; various vendors from businesses and organizations across the county; a carnival; and a variety of entertainment.

Fair attendees last noticed some changes that were made to the beef, dairy and sheep barn. The Champaign County Fair said the improvements to the barn include a new roof and gutters — and are all thanks to their livestock programs and cash bash event.

Grandstand Events

This year’s Grandstand shows feature a mixture of modern and classic “horsepower.”

A demolition derby kicks of the Grandstand entertainment on July 25 that includes wire trucks, 1980s bone stock full-size and 110 FWD gut and go compacts divisions.

A western horse show and draft horse show returns to the fair on July 26. Admission is free. The show, which begins at 9 a.m. rain or shine, opens with halter and showmanship, followed by the English division, then the western and ranch division. All include various age categories.

The Champaign County Fair has a rich tradition of harness racing dating back to its early years. Harness racing will be held July 28.

From the excitement of harness racing, the Grandstand will host the rumbles and roars of monster trucks July 29.

Another staple of the fair is on tap this year with world-class rodeo action July 30, with competitors from across the Great Lakes Circuit and beyond bringing their skills.

Following a successful premier event last year, motocross returns to the fair July 31.

The all-star lineup of Grandstand events concludes with Illiana Pullers Association and Illinois Tractor Pulling Association truck and tractor pulls Aug. 1.

The noon portion includes pro stock 4x4, N/A tractors, mini-rods and field stock tractors. Outlaw pulls kickoff at 6 p.m. and include light modified, 6,850 pro farm, 8,500 limited pro stock, 9,500 limited pro stock and 10,500 farm stock.

More details of these events can be found at champaigncountyfair.cc.