It is hot, we are sweaty, but we do not care because it is fair season. People from across the county are gathering to continue celebrating their county and its traditions. From the animal shows to the pulls, there is something for everyone.
Fulton County, Illinois is located in central Illinois and its county seat just so happens to be my hometown, so I am very familiar with the fairgrounds and the events that go on there. After going to the fair for 19 years of my life, it still amazes me how one event can bring total strangers together and start new friendships. The level of support from the community is outstanding, especially in the show barns and the grandstand events. Here is a quick rundown of our fair.
Monday Night is Queen Pageant night. Beautiful ladies from across the county get to know each other all summer while preparing to compete for the crown. Who will do best to support and represent our county at not only our fair but other county fairs and the state fair? That is for the judges to decide.
Tuesday is Harness Races. It is a tradition you do not see often but one that is strives on in Fulton County.
Wednesday is Motocross night. From the big guns to the mini bikes, everyone has fun watching the community race on the track. The most entertaining, perhaps, is the little kids who see the white flag for the final lap and just cut across the track for that finish line!
Thursday is a bit of a busy day starting with the Scrambles. Kids of all ages compete in different classes depending on age to try to catch the scrambling animals and take one home. From candy to rabbits, pigs, and calves the kids have fun chasing and wrestling the animals. The draft horse show and livestock auctions also take place on Thursday.
Friday is time for the truck and tractor pulls. The kids pull in early afternoon and the big kids (adults) pull in the evening. It is a night full of loud engines and the smell of burning fuel.
Saturday is the night that wraps it all up with the demolition derby. Mud slings, cars crush and the occasional axle fall-off. It is a good night to wrap of the fair until next year.
Not only does a fair bring a county closer together but neighboring counties also come out to support one another. Whether you go out to support your friends or family in the grandstands, or just to enjoy some deep fried Oreos and fair food, the county fair is a summer hit! I will see you next year Fulton County Fair!
