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Community Corner

83rd Annual Lake County Fair Runs July 26-31

From live music to the Lake County Fielders, from animal barns to the rodeo to USA Martial Arts, the Lake County Fair offers something for everyone.

There is only one place to see the Banana Derby, where you will find monkeys dressed as jockeys, racing around a track riding on dogs. It is time once again for the Lake County Fair. Tuesday is opening day for the 83rd annual event which is expected to draw over 100,000 people to Grayslake.

The event runs from July 26 – 31 at the Lake County Fairgrounds at 1060 E. Peterson Road, at the intersection of Peterson and Midlothian Roads in Grayslake. Parking is free with preferred parking available for $5.

Katelyn Cankar, fair coordinator, said the fair offers unique attractions like the Banana Derby that you just can't find anywhere else. "This is the once chance you will get to see monkeys dressed as jockeys – racing on dogs!" Cankar said. "You can only find that at a fair!"

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New this year is the Livestock Auction. They will be selling over 150 animals including goats, beef, sheep, and swine.

"Many of these animals are donated to food pantries, but some are purchased for local business or families," Cankar said. "Often, the proceeds are contributed towards the exhibitor’s college fund."

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In addition to the daily Banana Derby, other popular events at the Lake County Fair include:

  • the Demolition Derby - Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 6 p.m.
  • the Livestock Animal Exhibits and Petting Zoo - daily
  • the Fair Queen Pageant - beginning Tues., 7 p.m.

Cankar herself was Little Miss Lake County Fair Queen in 1997. She has worked for the Fair Association for the past seven years and has a passion for the event.

"I love to see the growth of the fair each year," Cankar said. "Our location off of Midlothian Road gives us the opportunity to increase in size and show the community continual improvements to our grounds. We are already thinking of strategies for 2012!"

She said that Skinners Amusements will be bringing in some new rides as well: Remix, Sizzler, and a Fun House. All this entertainment is bound to make people hungry.

"Of course, you can always count on great food at our fair," Cankar said. "Sophie’s Sidewalk provides delicious salads and wraps, while Java Junction will be selling cappuccinos, coffees, and lattes."

She said the Lake County Fair Association, its staff, and many dedicated volunteers are proud of our event and work hard to make it successful.

"Our goal is to allow the fair to evolve with the times while keeping our old traditions and roots in place," Cankar said. "We are always working towards creating new family traditions."

The Lake County Fair Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, where revenue from the fair goes directly to making future improvements and expanding entertainment options in the future. Much of this is made possible through a dedicated group of volunteers.

"Our volunteers work in the information booth, assist in preparing our barns, and greet our guests at the gate," Cankar said. "It takes a team of over 100 volunteers to put on a fair each year."

More volunteers are always welcomed. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to call the Fair office at (847) 680-7200.

General Admission - $10; Seniors (65+) - $5; Children under 12 - $5; Children 5 and under - free; those in full Military uniform - free; those with an active Military ID - $5; discounted admission on Tuesday, July 26 - $2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. The Expo Building is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Visit www.lcfair.com for a map of the fair, along with a full brochure and coupon for $2 off a full-priced admission.

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