10 highlights at the 2025 Boone County Fair
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — The largest county fair in the state kicks off its six-day run on Tuesday, filling the Boone County Fairgrounds with food, carnival games, agricultural activities, live music and other festivities.
The Boone County Fair drew 242,072 people in 2024, the second-straight year of record-setting attendance. It has had an average of nearly 224,000 attendees per year in the four fairs since the event was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s headlining musical act is Justin Moore, the country music star behind “Small Town USA,” “Why We Drink,” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.”
Here’s a quick guide to 10 of the highlights at this year’s fair. You can find even more events HERE.
Queen and Little Miss pageants
What: Contestants will vie to succeed Emma Walberg as Boone County Fair queen and Delaney Olson as Boone County Fair Little Miss.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5
Where: Grandstand
Cost: Free
Monster Truck spectacular
What: Four monster trucks — Blockhead, Dirt Crew, Maximus and Dirt Crew Dozer — will bring car-smashing jumps to the Grandstand. The event also features SxS off-road racing and Tuff Truck racing.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Where: Grandstand
Cost: $25 reserved grandstand, $20 bleachers
Carnival rides
When: Carnival rides and games from Skinner’s Amusement operate from noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday with the exception of Thursday, when rides start at 11 a.m.
Discount days: There are discounted ride specials from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.
Kids Day Games
What: Children can compete for prizes in sack races, egg toss, bubble gum and balloon blowing and other kid-friendly competitions.
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 and Thursday, Aug. 7
Where: Gazebo Park (behind Exhibit Hall No. 3)
Illini State Pullers
What: Illini State Pullers, a part of northern Illinois’ heaviest motorsport, will test which trucks and tractors have the most power. Participants compete to find out whose vehicle has the most strength and can pull the longest.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7
Where: Grandstand
Cost: $15 for grandstand seating; $20 pit pass
Bull riding
What: Next Level Pro Bull Riding brings its rugged, action-packed competition to the Boone County Fair.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8
Where: Grandstand
Cost: $20
Swine costume contest
What: The Swine Costume Contest allows all showman age 3 and older (or under 3 if paired with an adult) to dress up and compete for prizes including most creative, most humorous, best craftmanship and best team.
When: Noon Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Swine Barn
Justin Moore with Noah Hicks
What: Country music star Justin Moore will headline this year’s musical acts. The opening act for Moore is Noah Hicks.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Grandstand
Cost: $40; standing room only in pit $50
Tickets: Go HERE
Fly over
What: Poplar Grove Airport will put on an aerial fly-by with some of its pilots over the infield of the fairgrounds.
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10
Demolition Derby
What: Robbo’s Extreme Derby promotions will have two separate demolition derby shows on the final day of the fair.
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Grandstand
Cost: $20 per show; $30 pit pass
Quick summary | Boone County Fair
When: Gates open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 10 (gates open at 6 a.m. for Grange breakfast)
Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere
Admission: $10 (cash only); free for children 10 and younger; $25 for season pass in advance; $40 for season pass at the gate
Complete schedule: Go HERE
More info: boonecountyfair.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
