Winnebago County Fair begins its 104th year. Here are some of the highlights
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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PECATONICA — The Winnebago County Fair begins its five-day run today with all the food, rides, music and agricultural activities you know.
There are also new features this year, including the Prehistoric Dinosaur Adventure and Dragon Training Academy.
The 104th Winnebago County Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds, 500 W. First St.
“It is our hope that you will make memories at the fair that will bring you back year after year with your family’s next generation,” Deb Runte, wrote in this year’s fair book.
Here are a few of the highlights at this year’s fair:
Quick summary | Winnebago County Fair
When: Gates open at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 and Thursday, Aug. 14; gates open at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica
General admission: $5 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; $7 Friday and Saturday.
Special admission: $3 children 9-12, free for military, seniors and children younger than 8 on Wednesday; $3 for military and seniors and free for children 12 and younger on Thursday; $5 for military, seniors and children 9-12 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, free for children younger than 8.
More info: winnebagocountyfair.com
See the queen get crowned
What: Contestants will vie to succeed Elizabeth Taylor as Winnebago County Fair queen and Stella Foley as Jr. Miss Winnebago County Fair.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15
Where: Moss Hall
Pit Pass special
What: The Winnebago County Fair’s Pit Pass special gets you into the pits for all the grandstand events: bull riding, tractor pull, truck races and demolition derby.
Deadline: Must be purchased by noon Wednesday, Aug. 13. (It’s $25 per event after)
Cost: $80 ($100 value)
Diesel Truck Races
What: Diesel-powered trucks will compete in drag races and other competitions.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13
Where: Grandstand
Admission: $10; free for children 8 and younger
Carnival rides
What: Modern Midways will bring all the rides, games and other carnival experiences to the fair again this year.
When: opens at noon daily; carnival closes at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Illini State Pullers
What: Illini State Pullers, a part of northern Illinois’ heaviest motorsport, and farmer’s class tractors will compete to determine which trucks and tractors have the most power.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14
Where: Grandstands
Admission: $10; free for children 8 and younger
Rodeo
What: Next Level Pro Bull Riding brings its Midwest Swing Tour to the Winnebago County Fair for the 2025 Bulls, Broncs & Barrels Rodeo.
Where: Grandstands
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15
Admission: $10; free for children under 8
Tractor display, parade
What: The 25th annual vintage tractor display will consist of makes and models from the 1930s through the 1970s, including tractors, lawn mowers and other vintage equipment. The display will last throughout the week with the parade at 6 p.m. Friday around the fairgrounds.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 for the parade
Where: Spectators can be seated near the swine barn
Demolition Derby
What: A hard-hitting demolition derby highlights the final day of the fair.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Grandstands
Admission: $10; free for children younger than 8
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
