For Affordable Family Fun Find a County Fair

A favorite Illinois pastime begins this year on June 13 in dark County when the first of the state's 105 county fairs opens a nine-day run in Marshall.

The complete schedule of 2004 county fairs can be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of County Fairs and Horse Racing at (217) 782-4231 or visiting its Web site at www.agr.state.il.us. The electronic version on the Internet includes a database that is searchable by both date and location.

"The allure of affordable family fun draws millions of Illinoisans to county fairs each year," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "And, there's certainly plenty to see and do. From livestock shows and demolition derbies to games and carnival rides, county fairs offer entertainment the whole family can enjoy."

Other county fair attractions typically include queen pageants, truck and tractor pulls, musical concerts and 4-H exhibits. Forty county fairs feature harness racing. Eight offer thoroughbred racing.

"While great fun, county fairs also help explain agriculture to fairgoers who don't live or work on a farm," Tex Moats, Bureau Chief of County Fairs and Horse Racing, said. "And, they may be the only opportunity to make many of these people aware of the impact that agriculture has on their lives."

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop