The Fairbury Fair – for the 138th time (that is 138 years worth folks) the infamous Fairbury Fair will be launching its special brand of excitement, entertainment, exhibits, competition, and adventurous eating for the multitude of patrons who come through the Fairbury Fair Grounds gates in search of that adrenaline rush that this electrically charged atmosphere produces.
There is something about fairs, especially long standing ones, that creates an anticipation and then delivers it right on cue. It is entertainment at peak levels for everyone from the very young to the pretty old and its put together by a group of seasoned, energetic, and effective administrators that blanket this event with their attention to detail, inventive thinking, creative planning, efficient scheduling and organizing and the giving of their time to make it all happen so that the community and the surrounding area can enjoy it just the way they need to. This is the Grandpappy of organized chaos with the sounds, the dust, the smells, and the sights that all come together to endear the event to the thousands that enjoy it.
In the five days, that will literally fly by, Fair Fans will be able to see and do:
Exhibit displays, featured in the buildings and livestock pens on the grounds, that represent competitive participation for all age groups, and include arts and crafts, vegetables, flowers and plants, animals of all sorts, and a variety of feathered characters. Take a look at who won the ribbons including the grand champion in each category.
Over at the grandstands you’ll find things like the Red Neck Olympics, a Talent Show, a Demolition Derby, a Sunday Community Worship Service, an A Cappella Singing Group, a Children’s Disney Drawing, and, for the entire seating of the race track, a couple of nights of Stock Car Racing at its finest.
Organized events include a Euchre Tournament, a 5K run or 2 mile walk, a “Through the Eyes of a Child” photo contest, a Kid’s Baggo Tournament, a regular Baggo Tournament, a Horse Gaming Event, and a Chili Cook-off.
There will also be a Flea Market and an Antique Farm Equipment Display for shoppers and browsers and the Red Cross Blood Mobile will be looking to do their impression of a giant mosquito for those who are kind enough to give.
One of the corner stones of the Fairgrounds, the Beer Tent, will be in full operation and each night will include performances by either a D.J. or one of three live bands.
There’s a lot more so we’ll leave some for you to find in the nooks and crannies and time slots of the Fairbury Fair Adventure – keep your eyes open and don’t miss anything.
In and around all of this is the ever popular Luehr’s Ideal Rides carnival arrangement with those mechanical contraptions that defy gravity (and the nervous system) along with the gaming booths that can put that perfect stuffed animal in the hands of whomever you want to win it for. There are different pricing time windows for the rides and they are noted on the printed schedules or on line (see below).
Of course, there are those special food items like funnel cakes, elephant ears, pronto pups, lemon shake ups special french fries and cotton candy that are only available this one time of the year and, this year, you have our permission to over indulge – you can spend the following week adjusting your diet to compensate. If those things are a bit too much for you, not to worry, there will be an abundance of food stands and local restaurant representation to fit anyone’s culinary desires along with all kinds of liquid refreshments so no one will want for food and drink.
For a detailed listing and schedule of events and times and special pricing at the gates and on the rides you can go towww.fairburyfair.com or you can pick up a printed version in any one of Fairbury’s many accommodating business and service establishments.
The Fair begins Wednesday August 13th and runs through Sunday August 17th so come on out and get away from the everyday grind – bring the kids, the whole family or your friends but, bring yourself because it won’t get done without you. See you at the top of the Ferris Wheel.