After a two-year hiatus induced by the pandemic, the DuPage County Fair made its return on Friday at the DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds in Wheaton. It’s a 180-year-old community tradition that honors the heritage of Illinois’ agricultural roots.
“It’s wonderful to be able to invite everyone back to the pitch. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and it’s great to see the response we have. Tons of people came out today , a lot of kids came out of our camp program and we had a lot of fun here at the fairgrounds today,” said Jim McGuire, director and CEO of the DuPage County Fair Association.
Equitable changes
There are a few changes to the fair this year. It’s usually a five-day event, but it’s been reduced to three days. Another change is a new beer garden area located in building number 2 offering live music performances. The Fuze Band headlined the entertainment on Friday. Upcoming artists will be Lake Effect, Cap-N-Funk and The Groove Train, The New Odyssey Guy, Two Beer Tommy Band and many more.
Entertainment
Another part of the entertainment is the carnival, located at the southern end of the fairgrounds.
“We have a huge carnival by Fantasy Amusement. They put a nice middle of the way together and some great rides. We have great agricultural exhibits, our 4-H program with the kids. So many 4-H animal exhibits here. We also have cool agricultural exhibits, we have a sheep herding demonstration and there is good food here. 15 different food vendors on the grounds selling a variety of food,” McGuire said.
Agriculture and Livestock
Besides entertainment, a big part of the fair is how it promotes the importance of agriculture and animal husbandry.
“It’s very important. I was raised on a farm. I have a lot of aunts and uncles who grew up on farms. It was farmland. It’s important because we all had roots. At one time it was all just farming. Yes, we need them now for buildings, offices, etc., but we must always remember the importance of having a fair and our day-to-day relationships. Your food, your clothes, everything comes from the farmers. We have the farmers to thank,” said Ellen Sietmann, vice president of the DuPage County Fair Association.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older and children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and active military personnel with ID. ‘identify. The event will continue until Sunday.
“We are back!” said Ellen Sietmann.
For Naperville News 17, I’m Josiah Schueneman.
