Fairs have been a part of the civilized world since at least the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The concept was further refined during the Middle Ages where when many fairs developed as temporary markets. Regional and county fairs in America can trace their roots to the early 1800s when what were billed as sheep shearing contests, but also served as seminars to discuss all manners of agricultural questioned, were organized by agricultural societies. Soon all of the colonies but Connecticut, which frowned on fun, had started market fairs based of European prototypes. Because of the distances involved between neighbors, fairs became a place where the entire community could come together to exchange goods and livestock, where bachelors could find wives, and for socializing. The first state fairs were held in 1841 in New York and New Jersey and by 1867 there were almost 1,400 state, regional, and county fairs in the country.
The concept was expanded upon by reformers in the northeastern United States who organized local exhibitions to promote modern farming in order to compete with foreign products. Typical events demonstrated new techniques and agricultural implements as well as including livestock judging and plowing contests. One of the attractions of the early fairs was various types of horse racing. Fairs began staggering their dates so that they could create a circuit to attract the best racers. Entertainment became important as fairs competed with national expositions during what is considered the golden age of agricultural fairs between 1870 and 1910. Early in the 1900s fairs began encouraging boys and girls to exhibit fair entries through a national youth movement called 4-H, whose 4-leaf clover insignia with embossed H's signified the emphasis on Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Today’s county fairs continue these traditions with the events holding agriculture exhibits, contests, local and national vendors, exhibitors, displays, carnivals, grand stand shows, races, pageants, and more! Fairs provide today’s visitor with an entertaining way to enjoy a day filled with old fashioned fun with modern twists.
If you are planning on attending a county fair, Illinois state officials have some advice on staying healthy. Staying hydrated and away from sugary drinks are a couple of tips being offered by Illinois Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold, who also says be sure to wash up before indulging in your favorite foods and after encountering animals. She also recommends wearing sunscreen and clothes that will keep you cool.
2024 COUNTY & REGIONAL FAIRS
Western Illinois Fair
June 19 - 23, 2024
Griggsville, Illinois
Come and enjoy a fun-filled weekend to renew old acquaintances and make new ones in Griggsville. On Friday evening enjoy the pageants and contests then return on Saturday for the magnificent mile parade and musical entertainment. There are livestock exhibits, arts and crafts exhibits, and of course demolition derbies including the School Bus Demo Derby on Saturday night.
Jersey County Fair
July 6 - July 14, 2024
Jerseyville, Illinois
The first Jersey County Fair was held in 1868 and every July, the Jersey County Fairgrounds becomes the home to an old-fashioned county fair. With nightly events at the grandstand, rides and games at the carnival, exhibits, farm animals and more, the Jersey County Fair offers fun for the whole family.
Lincoln County Fair
July 9 - July 13, 2024
Troy, Missouri
This large county fair started for 4-H and FFA youth to exhibit project work. The fair now features entertainment including musical acts, truck/tractor pulls, horse show, Demolition Derby, and a Carnival.
Lewis County Fair
July 9 - July 13, 2024
Lewiston, Missouri
You are invited to the annual celebration of the Lewis County Fair. Come and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells we love this time of year. Featured will be a carnival, special grandstand events, variety of foods, a parade, pageants, and 4H, livestock exhibits and agricultural exhibits. See you at the fair!
Lee County Fair
July 9 - July 14, 2024
Donnellson, Iowa
The first Lee County Fair was held in 1841 making it the oldest country fair in Iowa. The Lee County Fair has continued to grow and add many attractions over the years. Present day fair-goers find many different exhibitions, activities plus Grand Stand events. The Lee County Fair has something for everyone.
Sainte Genevieve County Fair
July 12 - July 14, 2024
Sainte Genevieve, Missouri
The Ste. Genevieve County Fair includes a parade, livestock shows, demolition derby, truck pulls, tractor pulls, queen contest, 4-H and FFA exhibits and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. There is a lot to see and do for adults and children all weekend with plenty of good food and entertainment, including a midway with children’s rides and arcade games.
Clark County Fair
July 17 - 21, 2024
Kahoka, Missouri
The Clark County Fair features all the attractions normally associated with county fair. Features are, livestock shows, pet shows, live entertainment, exhibits, an Art Show, Truck and Tractor, Pull Demolition Derby, UTV Rodeo Challenge, and much more!
Jefferson County Fair
July 18 - 21, 2024
Hillsboro, Missouri
This spectacular, four-day event includes a concert on the main stage on Saturday evening and musical entertainment in the pavilion and patio Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. There will be motor events in the arena all four days of the Fair. The fair offers Tyke Town for the littles, 4H exhibits, Kid’s Day, cattle auction, and lots of other attractions.
Monroe County Fair
July 21 -28, 2024
Waterloo, Illinois
This annual fair features agricultural exhibits and many horse related events. Other exhibits include arts and crafts, 4-H projects, floral arrangements, art and photography, and quilts. Carnival rides are a favorite and local organizations offer food and refreshments and the Fair Grandstand hosts special events range.
St. Charles County Fair
July 23 - July 27, 2024
St. Charles, Missouri
This classic annual fair features free carnival rides (with paid gate admission), contests, tractor pulls, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, demolition derby, rodeo, livestock shows, a variety of your favorite fair foods, and more.
Pike County Fair
July 23 - July 27, 2024
Bowling Green, Missouri
The Pike County Fair features 4-H/livestock shows and exhibits, live music, rides, truck and tractor pull, kids activities, demolition derby, dirt bikes races, rodeo, calf scramble, western speed horse show, quad races, vendors, food, and much more.
Adams County Fair
July 24 - July 30, 2024
Mendon, Illinois
What began as a one-day festival and livestock show in 1941 has grown to a seven-day event that captures the attention of the entire Tri-State area. The Adams County Fair ranks among the best in the state and the Midwest features entertainment in the Grandstand Arena every night, carnival rides, horse shows, and many exhibits, displays, and concessions.
Marion County Fair
July 27 - August 3, 2024
Palmyra, Missouri
Fair food, kid-pleasing rides, your favorite arena events, and 4-H livestock are features at the Marion County Fairgrounds. You won’t want to miss the Queen Contests, the Tate Shade Bull Bash, Church Night, Little Mister & Miss, the Baby Contest, Motorcross, the Demo Derby and the Truck & Tractor Pull.
Obion County Fair
August 16 - August 24, 2024
Union City, Tennessee
The Obion County Fair is an Award-Winning county fair! Come out and join us at one of the best county fairs in Tennessee! Features include commercial exhibits, concerts, motor sports & livestock shows, carnival rides, food, and games.
Union County Fair
August 16 - August 24, 2024
Anna, Illinois
The Union County Fair features carnival rides, games, rides, farm and agriculture exhibits, rodeos, horse racing and tractor pulls, Queen contest, a demolition derby and other entertainment in the grandstand.
Southeast Missouri District Fair
September 7 - September 14, 2024
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Join in for "8 Great Days of Fun " and enjoy the rides, food, exhibits, shows, and the vast amount of entertainment and information and family fun at the fair at this fair that has been operating for over 150 years.
Clay County Fair
September 11 - September 14, 2024
Piggott, Arkansas
This fair has been ongoing since 1932 and features such county fair stapes as a parade, 4H, livestock, agricultural exhibits, and refreshment stands. The fair also features Beauty Pageants, a 5-Klay County Run 4 Fun, Battle of the Bands, the Clay County Rodeo, a Demolition Derby, Mud Races, and a Tractor Pull.
Lauderdale County Fair, Agriculture Expo & Livestock Shows
September 11 - September 14, 2024
Halls, Tennessee
The Union County Fair features carnival rides, games, rides, farm and agriculture exhibits, rodeos, horse racing and tractor pulls, Queen contest, a demolition derby and other entertainment in the grandstand.
East Perry Community Fair
September 20 - September 21, 2024
Altenburg, Missouri
This annual event is self-dubbed the "Best Little Fair In The Land." Events include 4-H exhibits, livestock judging, crafts, truck and tractor pulls, horse show, rides, local foods, and live entertainment. One of the fair's perennial crowd pleasers, mule jumping, attracts some of the fair's largest crowds.
The Delta Fair
September 24 - September 28, 2024
Kennett, Missouri
The annual Delta Fair welcomes all to the largest fair in the area. The fair places emphasis on Agriculture, 4-H, FFA, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America shows and exhibits. Also, one of the largest Art shows in the 3-state area will be exhibited and shown in the American Legion Building.
PROBABLE 2024 COUNTY & REGIONAL FAIRS
Hancock County Fair
TBA July, 2024
Augusta, Illinois
The Hancock County Fair is an agricultural-based fair, which provides opportunities for local community members to display, purchase and observe what the county has to offer. Local vendors, exhibitors, displays, and carnival fill the grounds with tons of fun! Come enjoy this time-honored tradition every July! There truly is something for everyone to enjoy!
Madison County Fair
TBA July, 2024
Highland, Illinois
Each year exciting events at the Madison County Fair, including livestock shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies (both automobile and combine!), musicians, 4-H exhibits, pageants and stock car races draw over 200,000 exhibitors, families, vendors and visitors from all over Madison County and the surrounding area.
Calhoun County Fair
TBA September, 2024
Hardin, Illinois
It's that time of year again. There's something special about a good old-fashioned county fair. The Calhoun County Fair is complete with carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, truck pulls, demolition derby, and lots of food.
Pike County Fair
TBA June, 2025
Pleasant Hill, Illinois
The Pike County Fair features all the attractions normally associated with county fair. Features are top rated society horse shows, tractor pulls, pageants, and carnival attractions. The weekend also features live entertainment and a talent show on Saturday and a mud bog on Sunday.
