The 2023 Will County Fair will begin Wednesday, August 23, on Peotone-Wilmington Road, just east of Rt. 50, and run through August 27. The fairgrounds will open to the public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday through Sunday at 8 a.m.
The carnival begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday – Family Dollar Day, with a $1 gate admission for those 10 and over. All rides are $1, with all rides taking one ticket.
The 12th annual Children’s Ping Pong Prize Drop is at 6 p.m. on the track, for ages three-to-five, six-to-eight, and nine-to-11, with registration at 5:30 p.m.
“All Star Music Machine” appears nightly in the beer garden. The carnival features Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, plus games, booths, and food.
Kids will be delighted when they encounter lovable “Alford E. Gator,” who drives his Tiny Swamp House throughout the grounds. He will be on hand to talk to fairgoers each day.
On Thursday, “Senior Citizen and Veterans Day,” a discounted $2 admission rate is offered to seniors and veterans. Regular gate admission is $5 per person for those 10 years of age and older, or free for children nine and under. The carnival opens on Thursday, at 4 p.m., with a “Ride-A-Thon Night” held until closing. Fair patrons may purchase unlimited ride wristbands for $30 per person.
The DeJong Equipment I.T.P.A. tractor pull is the featured event Thursday, with the show at 6:30 p.m. Grandstand admission is $10. Pit passes will be available on the track for persons 16 and older, at $10 per person.
On Friday, the fair opens at 8 a.m. Carnival rides begin at 4 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday carnival rides begin at noon. All ride times are scheduled as “weather permitting” and will not operate if weather conditions pose any threat.
The Pearl Chrysler Jeep Dodge Monster Truck Show is at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 25, with the pit party from 5-6:30 p.m. Grandstand admission is $25 for those 10 and over, and $15 for children nine and under. Pit party passes are $5 per person for any age. Pit party is free with pre-purchased grandstand admission tickets. A Power Wheels race/derby will be held at approximately 8 p.m., during the Monster Truck Show intermission.
Saturdays grandstand line-up starts at noon with the A-Affordable Scramble Race and derby; grandstand admission is $10, and pit passes, for ages 16 and over only, are $20. The Dralle Chevrolet Demolition Derby will follow at 6:30 p.m.; grandstand admission is $10. Pit passes, for ages 16 and over only, are $20.
“Strawdawg” will appear in the Beer Garden on Thursday, while Matt Yeager is on hand Friday, Any Given Weekend plays Saturday, with Mid-Life Crisis on Sunday.
The Kids Pedal Tractor Pull is on Saturday at 1 p.m., with registration at noon, on the pavement by the horse barn. The event is sponsored by the Will County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Association. Prizes will be awarded.
Saturday, August 26, WVLI “The Valley” holds its sock hop in the beer garden entertainment tent from 3 to 4:30 p.m., while the Will County 4-H livestock auction will be in the livestock show ring at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the Baby Show, for babies six-to-36 months, begins at 1:30 p.m. Baby show entries must be received by 8 p.m. Saturday, August 26. A $1 entry fee must accompany each entry, along with a birth certificate or copy from the county of birth. Souvenir certificates from the hospital are not accepted.
Terry’s Ford of Peotone International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) championship rodeo competitions are on Sunday at 2 p.m. Grandstand admission is $10.
For additional information about the Will County Fair, call the fair office at708-258-9359, check the website at https:/www.willcountyfair.org/, or check Facebook, Will County Fair Association.