The wait is almost over.
The Will County Fair returns to Peotone, at 710 South West Street, this month with five days of family friendly events and entertainment.
It opens on Wednesday, August 20, at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday, August 24. From Thursday through Sunday it opens at 8 a.m.
Tammy Cowger, of the Will County Fair office, noted the popular event is marking its 122nd year.
“Our motto this year is Proud of our past…poised for the Future,” she said.
“We have the annual Ping Pong Drop scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday night. Registration starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday is our $1 Day. Entry in the fair is a dollar, along with all rides at $1. The rides start at 4 p.m.”
Thursday is Senior Citizen and Veterans’ Day. Events include an antique tractor pull, beginning at 9 a.m.
The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association event is sponsored by DeJong Equipment. The pull starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Grandstand. Grandstand admission is $15, and the infield price is $20 per person. Minimum age requirement is 16 plus years.
Thursday is also Ride-a-Thon night, beginning at 4 p.m., and wristbands are $35/per person.
“Friday night is the Scramble Race and Derby, sponsored by Pearl Chrysler Dodge Jeep,” Cowger said. “This begins at 7 p.m. at the Grandstand. Tickets are being sold online, but a limited number will be available at the ticket booth for $15. Pit passes may be purchased the day-of at the track gate for $20. Participants must be 16-plus to enter the pits.
Saturday is Demolition Derby Day. Always one of the most popular events at the fair, it is sponsored by Dralle Chevrolet & Buick and begins at 6:30 p.m. at the grandstand. Tickets are being sold online, but a limited number will be available at the ticket booth for $15. Pit passes may be purchased Saturday at the track gate for $20. Attendees must be at least 16 years old to enter the pits.
“We also have a kiddie tractor pull scheduled for 1 p.m. Registration starts at noon, by the pavement by the Horse Barn, and is sponsored by the Will County Farm Bureau,” Cowger said.
Sunday is the International Professional Rodeo Association’s Rodeo starting at 2 p.m. IPRA has become the sport’s second largest professional rodeo association. Tickets are being sold online, but there will be a limited number available at the ticket booth. Tickets are $15.
Also scheduled for Sunday is the highly anticipated Baby Show, beginning at 1:30 p.m., in the south side of the commercial exhibit hall, inside the restaurant.
A Certified Birth Certificate (or copy of) is required from the county of birth. A souvenir certificate from a hospital will not be accepted. A certified county birth certificate may be obtained from the county clerk’s office from where the baby was born. The full list of Baby Show rules can be found online. Entries now are open and will close on August 23, at 8 p.m.
“We have a Will County Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Old National Bank everyday of the fair. Find Wally in six different places around the fairgrounds and come to the office for a gift from vendors, Old National Bank, or the fair,” Cowger continued.
“Bingo is held daily, from 1:30 to 10 p.m., at the Peotone American Legion booth.
“We have entertainment all day long in the family entertainment tent and bands in the beer tent.
“The one event that is very well-attended is the Demolition Derby.”
For Cowger, though, the best part of the fair isn’t a particular event.
“My favorite thing about the fair,” she said, “is seeing all the people who show and attend, after being involved with the fair since I was 13.”
Check willcountyfair.org website or their Facebook page for the full schedule of events.