Fairs

The theme for this year’s fair sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through all that makes the Illinois State Fair a must-see event — livestock competitions, jaw-dropping performances, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food and nonstop entertainment.

Many of us grew up in homes where words like “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” were as routine as brushing your teeth. These were not just phrases. They were signs of character.

August recess is a prime time for Farm Bureau’s grassroots members to make their voices heard and share their stories.

As the Indiana State Fair approaches, Jeanette Merritt is preparing for two of her favorite weeks of the year.

Indiana State Fair unveiled its 2025 Taste of the Fair lineup, featuring 40 entries ranging from sweet to savory.

Several new attractions are coming to this year’s Indiana State Fair.

Lena Olson’s love for animals is in her DNA.

With just a couple months left until harvest, fields across the region are in the height of growing season.

We should be back in the sheep barn this year with some lambs my granddaughter is bringing for the 4-H show.

There will be at least three more pasture walks put on by the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition coming up.

William Henert spends a significant amount of his time during this period of the growing season spraying crop protection products on the corn, soybean and seed corn crops on the northern Illinois farm.

Dan Parker and family had a full schedule since AgriNews’ last visit in late May, including the FFA convention and the opening of fair season.

“Summertime, when the livin’ is easy.” That line from a well-known song couldn’t be further from the truth.

Farming is all about being resilient, and Mindy Orschell and her family have had to be just that as weather challenges impacted planting this spring.

The historic Champaign County Fair will once again be chock-full of fun and include daily grandstand entertainment of the four-legged and horsepower varieties, as well as a country music star.

A new rodeo, T and A Bucking Bulls will be at the Carroll County Fair on Aug. 7.

The Boone County Fair Association announced that multi-platinum hit-maker Justin Moore will headline the fair Aug. 9, with special guest Noah Hicks.

A group with 12 gold albums, three platinum albums, one double-platinum album, a double-platinum single and dozens of No. 1 singles will perform at the Fairbury Fair on Aug. 15.

Country music singer and songwriter Gretchen Wilson will perform at the 99th Ford County Fair on June 27.

Farmer Games is a new activity at the Lee County Fair on opening day, Thursday, July 24.

Looking for unique local crafts, great music, tasty treats, auto shows and numerous other activities for you, family and friends? The Kendall County Fair has it all.

A fast-paced rodeo, metal-crunching demolition derby and thunder of Illini State Pullers-sanctioned tractor pulls are just some of the many fan favorites at the Livingston County Agricultural Fair.

It will be a “Red Carpet A-Fair” at the 104th Marshall-Putnam Fair, celebrating a tradition of excellence.

The action-packed, high-energy Ready Go Dog Show is coming to the Ogle County Fair.

Gate admission to the Stephenson County Fair this year includes general admission to all grandstand events.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Warren County Fair Association is building a new facility as the fair approaches its 100th anniversary.

The 122nd Will County Fair opens with Family Day on Aug. 20 with general admission at $1 per person and all rides are also $1.

The Jasper County Fair will return for its 101st year July 19-26 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.

The LaPorte County Fair, Indiana’s oldest county fair, is set to return for its 179th year July 5-12 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.

The Lake County Fair is set to make a grand return Aug. 1-10 celebrating its 95th year of bringing community, agriculture and entertainment together at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.

The 106th annual Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair is scheduled to take place July 7-12 at the Newton County Fairgrounds in Kentland.

The theme of the 2025 Indiana State Fair is “The Soundtrack of Summer” presented by Get Prepared Indiana.

The newly named Corteva Coliseum was unveiled at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The facility features more than 150 events for more than 1 million guests each year.

Meet Mindy Orschell, AgriNews’ new From the Fields contributor in southern Indiana.

The All-Breed Classic Open Horse Show will be a must-see event Aug. 1-3 at the Lake County Fair.

Along with cattle sales, junior activities and shows, the Illinois Beef Expo included a trade show where numerous companies provided information to cattlemen at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

At a very young age, sisters Claire and Jemma Dorsey started showing cattle, which has developed into a passion and award-winning endeavor.

Though FFA Week may last a mere seven days, the state officers find it important to sport an attitude of pride and excitement for the FFA every day.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is hosting the 2025 World Food Championships again. The event will be held Oct. 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, where it was held last year.

The Hayden family of Hayden Grove Farms was honored as a finalist for the 2025 Indiana Farm Family of the Year Award.

Pilar Bravo from Marion County was crowned the 66th Miss Indiana State Fair at the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. It is the first time since 1981 that a contestant from Marion County has won the title.

Two central Illinois agriculture teachers already had plenty on their plates as they watched and listened to the news.

Before 2024 slides into history, some noteworthy farm and food updates, please, to ensure these stories go with it.

George Obernagel of Waterloo was the recipient of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s top award, The World of Corn.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center announced a new naming rights partnership for its iconic coliseum — now called the Corteva Coliseum.

The largest drive-through light show in Indianapolis — Christmas Nights of Lights — is returning to the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

As we head into the holiday season, please support those who support your community. There are many reasons to shop in your local, rural communities.

A program designed to teach elementary students about agriculture and connections to the Spanish culture earned the Cambridge FFA Chapter a national award at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.

Excited members of the Yorkville Christian FFA Chapter gathered at Spirit Farms for a private concert with country artist Hailey Whitters. The chapter won the 2024 Rock the Crop contest from Firestone Ag.

Growing specialty crops including vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, mums and gladioli have developed into award-winning projects for Ty Steffen.