March 28, 2022- June 2nd will mark the opening day of the 166th Macon County Fair. The Fair will be held from June 2nd through June 5th. On Thursday and Friday, gates will open at 4 pm and close at 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, gates will open at 10 am and close at 10 pm.
Admission will be $5 per person, while children four years old and under will be able to attend for free. The carnival will open a day early on Wednesday, June 1st, and will be open all five nights.
There will be free parking, as well. Designated areas for people with disabilities will be available. In order to utilize this parking, vehicles must have DOT parking permits or license plates designating a disabled driver or passenger. Grounds will be wheelchair accessible, as well.
At Monday’s press conference, the Macon County Fair board members announced what will be in store this year. From returning attractions to new events.
The Grandstand Events will include the Macon County Fair Queen Pageant, ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls, Rodeo by Latting Productions, and Demolition Derby. New to the Grandstand, will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony sponsored by the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce. This event will be held on the midway, before the Queen Pageant.
Judging events will begin on Saturday, and include Decatur Trail Riders Horse Jackpot Show, Beer and Bags Tournament, Harness Racing, Adorable Baby Contest, Jr. Jackpot Show, and IL State Fair Karaoke Contest.
Feudin’ Hillbillys Band will kick off the Fair’s entertainment on Thursday, followed by Pizzazz Band on Friday, and then the Illinois State Fair Karaoke Contest and After Sunset Band will close out the Fair’s entertainment on Saturday.
Livestock shows will be returning for the second year.The Beer and Bags Tournament is back, and will be expanding to two days. New attractions include the Illini Pub Cycle, Tour De Macon County Bike Rides sponsored by Spin City Cycles, and a Farmer’s Market sponsored by Macon County Farm Bureau. The Annual Macon County Fair Classic and Muscle Car show will be returning as well.
The Fair is expected to host 12 food vendors, and has secured a contract with Del’s Popcorn of Decatur, who will be selling on the midway and roaming the Grandstand during events, selling popcorn.
The Fair is still accepting applications for vendors. For those looking to be a vendor, contact board member Jason White, at jason@brinkoetter.com or at (217) 433-0802. There are applications online, as well, at www.maconcountyfair.com
Special event days will include Teacher/Education Appreciation Day(Friday), Veteran’s Day (Saturday), and First Responders/ Medical Personnel Day (Sunday). Must present ID for free admission.
For more information on the Macon County Fair and showtimes, go to the Macon County Fair website. Be sure to check out their Facebook page as well.
