April 17, 2023- The 167th Macon County Fair will kick off on Wednesday, June 7th, and continue through June 11th.
“This is the 167th running of our County Fair,” Evan Hall, Board President said. “It’s a very historic organization. We feel like we have really turned the corner. We think the fair is growing, having back all these events, is a good sign of the Fair.”
On the weekdays, gates will open at 3 p.m. and during the weekend, gates will open at 10 a.m. The festivities will conclude at 10 p.m., every night, except for the last night, which will end at 9 p.m.
Admission will be $5 per person, while children four years old and under will be able to attend for free. The carnival 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.
There are several Grandstand attractions and events that will be included in this year’s festivities.
The Grandstand Events will include ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls, Rodeo by Latting Productions, Christian County Tractor Pulling Association Garden Tractor Pulls, and Demolition Derby. In addition to these events, the Downstate Harness Racing Classic will be making its return to the Macon County Fair. An added feature will be a hat competition where ladies will decorate hats and wear it during the race. The best hat will win a special price from Murphy & Co.
There will be several new judging events such as the Pride of the Prairie Goat Show, Ranch Horse Sorting Competition, Bakery Competition, Agricultural Public Speaking Exposition, and Horticulture, Floriculture, Agricultural Products, Culinary & Educational Natural/ History Items. As always, there will be the Macon County Queen Pageant, which will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Live music will include the Chip McNeil Jazz Quartet, Wreckless Whiskey Unplugged, the Eric Burgett Band, and Lady Luck. There will also be a Community Worship Service that will include Illini Congressional Church (Non-Denominational) Music performed by Avenue Gospel Trio.
Livestock shows will be returning for the third year. The Beer and Bags Tournament will be returning as well. The newly added Kid’s Ag Olympics will be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Fair will see returning food vendors as well as new local food vendors. While the Fair is at capacity in regards to food vendors, there is still need for commercial vendors.
For those looking to be a commercial 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 this year will include Senior Day (Wednesday), Teacher/Education Appreciation Day(Friday), Veteran’s Day (Saturday), and First Responders/ Medical Personnel Day (Sunday). Must present ID for free admission. Senior Day (must be 65 and older) is a newly added free admission day.
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.
