Fair season is underway: Here's your 2023 guide to fairs in the Stateline and beyond

Ava Mendoza, 14, left, and Nani Laeman, 14, ride the Cliff Hanger on Aug. 9, 2022, at the Boone County Fair. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

From thrilling rides to delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at county fairs.

Grab your friends and family and create unforgettable memories this fair season. Where can you find the cotton candy, play fun games and take a spin on the Ferris wheel for those breathtaking views? We’ve got a full list of all the fairs happening in and around the Stateline.

We’re looking forward to: Illini State Pullers, Windy City Pro Wrestling, Demolition Derby, Miss McHenry County Fair Pageant, Puppy Pals, All American Lumberjack Show, Tractor Parade, Midway rides and more!

Where: 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Tickets, schedule, and more info at Mchenrycountyfair.com

We’re looking forward to: Taking the kids to the Aussie Kingdom. It’s an Australian Animal Show that will display kangaroos, wallabies, walleroos, kookaburra and rainbow lorikeet.

Where: 1440 N. Limekiln Road, Oregon, IL 61061

Tickets, schedule, and more info at www.oglecountyfair.com/

We’re looking forward to: The food! Every year the Wisconsin State Fair brings in new food creations. This year we are excited to try the Wisconsin quesadilla. It’s a quesadilla stuffed with cheese curds, brats, grilled onions, grilled peppers and shredded cheese. Yum!

Where: Wisconsin State Park, 640 South 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214

Tickets, schedule, and more info at wistatefair.com/fair/

We’re looking forward to: Tracy Byrd Grandstand Concert, Miss Boone County Fair Queen Pageant, Next Level Bull Riding and Barrell Racing, Tractor and Truck Pulls, Boone County Fire Protection District No. 2 doughnuts, Chip Messiner One Man Country Band, demolition derby, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, cream Puffs, Midway rides and more.

Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8847 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere, IL 61008

Tickets, schedule, and more info at Boonecountyfair.com

We’re looking forward to: The Butter Cow. The Butter Cow has been an unofficial icon of the Illinois State fair since the 1920s. Every year, 500 pounds of unsalted butter are used to sculpt the life-sized figure by hand by a group of local residents. The process takes about five days and this year they said the Butter Cow is going to be extra special so we are in for a treat.

Also, talk about a line up: Old Dominion with Alexandra Kay on Aug. 11, Alanis Morissette with Tenille Townes on Aug. 13, Tim McGraw on Aug. 19, and Nelly with Ashanti and Ja Rule on Aug. 20.

Where: 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield

Tickets, schedule, and more info at statefair.illinois.gov

We’re looking forward to: Unlimited rides Mega Pass, rodeo, tractor pulls, Illini State Pullers, Boy Scouts ice cream, By The Dozen Bakery, Lumberjack Camp, Queen and Junior Miss Pageant, World of Wonders, demolition derby and more.

Where: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 West First St., Pecatonica, IL 61063

Tickets, schedule, and more info at Winnebagocountyfair.com

We’re looking forward to: Corn boil, Scotty McCreery, Spencer Crandall, Beer Garden, 7th Heaven and Carnival Megabands.

Where: Downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Highway between First and Fourth streets and Grove and Locust streets.

Tickets, schedule, and more info at CornFest.com

This article is by Chelsea Meyer. Email her at [email protected]