Plenty to do at this year's fair

Last year's Golf Cart Rodeo at the Fairbury Fair is shown, file photo.

They may be gearing up for the big 150^th next year – but organizers guarantee an entertaining experience at this year’s Fairbury Fair.

Conner Family Amusements will be back on the carnival midway and wood carving returns to the five-day event running this Wednesday through Sunday.

“We are going to have the TaDa robots again,” explains Fairbury Fair board member and Legion Commander Gerry Brandt. “The little robots that sit on a tractor and peddle themselves around.”

Miller’s Petting Zoo is back along with the Fairbury Prairie Farmers 4-H Food Stand, daily activities on the midway and the fair staples such as livestock and exhibits.

“Last year, Floral Hall was pretty packed,” notes Brandt.

The popular Golf Cart Rodeo is Wednesday evening.

“You have teams of two to four people on the cart and they do different things,” explains Fair Board President Mary Beth Crews.

Thursday is Daycare Day with licensed providers bringing kids out in the morning.

Wednesday and Thursday both have free gates all day and Kids Day events take place Thursday afternoon. This includes a chance to see farm equipment and participate in a scavenger hunt.

“We try to make it a learning day for the kids but a fun day,” adds Crews.

The kids pinewood derby also happens Thursday while the local Christian bands perform the “One in Christ” concert at 6:30 p.m. in front of the grandstand.

Friday is Military Day sponsored by the Legion. A Euchre tournament begins at 1 p.m. with music taking center stage in the evening. Local artist Aaron Newsome sings at 7 p.m. followed by the Oak Ridge Boys at 7:30 in the grandstand. The group 80s Bush performs in the beer garden at 9:30.

Saturday includes the 5K run and two-mile walk in the morning along with a golf cart scavenger hunt in the afternoon. The smell of smoke fills the air with the KCBS Barbeque Cookoff throughout the day.

Another favorite returns to the fair this year.

“We are trying to bring back the talent show,” said Crews.

The show will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the beer garden tent.

“It’s not just the Prairie Central School District,” notes Brandt.

The kids baggo tournament and stock car racing round out Saturday’s highlights. The 3 DJ’s reunion is from 7 to 9 p.m. in the beer garden followed by the Stone Cold Cowboys from 9:30 to midnight.

“The stock car racing is free that night,” explained Brandt.

Judging concludes on Sunday and the final day also includes a Makers Market vendor fair, chili cookoff, community worship service and antique farm equipment display.