2010 Stephenson County Fair
The Stephenson County Fair in Freeport opens July 13 and runs through July 18. This is the second year the fair is being held in July as opposed to the end of August. Jason Huneke, Fair Board President, said "Moving the fair to July was definitely a good decision by the board. It's the perfect chance for families to celebrate summer together."
This year's main entertainment is as follows: Tuesday, July 13 - Youth Night: Queen and Little Miss pageants; Chicken Scratch and Pig Scramble; Celebrity Showmanship, Tug-of-War; and Stephenson's Got Talent Wednesday, July 14 - Big Hat Rodeo at 7:30pm Thursday and Friday, July 15 & 16 - Lucas Oil Midwest Summer Nationals Tractor Pulls noon and 6pm both days Saturday, July 17 - Country Star Jo Nichols with one show at 8pm Sunday, July 18 - Demolition Derby at 2pm.
There will also be free on-grounds entertainment with daily shows featuring The Elephant Encounter, Lady Stiltwalker and the Chainsaw Artist. For more information, contact the Stephenson County Fair Office at 815-235-2918 or visit www.stephensoncofair.com.

The Elephant Encounter Show features an Asian elephant named Cora (right) and an African elephant named Shannon. Elephant rides are also offered after each show. Be sure to check one of their shows at the Stephenson County Fair.
2010 Stephenson County Fair
July 13-18, STEPHENSON COUNTY FAIR. Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport. Tuesday thru Friday: 8 am to 10:30 pm; Saturday: 7 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm. Old fashioned county fair, with food, carnival rides, animals, entertainment, tractor pulls, Home Ec displays, youth night, musical entertainment, commercial exhibits, 4-H and more. Tuesday night will feature Youth Night at the grandstand including the crowning of the Stephenson County Fair Queen. Wednesday will be the Big Hat Rodeo. The Lucas Oil Midwest Summer Nationals Tractor Pull will be held on Thursday and Friday, and Joe Nichols will headline on Saturday night. Sunday will feature a Demolition Derby. Discounted tickets available June 12 thru July 12. See schedule below for regular ticket prices. Complete details available at www.stephensoncofair.com (815-235-2918)
Grandstand Schedule:
Tuesday, July 13 - YOUTH NIGHT
$2 Fair Admission
Grandstand: Free Admission
4 pm: Queen and Little Miss Pageant
6:30 pm: Celebrity Showmanship
7 pm: Chicken Scratch
7:30 pm: Pig Scramble
8 pm: Stephenson County's Got Talent and Tug-of-War
Wednesday, July 14 - BIG HAT RODEO
$5 Fair Admission
Grandstand: $5
7:30 pm: Big Hat Rodeo
Thursday, July 15 - TRACTOR PULLS
$5 Fair Admission
Grandstand: $5 for afternoon sessions; $10 for evening session
Noon: Tractor Pull
6 pm: Tractor Pull
Friday, July 16 - TRACTOR PULLS
$5 Fair Admission
Grandstand: $5 for afternoon sessions; $10 for evening session
Noon: Tractor Pull
6 pm: Tractor Pull
Saturday, July 17- JOE NICHOLS IN CONCERT
$5 Fair Admission
Grandstand: Row 1-8 Track Seating: $20; Row 9-16 Track Seating: $15; General Seating: $10
8 pm: Joe Nichols
Sunday, July 18 - DEMOLITION DERBY
$5 Fair Admission
Grandstand: $5
2 pm: Demolition Derby
The American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter is hosting a special blood drive from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the S
tephenson County Fair. Visit the Red Cross’s beautiful bloodmobile and roll up your sleeves to turn heartbreak into hope. Give blood and you are eligible for a raffle featuring one of three giveaways: One pair of White Sox tickets which can be used for one of the following games: July 27, 28, 29; or August 24, 25, or 26; or Sept. 10, 14, 15, 16, or 17; and, two tickets to the Saturday night Joe Nichols concert; and, four tickets to the Friday night tractor pull! To sign up, contact the American Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter at 815-233-0011.
Discount Tickets Available
Discount advance tickets are now on sale at the Stephenson County Fair Office. Season tickets can be purchased for $15 ($20 after July 12) and discounted ride wristbands can also be purchased for $15 ($20-$22 after July 12). There are also grandstand packages available for $35 through July 12 - a savings of $15! This year's Stephenson County Fair is July 13-July 18 in Freeport.
The fair kicks off with Youth Night Tuesday, July 13. The Queen and Little Miss Pageants will be held beginning at 4pm in the grandstand followed by Celebrity Showmanship, Chicken Scratch and Pig Scramble, Tug-of-War Contest and Stephenson County's Got Talent. Admission to the fair is only $2 all day Tuesday with FREE grandstand. Wednesday, July 14 features the Big Hat Rodeo at 7:30. Thursday and Friday, July 15 and 16 - the Lucas Oil Midwest Summer Nationals Tractor Pull returns to Freeport with 2 shows daily at noon and 6pm. Saturday don't miss Country Star Joe Nichols as he performs hits like "Gimme That Girl", "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off", and "I'll Wait For You" with one show only at 8pm.
Sunday is the ever-popular demolition derby in the grandstand at 2pm. FREE on-grounds entertainment this year will feature an Elephant Encounter, Carrie McQueen the lady stilt-walker, and the Chain Saw Artist each offering 3 to 4 free shows daily. Elephant rides will also be available for a nominal fee. For more information, contact the Stephenson County Fair Office at 815-235-2918.