The countdown is on for one of Illinois’ biggest summer traditions as the 167th annual Henry County Fair returns to Cambridge from June 16-21, bringing six days of livestock shows, carnival rides, motorsports, family activities, live entertainment, and fair food to the fairgrounds. The fair has been a community tradition since 1859 and continues to draw visitors from across the region each summer.
Held at the Henry County Fairgrounds, this year’s fair schedule is packed with events ranging from pageants and rodeos to tractor pulls and demolition derby action.
Tuesday, June 16 kicks off fair week with the Open Swine Show, exhibitors hall activities, merchant vendors, and the Miss Henry County Fair Pageant in the grandstand.
Wednesday’s schedule features First Responder Day with free admission for first responders showing ID. Highlights include the Junior Open Swine Show, Bucket Calf Show, Pee Wee Plush Pet Show, family games and contests, plus free grandstand activities throughout the day. Evening entertainment includes costume contests, sack races, pig scrambles, lawn mower barrel racing, and more family-friendly competitions.
Thursday is Military Appreciation Day with free admission for military personnel with ID. Livestock judging continues throughout the day before the grandstand comes alive with the T & A Bucking Bulls Rodeo. Angela Meyers is also scheduled to perform in the infield pavilion following the rodeo festivities.
Friday night brings one of the fair’s biggest crowd favorites — the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulling event. Grandstand gates open at 5:30 p.m. with open pit access before the pulls begin at 7 p.m. The Cal Stage Band will perform following the event in the infield pavilion.
Saturday features a full day of livestock shows, carnival rides, bags tournament action, and the always-popular Viola Boyz Demo Derby in the grandstand Saturday evening. A 50/50 drawing is also planned before derby action begins.
The fair wraps up Sunday with worship services, talent show performances, tug-of-war competition, volleyball tournaments, horse shows, carnival rides, and additional family entertainment throughout the grounds.
Along with the grandstand attractions, visitors can enjoy carnival rides daily, interactive displays from Henry County OEM, beer gardens, livestock exhibitions, merchant vendors, and 4-H competitions throughout the week.
Daily outer gate admission is $5, with children 8 and under admitted free. Special grandstand admission pricing applies for select events. Free parking is also available on the grounds.
Additional information, schedules, and ticket details can be found at www.henrycountyfairil.com
