• Editor’s Note: This article is written by Kane County Connects summer intern Annabel Sengstock.

The annual Kane County Fair starts Thursday, and a certain Kane County Connects intern (me) can’t wait! To get the scoop on the best events for all ages at the fair, I talked to Kane County Fair Board President Larry Breon. I’ll also tell you what bands to look out for and how to score the best deals on carnival rides.

According to Breon, there are a few must-see events at the fair, no matter your age. One of these is the Swifty Swine Racing Pig Show. (See the video below.) Come on down to Porkchop Downs to watch pigs named Brad Pig and Lindsay Loham run around a racetrack to win their favorite food, Oreo cookies. You can even root for your favorite pig to win!

“The pig races are almost like going to Wrigley Field — everyone’s a fan,” Breon said. “It’s a fun show that not only kids, but also adults and teens find amusing. This is consistently one of the fair’s most popular events every year.”

Head over to the grandstand at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. on Sunday and you’ll find another one of the Kane County Fair’s biggest attractions: the crowd-pleasing Demolition Derby. You might have a ball watching cars get completely destroyed (and either feel grateful they’re not your own, or wish they were)!

“You know, you almost can’t have a fair without a Demo Derby,” Breon said. “It’s not too often when you can see cars get smashed up and know that nobody is getting hurt. It’s in a controlled environment, but nevertheless, fun to watch.”

If you’re not into seeing cars get wrecked, the fair also has a few music shows to pick from. Country fans should love Hillbilly Rockstarz, and if you’re more into rock, you’ll want to catch Hi Infidelity’s performance. To round out the musical styles, there’s even a mariachi band playing on Sunday!

For a mix of all of the above (minus the mariachi) with some newer music thrown in, One Night Band has got you covered. Their repertoire includes Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and many other artists you’re probably familiar with. You can find them at the Miller Lite Sound Stage this at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

And how can I forget to mention the most important thing of all at the fair: carnival rides! On certain days, you can save money on admission to the fair or an unlimited carnival ride pass. Here’s what the pricing will look like:

• Wednesday: Free admission to fairgrounds. $20 unlimited rides after 3 p.m.
• Thursday: $20 gate admission and unlimited rides after 3 p.m. if purchased at gate.
• Friday: $20 unlimited rides noon-5 p.m. Sales stop at 4 p.m. Admission is an extra $10.
• Saturday: $20 unlimited rides noon-5 p.m. Sales stop at 4 p.m. Admission is an extra $10.
• Sunday: $20 unlimited rides noon-5 p.m. Sales stop at 4 p.m. Admission is an extra $10.
• Sunday after 6 p.m. (Last Blast): $5 fair admission, $15 unlimited rides.

So if you’re planning to purchase an unlimited ride pass, you can save an extra $10 to spend on fair food by attending on Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday evening. You’re welcome.

Don’t forget to check back on Kane County Connects next weekend for more ‘Experience Kane County Fair’ stories!

The Kane County Fair starts on Thursday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, July 23. It is located at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, on Randall Road and Oak Street. For more information, please sign up for email news or follow the fair’s Facebook page.