• Editor’s Note: Kane County Connects Intern Allison Arguezo is back this year and will be reporting LIVE FROM THE KANE COUNTY FAIR again in 2019. Here’s Allison’s look at what’s new and what to expect at this year’s fair.

The Fourth of July weekend is finally here, which means that the annual Kane County Fair is just around the corner. This year, the fair starts on Wednesday, July 17, and goes to Sunday, July 21.

Last year was my first time at the Kane County Fair, and I had such a great time enjoying all the fun events and watching the shows on the Miller Lite sound stage — and I’m looking forward to the fair this year.

What’s New

There’s always something new at the Kane County Fair.

This year, adults can enjoy the Wine Tasting Garden, featuring the best of our popular local Illinois wineries — Prairie State Winery, August Hill Winery, and Galena Cellars Winery.

Fair organizers say the wine tasting makes a great a girls’ night out or special date. A $10 ticket gives you a complimentary Kane County Fair wine glass and tickets to taste assorted wines of your choice.

Wine Garden hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21.

Patrons this year can enjoy old-fashioned soda pop with Wild Bill’s Soda. You can purchase collectible barrel mugs to enjoy these special root beers and vanilla creams.

Live Music

Live music itself isn’t new this year, but the lineup is. You can relax and hear live music on from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Miller Lite sound stage.

If you’re a fan of rock music, then don’t miss 7th Heaven’s performance at 7 p.m. Sunday. With the different types of genres this year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For country music fans, there’s Hillbilly Rockstarz. For more an ‘80s sound, there’s Hi-Infidelity. And if you enjoy a different spin on popular cover songs, the cover band Libido Funk Circus is for you.

The schedule of live bands on the Miller Lite stage events include:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18 — Libido Funk Circus (Miller Lite)
• 8 p.m. Friday, July 19 — Hillbilly Rockstarz
• 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20 — Hi Infidelity
• 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21 — 7th Heaven

Grandstand Events

Besides the free acts offered around the fair, I know I’ll be spending my time watching the shows on the grandstand.

There are shows on the grandstand almost every day, so you’ll never have to worry about being bored at the fair. Besides the Demolition Derby, there’s the monster truck show, bull riders, cowgirls and barrel racing all throughout the week.

One of the most popular shows of the Kane County Fair is the Demolition Derby. I never knew that watching cars get crushed and destroyed was so much fun! The Demolition Derby starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday — be sure to stop on by since there is only one show for this year.

Here’s the lineup:

• 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18 — Monster Truck Show ($10)
• 7 p.m. Friday, July 19 — Professional Championship Bullriders and Cowgirls ($14)
• 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20 — Championship Cowgirl Barrel Racing ($10)
• 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20 — Professional Championship Bullriders and Cowgirls ($14)
• 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21 — NEW! Demolition Derby ($10)

Free Vision Screenings

The Elburn Lions Club will offer free vision screening for children ages 6 months to 18.

Lions Club International, a service organization, works to prevent blindness and improve eye health.

Screenings will be available throughout all bingo/pull tab event hours from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21,in Robinson Hall located across from the children’s midway events.

“Don’t throw away your old eyeglasses and cases,” fair officials say. “Pay it forward. Bring them to the Elburn Lions Club at the fair.”

Ways To Save $

There are plenty of ways to save, too! Special ticket/carnival prices available to be purchased in advance through a secure connection at www.kanecountyfair.com.

Don’t miss out on the early bird ticket specials! You can buy your tickets here. The specials will end the day before the start of the fair.

For Wednesday, admission is free, so I’ll be saving an extra $10. That means I’ll have extra money that I can use on food, merchandise and unlimited rides. And for Sunday, I’ll be saving another $10, because admission is only $5 and the rides are $15.

Here is the pricing for the admission and rides on different days:

• Wednesday: Free admission to the fairgrounds. $20 unlimited rides from 3 p.m. to close

• Thursday: Customer Appreciation Day! $20 fair admission and unlimited rides from 3 p.m. to close (if purchased at gate)
• Friday: Super Saver Day! $20 unlimited rides from noon-5 p.m. (does not include admission) Sales stop 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Community Day! $20 unlimited rides from noon-5 p.m. (does not include admission) Sales stop at 4 p.m.
• Sunday: Fair Finale Day! $20 unlimited rides from noon-5 p.m. (does not include admission) Sales stop at 4 p.m.
• Sunday: Last Blast! $5 fair admission and $15 unlimited rides from 6 p.m. to close.

Location, Location, Location

The Kane County Fair is located at Randall Road and Oak Street in St. Charles.

For more information, visit www.kanecountyfair.com, sign up for email news or follow the fair’s Facebook page.

Don’t forget to check back on Kane County Connects in the next few weeks for more “Experience Kane County Fair” stories!