Kane County Fair opens Wednesday in St. Charles with racing pigs, demolition derby among events

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WLS) -- The Kane County Fair opens Wednesday after being canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's the first fair in Chicagoland since the pandemic began.

The 152nd edition of the fair starts off with a carnival in the afternoon. Other events will include a petting zoo, demolition derby, racing pigs, 4H contests, a chainsaw wood carver, classic car show and music.

"I think people are excited and it's nice that we can go outside and enjoy the fair, enjoy the rides and enjoy being around other people," Genis Schmidt said.

People started trickling in before it officially kicked off at 3 p.m., a sign that they are eager to get back to pre-pandemic activities.

"It's awesome," Carol Williams said. "It's awesome that we can be out and about."

The fair has everything you would expect: dizzying rides, sweet treats and good food.

Roderick Rodgers with Grand Slam Enterprises was selling greens, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, ribs, rib tips.

The fair also nods to the past with its traditional features, like the livestock show.

"It's kind of nice to get back and have some agricultural things here to remember what used to be," said Larry Breon, Kane County Fair board president.

Of course, keeping people safe is still a concern. Masks are not mandatory, but there is a chance to get a COVID vaccine.

The Kane County Fair is open from 3 to 11 p.m. at the fairgrounds at 525 S Randall Rd. in St. Charles, and runs from Wednesday through Sunday.

The Kendall County Fair is set for July 29. Lake County, Illinois Fair representatives are hosting a "micro fair" starting July 30. McHenry County Fair is on August 3 and the Will County Fair opens on August 25.

For more information, visit www.kanecountyfair.com.