Stephenson County Fair is back, showcasing the best of the community

People from across northwestern Illinois are flocking to Stephenson County this week to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the county's beloved fair.

Since its founding in 1854, the Stephenson County Fair has proven itself to be a great way to bring the community together.

“We have generations upon generations of families that have been attending the fair and been part of it. It really is the community’s fair,” said Kate Boyer, executive manager of the Stephenson County Fair Association.

And it's a great place to showcase the community's best assets.

"Stephenson County is second in the state for dairy production, so we’re trying to really focus on that,” said Boyer, who has been managing the fair since 2021.

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Jeff Thomas is co-chairman of the fair’s beef corral, which has been operated out of a recognizable red building in the center of the fairgrounds since 1984.

“The best part about working the fair is the long hours.” Thomas joked. “We really do try to promote the beef industry. We know prices are high all over, so we try to provide something reasonable for people to buy.

“We’ve got ribeyes, a third pound burger, a quarter pound beef hot dog, and this year we’re even trying out brisket for the first time.”

Like most years, food is a big attraction at the fair.

“We have got dozens of food vendors. We even do a unique food competition with photos you can see online," Boyer said. "We’re a big livestock area, too, so you’ll notice most of our livestock buildings are almost full.  There’s over 1,500 animals on the grounds right now.  We’ve got a pen decorating contest, so it’s cool to see what all the people have done with the animal stalls and pens.”

Live music is another crowd pleaser.

A Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band will play Friday night. Synergy, an alternative technology band will play Saturday night.

The monster truck show and demolition derby will draw crowds, as well.

Caleb Moring has been going to the fair since his childhood. Now he hopes to pass the tradition on to his daughter, Isla.

“She likes the bunnies and the sheep, so far.  All of the animals,” Morning said.

Fellow fairgoer Lisa Kuper has been attending the Stephenson County Fair the past 30 years.

“I love seeing the same people year after year," Kuper said. "Seeing the kids grow up showing animals, while getting better at it year after year.”

The 2024 Stephenson County Fair will go on until Saturday evening, continuing to build and strengthen memories for several generations of community members who love this long standing local event.

Cayden Lewis is a freelance reporter.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 'The community's fair': Stephenson County Fair celebrates 170 years