One of the first events of the summer is right around the corner. The Ford County Fair kicks off Sunday, June 12 and runs through Saturday, June 18.

The fair has been bringing entertainment to central Illinois since 1926. This year’s schedule promises to bring excitement for the entire family.

The fair opens Sunday, with the western horse show at 10 a.m. The jackpot gilt show starts at 5 p.m. that evening. Monday night features the annual fair queen pageant at 7 p.m. in the dance building, where four contestants will compete for the title of Miss Ford County.

The Little Mister and Miss Pageant starts at 5:30 p.m. in the dance building on Tuesday followed by the annual talent show at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday features a new event as Midget Wrestling Warriors bring their unique brand of entertainment to this year’s fair. The show promises to be action-packed from the opening bell to the final three-count. The action starts at 6:30 p.m. in the grandstand. Cost of the event is included in the fair admission price. Wednesday is also arm-band night on the midway with $10 armbands for the first 400 people.

Friday is concert night with Chris Janson headlining the evening.. Appearing with Janson are Shane Profitt and Drew Green. Tickets are available on the fair’s website..forcountyfair.org. General admission is $25 in advance. Party Pit tickets are $40. After the concert, Seasonal Disorder will play in the new beer pavilion until midnight.

Old favorites also highlight this year’s fair. Truck and tractor pulls are featured in the grandstand on Thursday, June 16. The demolition derby closes out the grandstand entertainment on Saturday, June 16

 

In 2013, the Ford County Fair decided to add a live concert to their fair schedule. They weren’t sure if it would be successful or if it was something they would continue to do. Even though concert goers had to stand in the mud and rain that evening, the first concert with Dustin Lynch was a huge success and the beginning of a fair tradition.

This year’s concert will add to the long list of exciting entertainers coming to Melvin. Breakout country star Chris Janson headlines the fair’s concert on Friday, June 17. Rolling Stone magazine calls Janson a “live legacy in the making.” The high-octane performer is a platinum-selling recording artist with hits including “Drunk Girl” and “Buy Me a Boat.” Appearing with Janson are Shane Profitt and Drew Green.

Concert tickets are available on the fair’s website…fordcountyfair.org. General admission is $25 in advance. Party pit tickets are $40. All tickets include fair admission, parking and carnival rides. A special ticket, available only at the gate the night of the concert, is available for those 10 and under for $10 which also includes carnival rides. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7:30. After the concert, the music of Seasonal Disorder will be in the new beer pavilion until midnight.

The concert would not be possible without the support of several sponsors. This year’s concert sponsors include A. Gooden Concrete, Alamo/Rhino Ag, Biggs Lawn Care, Birkeys, Cargill, Dekalb/Asgrow, Dogtown Heating & Air Conditioning, Drummer Creek Catering, Fosters Mechanics, Gibson Area Hospital, Heritage FS, Hicksgas, Hicks Motors, Murdock’s, Nutrien, Paxton Hardware, Paxton Redi Mix, and Pioneer.

More information on the fair can be found on their website, www.fordcountyfair.org, and on their Facebook page.