Lake County Fair drops to a five-day run in July

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Joe Kanable shears a sheep as he gets the animal ready for showing at last year’s Lake County Fair. | Sun-Times Media file

Updated: March 26, 2012 1:58AM

GRAYSLAKE — The Lake County Fair Association has voted to reduce the number of the days of this year’s fair from six to five as a way to save money and put on a better show for guests after attendance has declined by half in the past 10 years.

“It was to improve the guest experience,” said Sheri Vyfvinkel, general manager. “We’ll be able to provide a bigger punch in a smaller time.”

The association’s board of directors voted unanimously on the move. This year’s fair will open on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday, which is the slowest day for attendance. By saving money on security and maintenance, fair officials will be able to spend more on entertainment.

“Attendance has been declining and that’s certainly another part of the decision,” Vyfvinkel said.

Last year, attendance dropped to 89,000, about 17,000 fewer than the year before, but that year the fair was plagued by bad weather. Attendance in 2001 was almost 206,000, but has dropped over the years to 138,000 in 2009 and 106,000 in 2010.

“Most fairs (in the state) are five days now,” Vyfvinkel said and weather will always be a problem. “We certainly can’t control Mother Nature.

“We have new things booked for the fair this year and new added attractions,” said Vyfvinkel, who urged people to check the Web site at www.lcfair.com for updates and announcements.

Last year, events included the Banana Derby featuring monkey jockeys racing on dogs, live bands, queen pageants, carnival rides, animals, exhibits and lots of various foods. Motocross, truck and tractor pulls, rodeo and the demolition derby were also crowd favorites.

But the heart of the fair is the livestock, exhibits and 4-H, she said.

This year’s fair will be the 84th annual event beginning July 25 and ending July 29 with hours 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through the week; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission stays at $10; children and seniors are $5. Military in uniform will receive free admission or $5 without uniform and military identification. Unlimited ride wristband specials are also available.

The fairgrounds are located at 1060 E. Peterson Road in a brand-new facility that opened in 2008 at the corner of Midlothian and Peterson roads.

The fair has been around for 150 years and has been held in Waukegan, Antioch, Gurnee, Libertyville, Wauconda and Grayslake. In 1954, the fair association bought property at routes 45 and 120 in Grayslake and it was located there until 2008.