CHIT-CHAT: Kane County Fair is back, bigger and better, despite economy

This year, Kane County will celebrate its 141st annual fair, a perennial don’t-miss summer event for its low prices and diverse activities for the whole family. Larry Breon, who has served as President of the Board of the Kane County Fair for the past 15 years, looks forward to the fair each summer as an ongoing tradition people continue to enjoy and come back for year after year.

Kane County President of the Board Larry Breon poses for the camera. SUBMITTED PHOTO

How did the fair first come about?
Well, it’s been around for 141 years, and contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t there at the start. Back in the day, the economy was agricultural-based, so it started out as a gathering and meet-and-greet of those trying to sell their products.

How is the Kane County Fair different from others?
One of the things a county fair does, contrary to a town fair, is that it gives young people and 4H a chance to exhibit their projects and compete with each other. This fair is very educational, because young people get together and learn how to get along with a larger group of people at an early age.

What’s new this year?
One of the major changes is our new building. It has been under construction for the last three years but now it is finished. The building is air-conditioned and heated, and we also finished the midway clock tower and the black top is paved. Now it is more of a park-like setting. For the fair, the inside of the building will be mostly commercial exhibits, with lots of places for people to come sit down and relax, and get regenerated in the air-conditioning.

How do you choose the bands?
We have help from someone that works with us in that regard. We try to get local regional bands from the Chicagoland area that are popular. We try to get different types like rock and country, and mix them in so that there is something for everyone of every age.

Do you think the economy will affect turnout?
Absolutely. It is going to hurt. The thing we’re trying to do is make the fair pretty reasonably (priced) with the economy the way it is. We’re making it a real bargain by keeping the prices down. People can come in and bring the family, spend the day there, and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. ... The economy is the unknown wild card this year.

VISIT THE FAIR
WHAT Kane County Fair
WHERE Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; (630) 584-6926
WHEN 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16; 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July18; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 19
HOW MUCH Single-day admission Wednesday: free for children younger than 5 and seniors, $1 for all others; single-day admission Thursday through Sunday: free for children younger than 5, $5 for all others; season ticket: $20