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A fair for everyone
11:40 pm Jul 24 - by Dominica Strong – buzz Writer
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Tractor Pulling is one of the main attractions at the County Fair this year. Image courtesy of Champaign County Fair.
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Champaign County Fairgrounds »Address: Coler Avenue & Fairview Avenue Urbana, IL 61801
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Since the 1850s Champaign County neighbors have gathered together to showcase livestock, crops, and home goods. This year the Champaign County Fair boasts more than 1500 entry classes, and will be giving away over $100,000.00 in prizes. Even if you don't have a blue ribbon pig at home the fair is still a place everyone in the CU area is welcome to enjoy.
There's a great selection of food and snacks to enjoy from a pork sandwich at Miss Piggy's Pork Palace to Snow Cream from the Rocky Mountain Snow Cream stand. Of course you'll find traditional fair foods like funnel cake and corn dogs, but why not try something different, a deep fried Snickers bar perhaps?
In addition to great food, there are the rides provided by Tinsley's Amusements Inc. All the carnival classics are there from the flying swings to the mini roller coaster. There's nothing like reliving childhood under the stars on the tilt-o-whirl.
If you come earlier during the day, you can catch a view of local livestock, and even pet some at the petting zoo, which has a large white camel. There were also the competitive harness races with jockeys from all over Illinois, who were awarded cash prizes. The variety of tents is something else to see. While there are informational tents for political parties, County services, and the history of Champaign County, there are also tents that offer massage therapy and custom accessories.
Another great thing about the fair is the showcase of crafts and goods entered by county residents. It's a chance to really see what Illinois is capable of producing, and what people all over the county enjoy creating. It's not just a presentation of exceptional crops and produce, but artwork including photography, paintings, and even flower arrangements.
Most of the work to pull the fair together is done by volunteers; some have been working at the fair for over 25 years. They not only tackle organizing the events and setting up the fairgrounds, but they also make sure to create a welcoming atmosphere for vendors and attendants.
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