July 19, 2009 is Day One of the Madison County Fair in Highland, Illinois

If you live in or near Madison County in Illinois, then join in six days of fun at the Madison County Fair in Highland. I have attended many country fairs, but the Madison County Fair is one you will never forget. The first event, rabbit judging, opens the fair at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, and from then on, it is non-stop with a huge variety of events throughout the day. Local tractor pull, pedal tractor pulls 4-H shows involving horses, goats, dogs, and more are just a few of the events scheduled for Sunday. The queen pageant will be at 2:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., the 28^th annual fiddle contest will take place. On each day of the fair, carnival rides will be available, as well as a special display of antique tractors, and Willis Chainsaw Carving Creations demonstrating the art of woodcarving with chainsaws. Under the Pavilion, between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. listen to the music of Bluegrass Music.

Monday, day two of the fair will have 4-H shows for swine, dairy, cats, and public speaking. Judging of poultry such as Salmon Faverolle, All Leghorn, All Orpintons, All Langshans, and others will take place at 9:00 a.m. The UMP stock car race is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Highland Speedway, which is a one-fourth mile banked oval dirt track. $3,000.00 will go to the winner. Digital Vinal will be performing at 8:00 p.m. under the Pavilion.

On day three of the fair, 4-H shows for sheep, beef and rabbits will take place, as well as a 4-H fashion revue. Pigeon judging as well as open sheep and breeding beef stock will take place throughout the day. The ITPA tractor/truck pull will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., listen to the music of Mark Murphy under the Pavilion.

Day four, the Knights of Columbus will sponsor Disability Awareness Day starting at 10:00 a.m. Motocross will begin at 7:00 p.m. A prize of $2410.00 is guaranteed to one lucky winner. At 8:00 p.m., enjoy the music of the Avery Hill band under the Pavilion.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on day five, enjoy Farm Follies in the Show Barn. Farm Follies is for ages eight and above and includes games such as egg toss, bucket brigade, wheelbarrow racing, scoop shovel race, bale stacking, and others. An auction will be held for the carvings created from the demonstrations provided by Willis Chainsaw Carvings Creations. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a 4-H livestock auction. Also at 7:30 p.m. is the combine derby sponsored by the St. Rose Fire Department. Smokin Aces will perform at 8:00 p.m. under the Pavilion.

The demolition derby will be at 7:00 p.m. on the last day of the fair. Dairy cattle will be judged, and the Double D Band begins at 8:00 p.m. under the Pavilion.

Exhibitions of quilts, cut flowers, paintings, drawings, and many more items will be judged and on display throughout all the days of the fair.

Visit madcofair.com for fair rules and regulations. You can also submit your entries online.

Source: Madison County Fair Association, personal experience