For the next week, the corner of Coler and Fairview avenues will be a little busier than normal as the Champaign County Fair revs into high gear.
The 158th year of the fair is packed full of entertainment for residents and guests of all ages, and each day of the fair has a special theme.
This weekend, the county fair will open its gates with WIXY Day on Friday, Military Appreciation Day on Saturday (Military Veterans admission is free) and Family/Agriculture Day on Sunday.
Of course, like any county fair, there are some traditions that will be a part of this year’s fair as well.
The 2010 Fair Queen is Ainsley Reiser, who recently graduated from the High School of Saint Thomas More in Champaign. As Fair Queen, Reiser will judge several of the contests, work as Fair Ambassador and pass out ribbons to winning contestants.
There will be plenty of prizes and rewards to go around as well with the large number of events that will be taking place. The fair will have a demolition car derby, motorcycle rodeo, horse show, talent show, harness race, tractor and truck pull and several other events.
Champaign resident Mark Davis looks forward to the fair’s events.
“It’s all about the contests for me,” Davis said. “Every year you get to see the horse racing and car derby events. It’s something that you don’t see all the time and it is really exciting to watch.”
Kent Weeks, the promoter and organizer for the classic and custom car and truck show, sees the fair as a fun community event.
“The county fair gives the town and the surrounding area a great outlet for entertainment,” Weeks said. “Last year we had 85 entries, and hopefully we’ll have around the same number this year, and the event can be enjoyable for all the fair guests.”
This year’s fair is dedicated to the memory of Forest “Bill” Cullers. The owner and founder of Cullers French Fries, Cullers ran his french fry stand for 64 years at the fair and was a friend to many in the community.
Cullers French Fries still plans to sell fries this year and many years to come at the fair.
Andrew Hatch, the President of the Champaign County Fair Association Board of Directors, loves the community aspect of the fair as well.
“Whenever you have an event that contains all sorts of contests, food and fun, it is a great way for a community to celebrate together,” Hatch said. “We are thankful for all the people that have given their time and effort to make the fair possible this year and in years past. It should be a great time.”