By Stephanie Irvine

The 122nd annual Will County Fair kicked off in Peotone on August 20, delighting fairgoers of all ages — and it looks to be a beautiful weekend.

Wednesday’s family night featured $1 admission and $1 carnival rides, bringing families from all over to experience the thrills of Luehrs’ Ideal Rides. Returning this year were fan favorites like the fun slide, Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, carousel, and Pharaoh’s Fury.

Pharaoh’s Fury is the gravity-defying boat that glides high into the air, dropping stomachs as it swings back and forth. Typically, it’s a ride for the adventurous youngsters, but this year, and every year, 83-year-old Joyce Frederick from Goreville in Southern Illinois enjoyed every minute of it.

“I want to go on all of them!” Frederick said after stepping off the ride.

“She loves it and makes me go on them with her!” Joyce’s daughter-in-law Mary, 61 of Peotone, added.

The Will County Fair offers a great carnival, but it’s so much more than that. There are plenty of games, tons of food options, and plenty of vendors selling unique items, along with other events like a magic show, live music, fine arts and crafts on display for judging in the atrium, and of course, all of the agricultural exhibits, vendors, and shows.

The Thompson family of Midlothian —, Nikki and Lane, along with their children 2-year-old Eli and Everly, and 6 year-old Elaina — had a blast flying down the fun slide together. They come every year, and always have a great time. They enjoy coming out for the demolition derby, too.

Will County Fair President Jay Nadler gave credit to his board for all of their hard work in making the fair a success each year. In his 28th year on the board, he’s still excited to see it all come together this year.

“They’re really energetic and have a can-do spirit. They make my life simpler,” Nadler said.

Nadler’s pride in the event, particularly in having more livestock and in the number of family-friendly activities like the ping-pong drop and dollar night, was evident.

“We come every year, and now with the kids, we love seeing the animals,” Manhattan resident Chanel Krantz said. She came out with her children Marcus, 22 months, and Makenna, age 4.

“She loves the rides, and we always get bits ‘n fixins from Mr. K’s Chuckwagon,” Krantz said.

There were plenty of competitors with their livestock out, competing for rosettes and cash prizes in swine, goat, sheep, and cattle exhibitions. The rodeo will be on Sunday, which always draws a large crowd, Nadler said. The tractor pull will take place on Thursday.

Friday and Saturday will both have demolition derbies, which often sell out. A demo scrambler will take the place of monster trucks this year. There’s a baby contest on Sunday, with registration closing Saturday evening. There’s a beer garden, bingo, and more activities and things to do than could be listed.

Tickets for all events except for the tractor pull can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/2025WCF.

Farmers Weekly Review caught up with Parker Smith from Chebanse, Illinois, who brought out one of his swine for the Junior Swine Show. He won Grand Champion in Yorkshire Gilts in his exhibition.

“It takes a lot of work to do that, and they’re young, too!” Nadler said, noting that they have to walk, wash, and care for the livestock that they show.

Another point of pride is that the event rarely has any issues with safety or security, something he credits to the friendly police presence at all the entry and exit points and throughout the fair.

This year brought a $2 admission increase to $8 per person, although children under 9 years old are free.

Nadler explained they hate to increase prices, but insurance and power costs have skyrocketed. Vendors and carnival attractions all need power, and as demands grow, they do their best to accommodate.

Despite the slight increase, the fun of the fair and the weather forecast still brought out plenty of people to the fair like newcomers Toni Herbin, who brought her 5-year-old son Asher, and Yvette Miles of Monee. It was their first experience but they all said they loved it.

“I love this part better than the rides,” Toni Herbin said of getting to see the livestock up close in the barns.

“The weather forecast is fabulous,” Nadler said. He wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Brandy and Brian Walsh brought out their family to the fair, including kids Charlie (15), Griffin (13), Molly (11), and Sam (7). They hadn’t attended in a few years with life getting in the way, but it was time for Sam to experience the county fair.

“The weather is great!” Brandy Walsh said. “Couldn’t ask for better,” Brian added.

“The fair gives the youth the chance to experience agriculture and enjoy the carnival in a healthy and safe environment,” Nadler said of the fair.

“I just want people to enjoy themselves,” he added.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.

Joyce Frederick, 83, of downstate Goreville, and daughter-in law Mary Frederick, 61, of Peotone, center, enjoy the front row of Pharaoh’s Fury with other fairgoers. As she always does at the fair, Joyce want to ride ’em all! (Photos by Stephanie Irvine)

Parker Smith handles his Grand Champion swine in the Junior Swine Show.

Rosy and Violetta Rodriguez of Crete enjoy the carousel.

The Thompson family of Midlothian — Nikki and Lane, along with their children 2-year-olds Eli and Everly, and 6 year-old Elaina — had a blast flying down the fun slide together.