Top Things You Can't-Miss at the 92nd Annual Lake County Micro Fair

By: Jonathan Jones 07/23/2021

The smell of funnel cakes in the air can only mean one thing: the 92nd annual Lake County Fair is just around the corner! “Summer’s Best Fest” has returned for its ninth decade (plus two) of family fun at the Grayslake facility.

Due to the pandemic pause across the country with most in-person events, the land of lakes staple took a hiatus in 2020. However, the fair triumphantly returns with its "Back to Our Roots" theme by celebrating the fest's core components.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lake County Fairgrounds IL (@lake.county.fairgrounds.il)

The fair has is a tiny bit scaled back this year due to precautions with COVID-19 infection rates. Still, the livestock barns, competitive exhibits, demo derbies, Lake County local talent, fabulous fare and Midway rides you love will be a fixture in this year's edition.

FYI, in the Expo Hall, the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center offers a vaccination clinic from noon-6 p.m.

There’s so much you can explore at the fair every year, but these are 10 things you can’t miss at the 92nd annual Lake County Micro Fair running from Friday-Sunday, July 30-August 1.

Live Music at the Fair

The Grayslake party zone provides a fanfare of eclectic music talent every year at "Summer's Best Fest." The headliners of the festival square include the bands Final Say, Chicago Latin Groove and Brecken Miles. Final Say, led by lead singers Morgen Hare and Robby Celestin, puts their own unique vibe on cover song classics. They have shared the stage with the B-52s and the Temptations as a leading voice in the Chicago live concert scene. Chicago Latin Groove (CLG) is the Windy City's premier tropical music band. The CLG performs undeniably energetic songs in various Latin genres like salsa, cumbia, merengue, Latin jazz, disco and cha-cha. Brecken Miles is no stranger in the country world. The Colgate, Wisconsin native was a top 10 finalist in the 2018 Nash Next Competition. He's also shared the stage with huge names like Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and more. Here is a list of other musicians on the docked for the 92nd annual Lake County Fair.

• Edgar Gabriel's StringFusion
• Chapel Hill
• Zydeco Voodoo
• Roger That
• Red Panda & The Pilgrim Souls
• Wichita Jacks
• Dixon Bandits

Demolition Derby

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leann (@leannwhalen)

Fuel your passion for revved-up action and get a taste of the wild west with demolition derbies. Smash enthusiasts can experience the nonstop action while marveling at the brute force of organized chaos and destruction. The crash fest features automobiles getting totaled by even bigger cars. See what car lasts the longest as various vehicle classes of 4WD Promotions bully each other and bump fenders.

Unique Fair Fare

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ChefBen Randall (@chefbenrandall)

'Tis the season to eat fair fare! Each year the Lake County Fair blesses our bellies with delicious eats. The fair is also highlighted by 20 other food vendors. Here are a few of the unique Lake County local bites gracing the Grayslake grounds this year.

• Funnel Cakes
• Deep-Fried Oreos
• Corn Dogs
• Roasted Corn
• Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Midway Carnival Rides & Games

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lake County Fairgrounds IL (@lake.county.fairgrounds.il)

There's no such thing as a county fair without the Midway Carnival and Rides. Hold hands with your significant other on the Ferris wheel, ride a thrilling rollercoaster with the squad, take a safer demolition derby with the fam in the bumper cars are all staple county fair activities. Want to win that big stuffed monkey by throwing a dart and popping the balloon, or maybe your fancy is Bozo buckets? Whatever your business is at the Midway, it's sure to bring long-lasting memories at the "Back to Our Roots" fair. On Friday and Saturday, the Midway is open from noon-4 p.m., while Sunday, it will be available from noon-7 p.m. The Lake County Fair is offering a $20 wristband special for all you can ride daily.

Tractor Rides

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lake County Fairgrounds IL (@lake.county.fairgrounds.il)

Old Lake County had a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on their farm, they had a John Deere? Become a real farmhand as the Lake County Farm Heritage and Lake County Farm Bureau present tractor rides. The Lake County Farm Heritage Association's mission is to preserve and maintain the history, machinery and ways of the early farmers for all the generations to follow. The Tractor display runs daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Bloody Mary B.I.N.G.O

There was some booze that had a name, and Mary was her name-o. So on Sunday morning, savor your favorite tomato-flavored libation while trying to win with five down, across diagonal or four corners. Beer Tent bingo will be running Friday and Saturday, while Sunday is Bloody Mary Bingo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (0n all three days). Like in the game named after a canine, the Grayslake grounds will spot you a free spot in the middle.

---

For more information about times, schedule and map of the 92nd annual Lake County Fair, click here. To see the remainder of the summer festival season's agenda in the land of lakes, continue here.