Ford County Fair set for 2016

This year's Ford County Fair, running June 19-25, features concerts, action, and events for family members of all ages.

The week's events start on Sunday with the western horse show at 10 a.m. Ten girls compete for the title of Miss Ford County in the annual pageant that begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20.

Contestants include Emily Komnick, Clarence; Karley Bridgwater and Maddie Francis, Gibson City; Leslie Lawson, Ludlow; Audrey Bloomquist, Amanda Diesburg, Liz Griffin, Karla Rodriquez and Courtney-Ann Schwing, Paxton; and Chelsea Price, Roberts.

The biggest event of the week is the Canaan Smith and LOCASH concert on Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.. This is the first time the concert will be held on a Friday night in hopes of drawing an even larger crowd. Concert tickets include free carnival rides.

Zach Linley and the Rebel Daredevils provide a pre-concert party at 7 p.m. and will play in the beer tent after the concert. Concert tickets can be ordered by going to the concert ticket link on the fair's website, fordcountyfair.org.

Old favorites are also featured at this year's fair. The Little Miss and Mister Pageant starts at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21. C-Bar rodeo will also be back at the fair on Tuesday, with the annual talent show scheduled for Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. This year's fair will also include truck and tractor pulls on Thursday, June 23. The demolition derby closes out the grandstand entertainment on Saturday, June 25. This year's demo again features a modified wire class with a $3,000 payout.

Outshyne will play in the beer tent after the demo derby on Saturday. Outshyne has opened for several country acts including Jake Owen, Eric Church and Lee Brice.

Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians with Al Pierson will make a return to the fair on Saturday. The popular dance band has appeared at the fair for over 30 years.

The petting zoo also returns this year and will be housed in the commercial building. The zoo will again offer pony rides and will be open Monday through Saturday.

Swyear Amusements will open their rides on the midway Tuesday at 5 p.m. Several ride specials will run during the week including $1 ride night on Tuesday and $20 armband specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights. A special armband price of $10 will be available on Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

Sally the Clown returns on Friday evening, June 24 with face painting from 3-9 p.m.

For more information go to fordcountyfair.org or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

94.1 WGFA