The Christian County Agricultural Fair returns to Taylorville this week, bringing five days of fun, food, and entertainment to the fairgrounds on the city’s south side. The 101st edition of the fair runs Tuesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 19, and includes livestock shows, live music, pageants, stock car races, tractor pulls, and a grandstand concert by country music star Clay Walker.
The fair officially opens Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by youth project judging in the Expo Building. That evening, the Little Miss, Jr. Miss, and Miss Christian County pageants take center stage beginning at 6 p.m.
Wednesday features a full day of 4-H livestock shows starting at 8:30 a.m. and includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and dairy judging. Senior citizens will be recognized at a special appreciation dinner in the late morning. The evening wraps up with stock car races at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.
On Thursday, the Ag Appreciation Luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m., with keynote remarks by Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. A western-style fashion show starts at 6 p.m., followed by the 4-H Auction. At 7 p.m., the ITPA Tractor Pull revs up the grandstand, while Cody Bumgardner performs live on the Expo Stage.
Friday is one of the most anticipated nights of the fair, with multi-platinum country singer Clay Walker headlining a concert at 7 p.m., joined by special guest Casey Donahew. Walker, known for hits like “Live Until I Die,” “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” and “Dreaming With My Eyes Open,” has topped the country charts 11 times. General admission and track tickets are still available, with prices increasing on the day of the show.
Before the concert, the day will include more livestock shows, music, and wine tastings, with Anton Deroche performing on the Expo Stage from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
The fair concludes Saturday with the Illinois State Chili Cook-Off, classic car cruise-in, a Lego contest, and Young American Day activities. The popular Demolition Derby starts at 6 p.m., preceded by a Power Wheels demo derby at 5 p.m.
Admission to the fairgrounds is free, though grandstand events require tickets ranging from $10 to $20 depending on the night. Season passes and camping spots are also available.
For a full schedule of events or to purchase concert tickets, visit christiancountyfair.com.
