What screams Americana in the summertime more than county fairs? Not much, except perhaps apple pie, and we’re betting a good number of these upcoming fairs will offer pie baking contests or the chance to chow down on some pie as part of the festivities.
Kane County Fair: Noon-11 p.m. July 18-19, noon-midnight July 20-21, noon-10 p.m. July 22; $5 ($1 July 18, free for kids under 5, free for seniors on July 18), $20-$25 for grandstand shows. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles; 630-584-6926.
Lake County Fair: 8 a.m.-midnight July 24-29; $3-$7, free for uniformed military. Lake County Fairgrounds, 50 U.S. Hwy. 45, Grayslake; 847-223-2204.
Kankakee County Fair: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 1-5; free to $7, additional fees for grandstand entertainment and camper permits. Kankakee County Fairgrounds, 4000 S. U.S. Hwy 45/52, Kankakee; 815-932-6714.
Kendall County Fair: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 2-5; $4-$6, free for kids under 8, complete schedule at kendallcountyfair.com. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 7200 E. Highpoint Rd., Yorkville; 630-553-2860.
Will County Fair: 8 a.m.-midnight Aug. 22-26; $2-$3, free for kids under 10, additional fees for carnival rides and grandstand entertainment. Will County Fairgrounds, 710 S. West St., Peotone; 708-258-9359.
Mendota Tri-County Fair: 8 a.m.-midnight Aug. 30-Sept. 3; free admission and parking, some fees apply for rides, entertainment and events. Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1300-1399 1st Ave., Mendota; 815-539-7974.
Sandwich Fair/DeKalb County Fair: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 5-6, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 7-8, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 9; $6 general admission, $5-$15 additional fee for grandstand entertainment may apply. Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Rd., Sandwich; 815-786-2159.