Celebrating 75 years: Clinton County Fair blends tradition, patriotism and new attractions

2025 Clinton County Fair Queen Amanda Brink (Zero turn mower barrel racing new to fair lineup this year)    The Clinton County Fair is celebrating 75 years next week with a full lineup of livestock shows, grandstand entertainment, carnival rides, family activities and patriotic events as fairgoers gather July 11-18 in Carlyle.
    This year's celebration carries the theme, "A Star-Spangled Salute," recognizing both the fair's 75th anniversary and America's 250th birthday.
    Along with longtime traditions, visitors can look forward to several new attractions, including the dedication of the new 618 Event Center and the fair's first-ever zero-turn mower barrel racing competition.
    The fair kicks off on Saturday, July 11, with the “Who’s the Fairest 5K Run/Walk” at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Carlyle at 8 a.m. Carnival rides open at 6 p.m.
    On Sunday, July 12, there will be 4-H rabbit judging in the new 618 Event Center, followed by poultry judging. The new building will be dedicated by Bishop Godfrey Mullen at 2 p.m. Carnival rides open at 6 p.m.
    Monday's schedule (July 13) includes 4-H dairy judging at 7 a.m. and open dairy judging at 10 a.m. in the 618 Event Center. The annual Clinton County Fair Parade steps off at 6 p.m., followed by the Barnyard Olympics at approximately 8:30 p.m. Carnival rides also open at 6 p.m.
    Before the parade begins, the Standin' Proud Veterans Tribute Museum will coordinate a special America250 tribute honoring the nation's 250th birthday. Beginning no later than 5:45 p.m., participants representing Clinton County's five high schools — Breese Central, Carlyle, Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Mater Dei Catholic and Wesclin — will travel the parade route together in a patriotic display recognizing 250 years of freedom, military service and sacrifice.
    The parade begins on Fairfax Street near the Clinton County Courthouse, travels south on 17th Street, then west on Methodist Street before ending at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
    The annual parade features the reigning Clinton County Fair Queen Amanda Brink, this year's queen contestants, Little Miss participants, school bands, community organizations, businesses and agriculture-themed entries, all centered around this year's patriotic theme.
    Tuesday, July 14, features 4-H swine judging at 7:30 a.m., followed by open swine judging at 9 a.m. Carnival rides open at 6 p.m. The Southern Illinois Pullers League, Illinois Stock Pullers and Hot Street Gas begin at 6:30 p.m. Arena admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12, and free for children ages 6 and younger. Pit passes are $20.
    4-H beef judging will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, in the 618 Event Center. 4-H goat judging will be at 11:30 a.m. with the sheep to follow. 4-H junior master showmanship will be at 1:30 p.m. and 4-H master showmanship will follow. Carnival rides open at 6 p.m. Open sheep judging begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Clinton County Farm Tractor Pull featuring Kevin Kamp-werth Memorial classes at 7 p.m.
    Thursday, July 16, opens with open beef judging at 9 a.m. in the 618 Event Center. Family Fun Night has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday this year. Activities include a Friends of Carlyle Lake Lego Build Competition at 5 p.m. in the Legacy Building, an FFA pedal pull at 6 p.m. in the pits by the announcer’s building, carnival rides opening at 6 p.m. and the fair's inaugural zero-turn mower barrel racing competition at 7 p.m. Arena admission is free for all ages.
    "The zero-turn mower event is something that we saw on the internet and thought we would give it a shot in the arena," said Fair Board President Ralph Beckmann. "It seems like a fun and entertaining thing."
    Friday's schedule features carnival rides beginning at 6 p.m., the Junior Livestock Auction at 7 p.m. in the 618 Event Center and the Whippoorwill Rodeo at 7 p.m. in the arena. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for veterans, $10 for children under 12 and free for children ages 6 and younger. Pit passes are $25. The Cheers Band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight outside the Legacy Building.
    The week concludes Saturday, July 18, with the Miss Clinton County Fair Queen Pageant at 1 p.m. at Kaskaskia College in Centralia. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for under 12 years old, and under 6 years old is free.
    Queen contestants are Drew Drummond of Keyesport, April Wilken of Germantown, Carissa Litteken of Aviston, Jacie Persing of Carlyle, Karleigh Twitchell of Carlyle, Samantha Heinzmann of Carlyle, Daisy Brammeier of Carlyle, Isabelle Gilomen of Damiansville, Makenna Reckling of Carlyle, Makenna Budde of Damiansville and Kylie Detmer of Aviston.
    The newly crowned queen will make her first official appearance later that evening during the Demolition Derby, which begins at 7 p.m. Arena admission is $20 for adults, $15 for veterans, $10 for children under 12, and free for children ages 6 and younger. Carnival rides open at 6 p.m.
    Throughout the week, fairgoers also can enjoy carnival rides, food vendors, commercial exhibits, 4-H competitions and agricultural displays.
    For a complete schedule and additional information, visit the Clinton County Fair website, https://clincofair.org.