One of the Midwest’s premier fairs and one of the largest county fairs features an array of food vendors that is unmatched anywhere. It’s nine glorious days of everything from Midway rides to a rodeo to carnival games. Sprinkle in amazing concerts, farm animals and 4-H exhibits, and you have a perfect summer day.

The combination of professional food vendors who make a living serving fair food with the civic, 4-H and nonprofit groups who offer food at the event creates a unique blend of offerings at 72 different booths or stands.

“The biggest distinction is the community involvement in the fair,” said Kevin McGrath, whose family has operated The Best Around Concessions at the fair since 1980.

Of course you can find elephant ears, the large flat sheath of dough topped with sugar or fruit topping. Corn dogs and other foods on a stick are common too. Nelson’s, makers of the county’s iconic marinated and grilled chicken, is there on Food Row alongside many of the other booths.

Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, the Midway is the place to be for thrilling rides and games to test your reflexes. Kids Day on Wednesday, July 24, offers a great deal. 9:00am – 1:00pm Kiddieland Wristbands will be available. You can walk through any of the livestock barns and learn about cows, pigs, goats, llamas and more. It doesn’t get any more real than chatting with dairy farmers or their kids about life on the farm.