Harness Racing to Open 2008 Fair

Harness racing opens the 2008 Fair. Harness racing will start at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 6 and at 5 p.m. Monday, July 7. There will be no carnival or other exhibits open on these two dates, but Sunday and Monday's races are a free gate. So come to watch some remarkable trotters and pacers competing for large winner's purses on one of the fastest tracks in western Illinois for free!!! This year there is a 4-year-old and up trotter race on Sunday that is special to our Fair.

Entry Deadline of June 25 Set

All entries, except Floriculture and Gardening, must be postmarked by June 25, 2008. The 2008 premium book will be online in March and mailed sometime in May, so start making plans for your 2008 entries.

Fair Premium Book Now Available

The 2008 Mercer County Fair premium book and the entry form are now available online. Printed versions will be mailed to last year's exhibitors in mid-to-late May. Copies may also be picked up in May in local county businesses.

Magic Matt Returns for Daily Shows

The family magic of Magic Matt returns to the Mercer County Fair in 2008. He performs three times daily Wednesday through Saturday afternoon/evenings. Magic Matt has entertained at numerous county fairs across Illinois and Wisconsin and is a creative genious at making balloon characters. Be sure to look for his white tent infront of the Merchants' Building.