Monster trucks, chicken and waffles to highlight Stephenson County Fair in Freeport

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) – A monster truck driven by a Freeport native and a vendor that sells chicken and waffles will highlight the Stephenson County Fair this year.

The county’s 170th fair opens Tuesday, July 23, officially marking the beginning of fair season in the stateline.

The first Stephenson County Fair was held in 1854, just southwest of Freeport. It’s been at 2250 Walnut Road in Freeport for more than 70 years.

“We’ve got a lot of historic and antiques that will kind of have on display this year to kind of celebrate that 170th,” said Kate Boyer, executive manager of the Stephenson County Fair Association.

The monster truck Show will feature Bigfoot, a giant 4×4 driven by Freeport native Dane Runte, one of the most accomplished drivers in the monster truck racing.

“We haven’t had monster trucks in a long time,” Boyer said.

No fair would be complete without the food. Favorites like corndogs and funnel cakes will be in ample supply, along with some new and tasty additions.

“We have a whole ethnic food row” she said. “So, we have a lot of very good multicultural food.”

Boyer said there are 30 food vendors this year.

In addition to monster trucks, this year’s attractions include live music, tractor pulls for kids and adults, livestock and a demolition derby.

The Stephenson County Fair goes from July 23 through July 27.

Here’s what’s happening in the grandstand.

FFA Farm Class Tractor Pull

• Tuesday, July 23
• 12:30 p.m.
• Free with fair admission

Midwest Summer Nationals Tractor Pulls

• Tuesday & Wednesday, July 23-24
• 6 p.m.
• Free with fair admission

Tough Truck Challenge

• Thursday, July 25
• 8 p.m.
• Free with fair admission

Full Throttle Monster Trucks

• Friday, July 26
• Pit Party: 5 p.m.
• Show: 7 p.m.
• $10

Demolition Derby

• Saturday, July 27
• 7 p.m.
• $10
• Pit Pass: $25

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.