Get ready Jefferson County!
The 80th annual Jefferson County Fair will offer plenty of familiar favorites, like live music; food and craft vendors; carnival rides and four motorsport events.
The four-day festival is set for Thursday through Sunday, July 23-26, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro. The fair hours are 5-11 p.m. July 23; 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 24; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 25; 3-9 p.m. July 26.
Admission is free for children 10 and younger and for active military members. Admission is $20 for adults and provides the ticketholder with access to all events, including one held at the arena, pavilions, and Civic Club buildings and grounds.
Presale single-day admission costs $18 for adults and is available until noon on July 22.
Special passes are available for $70 and include four tickets that may be used in different ways. One person could use the pass to attend all four nights, two people could use it for two nights or four people could use it for one night. The special pass must be purchased before noon on July 22. To purchase tickets, go to jeffersoncountyfair.net.
Mike Daughtry, Hillsboro Civic Club vice president and fair co-chairman, said the ticketing system will be simplified this year.
“Instead of standing in line, they can have their ticket on their phone. We just scan it, and they walk right in the door. It worked really well at the rodeo, so we’re going to continue with that for the fair,” he said.
Parking will be available on-site and at the Hillsboro Intermediate, High School and Primary lots. A free shuttle service will offer rides to and from the fair on July 24 and July 25.
The Budweiser Clydesdales will also be at the fair for the first time.
Daughtry said the Clydesdales will be at the fair all four days and will be stationed at the barns.
“They’re gonna let everybody watch how they hitch and ride through the arena, and (Budweiser representatives) will talk while they’re doing it on what the history of the Clydesdales are and what they do with the Clydesdales,” he said. “People will be able to be up close with them.”
Pig races will return to the fair this year and will be held by the barns. The races will take place all four days.
“People have seemed to enjoy those the last few years, so we’re gonna do those again,” Daughtry said.
A carnival midway will offer rides all four days of the festival. Single-day, unlimited-ride armbands will cost $28 (plus a $1.25 surcharge) in advance or $36 onsite. To purchase armbands in advance, go to wadeshows.com and click on “find an event” and then scroll down to Jefferson County Fair. Individual tickets also are available online and onsite.
Music
This year’s live performers will feature singer-songwriter Chris Janson, who is set to headline the Buchheit Main Stage at 9 p.m. July 24.
“With the response we’ve had and ticket sales online, that’s going to be a huge concert,” Daughtry said.
Country and rock cover band Southern Gypsi will open before Janson at 7:30 p.m. Following their performance, they will perform at the RWZ Pavilion until 1 a.m.
Other artists performing throughout the weekend include Crossroads and the Borderline band at the RWZ Pavilion. Several other artists are also scheduled to perform on the Arnold Ready Mix Patio throughout the fair.
VIP seating for fourth row and beyond for Janson’s performance costs $50. Seats in the first three rows of VIP seating cost $75 each. These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include fair entry.
Motorsports, other activities
A variety of motorsports will also return to the STL Diesel Arena this year, including the Surdyke Jeffco MX classic at 7 p.m. on July 23; Surdyke ATV at 7 p.m. on July 24; a truck and tractor pull at 6 p.m. on July 25; and a demolition (demo) derby at 5 p.m. on July 26.
Kid’s Day at this year’s fair will be from 3-6 p.m. on July 26.
Tyke Town will offer inflatables, water play and other fun activities for the little ones all four days of the fair until 9 p.m.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Daughtry said the petting zoo will feature the Party Paws Mobile Zoo and miniature highland cows.
The livestock market show and auction will also return to the fair this year. The market show will begin at 7:30 a.m. July 25 at the barns on the fairgrounds. The auction will feature cattle, hogs, goats and sheep. For more information or to register, visit the Jefferson County Livestock Show Association Facebook page.
A fireworks show will be held at 10 p.m. July 24 at the RWZ Pavilion following Janson’s performance.
Daughtry said the profits from the fair go toward the community and the upkeep of the fairgrounds.
“People will notice the difference between what we did last year and this year. We’re always trying to make improvements. It all comes from money we make at the fair and then we give scholarships out.”
Daughtry said he expects between 30,000 to 40,000 people to attend the fair this year.
No pets, coolers or weapons are allowed at the fair. Outside food and beverages are also prohibited.
For more information about the fair, visit jeffersoncountyfair.net or call the Hillsboro Community Civic Club office at 636-797-3900 or check the Jefferson County Fair Facebook page.
Chris Janson, several other acts slated to perform at fair
The Jefferson County Fair, set for Thursday through Sunday, July 23-26, will feature nine new and familiar musical acts performing across four days of festivities.
The performances will be held at either the Budweiser Main Stage, the RWZ Pavilion or the Arnold Ready Mix Patio at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro.
Admission to the concerts is free with a purchased ticket to the fair. Tickets are free for children 10 and younger and for active military members. Admission costs $20 for adults and provides the ticketholder with access to all events, including those at the arena, pavilions and Hillsboro Community Civic Club buildings and grounds.
Special passes are available for $70 and include four tickets that may be used in different ways. For example, one person could use the pass to attend all four nights, two people could use it for two nights or four people could use it for one night. The special pass must be purchased before noon on July 22. To purchase tickets, go to jeffersoncountyfair.net.
VIP seating for fourth row and beyond for Janson’s performance costs $50. First three rows of VIP seating cost $75. These tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include fair entry.
Parking will be available on-site and at the Hillsboro Intermediate School, Hillsboro High School and Primary School lots. A free shuttle service will offer rides to and from the fair on July 24 and July 25.
Chris Janson
Country singer, songwriter and producer Janson is set to headline the Buchheit Main Stage at 9 p.m. on July 24.
The Missouri native released his breakthrough single, “Buy Me a Boat,” in 2015 which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was later certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Since then, Janson has amassed billions of global streams as a solo artist such as “Fix a Drink” and “Good Vibes” along with hits recorded by other notable artists including Tim McGraw (“Truck Yeah,” “How I’ll Always Be”) and LoCash (“I Love This Life’).
In 2018, he was inducted into the Grand Ol Opry. He has also received awards and nominations from iHeart Radio, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association (CMA). Janson was also awarded the Nashville Songwriter Association International’s (NSAI) prestigious “Top 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award twice.
He is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, having mastered more than 10 instruments.
Janson’s latest album, “Wild Horses,” was released last August on his own label, Harpeth 60 Records, in partnership with Warner Music Nashville. It includes the hit single “Me & A Beer.” His latest release is a version of “America the Beautiful,” which is a collaboration with five-time Grammy-winner Steven Curtis Chapman. The song is meant to commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday.
Southern Gypsi
Cover band Southern Gypsi will open before Janson at 7:30 p.m. The band plays a variety of genres, including rock ’n roll from the 1980s through the 2000s and new country hits.
The five-person ensemble plays at venues across Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Band members said they are looking forward to opening for Janson at the Jefferson County Fair.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
RWZ Pavilion
Crossroads, Southern Gypsi and the Borderline band are scheduled to perform at the RWZ Pavilion during the fair.
■ Crossroads, a party rock band from Southeast Missouri, will perform at 8 p.m. on July 23.
■ Southern Gypsi will perform until 1 a.m. following their performance on the Buchheit Main Stage on July 24.
■ Longtime fair performer The Borderline band will hit the stage at 9:30 p.m. on July 25. The six-member country rock band was formed in the late 1990s and has performed with country stars Trace Atkins and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The band plays a variety of music, like today’s country hits, classic country hits and familiar rock tunes.
Patio
The lineup at the Arnold Ready Mix Patio this year will include Russ Wellington and Cody Goggins, Scottie Kemp, Scott Logan, Bobby and Ben Duo, and Better Class of Losers.
■ Russ Wellington and Cody Goggins return to the fair for the first time in two years at 5 p.m. July 23. The pair is part of Cody and the Chameleons, formerly the Unspecific Railroad Band and will play country music.
■ Singer and songwriter Scottie Kemp is set to play the patio at 5 p.m. July 24. Kemp may be familiar to Jefferson Countians; he performed at this year’s Jefferson County Rodeo and often plays at the El Mariachi restaurant in House Springs.
■ Vocalist and guitarist Scott Logan will make his fair debut at 4 p.m. on July 25.
■ Cover band The Bobby and Ben Duo will hit the stage for the first time at 7:30 p.m. on July 25. The Hillsboro-based twosome performs music from the 1960s through the 2000s.
■ Country and Southern rock cover band Better Class of Losers will perform at the fair for the first time since 2019 at 4 p.m. on July 26.
County fair to feature several motorsport events
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
The Jefferson County Fair will feature a variety of motorsport events for guests to enjoy this year. The fair will run from Thursday through Sunday, July 23-26. Each motorsport event will be held in the STL Diesel Arena at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro.
Motocross
The Jeffco MX Classic, a motocross race presented by Surdyke Motorsports, is set for 7 p.m. July 23 on the STL Diesel Arena.
Matt Surdyke, president of Surdyke motorsports, said all ages and levels of racers are welcome.
“There will be multiple classes available each night, based on the vehicle they are racing, their age and their riding ability,” he said.
Early registration costs $30 and $35 on the day of the event. It costs $10 to get into the pit.
Early registration is available for riders until July 22 at Surdyke Motorsports, 1305 Hwy. 61, or at surdykemotorsports.com. Registration opens at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
To participate, riders must wear safety equipment such as a helmet, eye protection and over-the-ankle shoes/boots.
Surdyke also recommends riders wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts or jerseys, gloves and chest protection.
There are also expert level classes that will have a cash payout of a minimum of $250.
Any rider younger than 18 will need a parental signature to participate.
Each racer will be entered into a drawing for a $250 gift card to Surdyke Motorsports, which will be awarded on July 28, Surdyke said.
For more information, call Surdyke Motorsports at 636-931-9166 or email marketing@surdykemotorsports.com.
ATV race
The ATV racing event presented by Surdyke will be held at 7 p.m. July 24 in the STL Diesel Arena.
Surdyke said all ages are welcome, however children under 16 in the kid’s classes must ride an age-appropriate machine based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
Early registration costs $30, and registration on the day of the race is $35. Access to the pit costs $10.
Early registration is available for riders until July 23 at Surdyke Motorsports, 1305 Hwy. 61, or at surdykemotorsports.com. Registration opens at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
To participate, riders must wear safety equipment such as a helmet, eye protection and over-the-ankle shoes/boots.
Surdkye also recommends riders wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts or jerseys, gloves and chest protection.
This year’s winners in the amateur classes will receive a commemorative plaque.
Surdyke said his favorite part of both the motorcycle and ATV events is the opportunity that both kids and adults receive when participating.
“Most people just ride in their back yards, state parks or they find a field somewhere to play in. This gives them the opportunity to line up under the lights and put on their best race face and have a crowd of fans watching them and cheering them on,” he said.
He also said spectators can expect to “see some exciting racing.”
“Our amazing track builders work hard to make a track that’s challenging enough for the experts and still fun and safe enough for the average guy. But even with all of that work, it’s racing, so there are always spills and thrills that go along with that.”
Any rider under the age of 18 needs a parental signature to participate. Races will be divided up by age ranges.
Each racer will be entered into a drawing for a $250 gift card to Surdyke Motorsports, which will be awarded on July 28, Surdyke said.
For more information, call Surdyke Motorsports at 636-931-9166 or email marketing@surdykemotorsports.com
Truck and Tractor Pull
The Truck and Tractor Pull, organized by the Eastern Missouri Truck Pullers (EMTP) and the Illinois Farm Pullers Association (IFPA), will start at 6 p.m. on July 25 in the STL Diesel Arena.
EMTP will have 10 gas and diesel classes, including street stock gas, small block gas, hot stock gas, pro street gas, pro stock gas, true stock diesel, hot stock diesel, work stock diesel and 2.6 smooth bore diesel.
“There’s going to be anything from a street legal right off the showroom floor all the way up to what we call a ‘pro stop truck’ which is heavily modified vehicle,” said Dwight Terry, owner of EMPT.
Registration will be open from 3:30-5 p.m. on July 25.
To register for truck pulling, you must be 16 or older with a valid driver’s license; those younger than 18 must have parental consent and a signed waiver.
Terry said participants in classes above street stock and true stock turbo must have their safety equipment, which includes a helmet, fire jacket, pants gloves, neck collar, shoes and a fire extinguisher within reach of the driver.
All vehicles must be ready for inspection.
The cost to participate in those events is $60 for EMTP non-members and $30 for members.
Terry said the membership fee is $80.
He also said the event is “always a good time, lot of noise.”
For the tractor pull, the IFPA classes will include 5,500 and 5,700 Classic Modified Combo and 9,000 Pro Farm.
IFPA Vice President Kent Duesterhaus said registration is free for IFPA members and $40 for nonmembers.
He said the $40 will cover one-day membership and insurance.
The regular membership fee is $230, he said.
Registration will be held from 3-5:30 p.m.
Duesterhaus said non-member tractors will be inspected onsite, with IFPA member tractors already receiving inspections.
For more information about the truck pulls and safety requirements, visit easternmissouritruckpullers.com or call Dwight Terry at 636-262-4008.
For more information on the tractor pulls and safety requirements visit ifpapull.com.
Demo Derby
The Flowers Full Throttle Demo Derby is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 26 in the STL Diesel Arena.
Several classes and a special kids’ section, Power Wheels Derby, will be held this year during intermission. The classes include street stocks mini and hobo stocks.
Flowers Full Throttle owner Derek Flowers said cash prizes will be awarded for each class.
First-place winner in hobo stocks will receive $4,000, second place $1,000, third place $500, fourth place $200 and fifth through 10th place $100.
First place in mini street stocks will receive $2,000, second place $1,000, third place $400, fourth place $200 and fifth place $100.
Two classes of children, ages 3-5 and 6-9, will compete in the Power Wheel Derby. Entry is free.
Each child who participates will receive a medal, Flowers said.
Drivers and riders will be charged $50 to participate. Admission to get into the pit is $25.
Admission is free for children 5 and under.
Fair co-chairman Randy Starkey said he expects between 25-30 cars to register for the derby.
A mandatory inspection for the event will be held from noon to 4 p.m.
For information, please contact 573-578-6919.