The 77th annual Jefferson County Fair will offer many things to see and do, lots to listen to, and plenty to eat.
The fair is set for Thursday through Sunday, July 20-23, at the county Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro. The hours are 5-11 p.m. July 20; 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 21; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 22; and 3-9 p.m. July 23.
Admission is free for children 10 and younger and for active military members. Admission is $15 for those 11 and older and includes access to all events in the arena, main stage, pavilions and Civic Club building. The event also will include vendor booths, an array of concessions and a special “Tyke Town” area and petting zoo for children.
A discounted gate pass costs $50 and may be used for admission for one person for all four nights, two people for two nights or four people for one night. To purchase tickets, go to jeffersoncountyfair.net and click on “events” then “event tickets” at the top of the page.
A carnival midway will offer rides all four days of the fair. Single-day ride armbands will be $25 if purchased by 5 p.m. July 19 and $35 after that time. To purchase armbands, go to wadeshows.com and click on “find an event” and then scroll down to “Jefferson County Fair.” The Wade site also has useful information about ride height requirements.
No pets and no weapons are allowed at the fair. Outside food and beverages also are prohibited. Parking is available onsite and at Hillsboro High School, with a complimentary shuttle service offered on July 21 and July 22.
Country music artist Clay Walker will headline the weekend’s musical offerings, which also will include motor-sports competitions and shows and several other family-friendly activities. On July 23, Kids’ Day will be held, featuring crafts, games, water play, inflatables and a variety of activities at the Sapaugh Family Pavilion
In addition to Clay Walker, musical acts include Torchlight on July 20, Borderline on July 21 and Lick Creek on July 22, all in the RWZ Pavilion. Over the four days of the fair, the Arnold Ready-Mix Patio will host Russ Wellington & Cody Goggin; Scotty Kemp; Bob Stegall; and Bill Scott.
Motorsports will include the JeffCo MX Classic on July 20 and ATV racing on July 21, both in the STL Diesel Arena, with a truck pull on July 22 and a demolition derby on July 23 rounding out the agenda.
The Missouri Extension has opted not to sponsor exhibits at the fair this year, said Kristi Crocker, office manager for the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, which sponsors the fair. “We are looking to have a group from the Hillsboro High School FFA do some exhibits in the hall,” she said. “We’re not sure of the details yet.”
A cattle show and auction will be held, sponsored by the Jefferson County 4-H and the Missouri Cattleman’s Association.
For more information, visit jeffersoncountyfair.net or call the Civic Club office at 636-789-2600.