Today (July 19) is the opening day for the 30th annual Jefferson County Fair, scheduled to run through Sunday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro.
A Bicentennial Parade, monster truck rides and music by Montgomery Gentry will be featured, as well as lots of food, vendor booths and exhibits.
A fairground daily pass is $10 for those age 7 and up. Admission for children 6 and younger, as well as for current U.S. military personnel or veterans with valid military ID, is free.
Admission provides access to all events in the STL Diesel Arena,; all entertainment events on the Budweiser Main Stage and the RWZ Pavilion, all vendor booths, all exhibits and displays inside the Civic Center building and many children’s and family activities.
A carnival midway will be set up with rides and games; armbands are $20 and allow unlimited same-day rides.
Tyke Town will offer size-appropriate events for visitors 30 inches tall and under (who must be accompanied by an adult). The area will include inflatables, a water play feature, arts and crafts and a petting zoo. Pony rides will be available for $5.
Parking is free on the fairground lots and at satellite parking areas, with shuttles provided Friday and Saturday evenings.
No coolers or outside food are allowed, and no pets can be brought in. Signs, banners, backpacks, placards and flags are also prohibited.
Hours for the fair are:
■ Thursday: 5-11 p.m.
■ Friday: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
■ Saturday: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
■ Sunday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Schedule of events:
Thursday
■ 6 p.m. – Summer Classic motocross competition in the STL Diesel Arena, sponsored by Surdyke Motorsports.
■ 8 p.m. – Music by country artist Shannon Cox and the Black Diamond Band in the RWZ Pavilion.
Friday
■ 5-9 p.m. – Scottie Kemp performs on the Arnold Ready Mix Patio.
■ 6 p.m. – ATV racing in the STL Diesel Arena.
■ 7 p.m. – Borderline performs on the Budweiser Main Stage.
■ 9 p.m. – Montgomery Gentry performs on the Budweiser Main Stage.
■ 10 p.m. – A fireworks display will close out the events in the arena.
■ 10:30 p.m. – Borderline returns to the stage for a closing set.
Saturday
■ All day – 4-H exhibits will be on display in the Civic Center building.
■ All day – Animals R Us petting zoo will have animals on display.
■ 2 p.m. – Jefferson County Bicentennial Parade, starting at the Jefferson County Courthouse and ending at the fairgrounds.
■ 5 p.m. – A free wing-eating contest will be held in the Sapaugh Family Pavilion, sponsored by Saucy’s Pizzeria in Hillsboro. Must register by 4 p.m.
■ 5-9 p.m. – Music by Better Class of Losers on the Arnold Ready Mix Patio.
■ 7 p.m. – Truck & Tractor Pull in the STL Diesel Arena.
■ 9 p.m. – Music by Lick Creek Band in the RWZ Pavilion.
■ A fireworks display will close out the evening.
Sunday
■ All day – Kids Day activities throughout the fairgrounds.
■ All day – 4-H exhibits will be on display in the Civic Center building.
■ All day – Animals R Us petting zoo will have animals on display.
■ 2 p.m. – Kids Bands on the Arnold Ready Mix Patio.
■ 6 p.m. – Monster trucks in the STL Diesel Arena.
For more information, visit the fair website at jeffersoncountyfair.net.