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Dixon County Fair opens this week
CONCORD — The Dixon County Fair will be in full swing this weekend, featuring numerous events, competitions and traditional fair fun.
As a predominantly rural county, the Dixon County Fair spotlights its agricultural roots, celebrating local farmers and organizations like 4-H and FFA. Numerous contests, exhibits and shows will be held over the course of the event.
Having a rural population doesn’t prohibit the fair from holding larger-scale, nightly events July 9-13.
“Whether you are five or 95 years old, we will provide you with a good, entertaining time,” said Dixon County fair board president Mark Muller.
Wednesday marks the beginning of registration for 4-H competitions and ends the day with the Outlaw Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.
Throughout the week, inflatables and a virtual reality game truck will be on the fairgrounds and are free to youth participants.
Thursday continues with 4-H competitions and includes a free BBQ, 4-H ice cream social and Party Rock Rodeo’s Battle of the Bulls at 7 p.m.
Animal shows for rabbits and poultry will be held on Friday, as well as laser tag, a pie-eating contest, a 4-H scavenger hunt and a teen dance.
To conclude the day, the R & R Total Destruction Demo Derby will begin at 7 p.m., and keyboard and singing artist Amy Ellsworth will perform in the beer garden following the derby.
County residents hope the rain stays away for Saturday’s faith and family concert. After being rained out in 2024, Muller said they hope to feature Rend Collective Zellmer Family Ministry without weather trouble.
“We got rained out last year, but we have rehired them to come,” said Muller. “It’s going to be a good time.”
Both a kiddie and larger tractor pull are held to round out the fair on Sunday, along with a barrel racing event at 7 p.m.
With one of the smaller populations, Dixon County relies heavily on community support.
“The success of the fair definitely depends on the community involvement and the volunteers,” said Muller. “We are a smaller county, and our tax base is smaller than others, but with the help of the volunteers and sponsorships, I think we put on a pretty decent fair.”
Muller was excited to share that the county had recently received a grant to improve the office space on the fairgrounds.
“We are planning to build a brand-new office for the fairground that will be air conditioned, and we have a permanent meeting room for the fair board,” said Muller.
The board president encourages everyone to come out to the fair for some family-friendly fun.
“If anyone is looking for something to do, come to Concord, it’s going to be a fun time,” said Muller.
