Will County Fair Book 2026

Rules & Regulations

Last Updated On 05/02/2026

This Fair is being run according to the instructions of the Department of Agriculture of the State of Illinois. No changes shall be made in these rules or the Premium List as published herein except as permitted by the State Department of Agriculture. Continued Diligence will be used by Board to prevent injury to animals or articles during time at fair.

FAIR OFFICE HOURS -
- Before July 31st -
  - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Entries taken at Fair Office or Mailed starting -
  - Friday, July 31st - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  - Saturday, August 1st - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  - Monday, August 3rd - Thursday, August 6th - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  - Friday, August 7th - 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  - Monday, August 10th - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ENTRY FORMS -
- Entries Close 5:00 PM on Monday, August 10th
  - Entries have to be postmarked by August 10th
  - Additional fees may apply if mailing entry tags back to exhibitor
  - Social Security Number has to be entered when filling out entry form
  - Total Number of Animals being brought has to be shown at time of registering and designating number of stalls/pens needed
  - Entries cannot be changed
  - No Refunds
  - Limitations of Entries -
    - Open Classes shall be limited 2 entries per class, unless otherwise stated under department
    - Junior classes shall be limited 1 entry per class, unless otherwise stated under department
EXTENSIONS -
- Class Q - Tractor Pull - entries will close one hour before the contest begins
  - ITPA Rules
- Class V - Baby Show - 6 months to 36 months - entries will close Saturday of fair at 8:00 PM
  - Baby Show Rules
EXHIBITOR’S PASS -
- All exhibitors in Open and Junior Departments are required to purchase an Exhibitor’s Pass with entry form. Pass will be given to admission each day of entering fair. Transfer of passes from one person to another is against rules; any violation will act as forfeiture of all rights and privileges during the Fair
  - Open Show -
    - Must purchase Exhibitor’s 5 day pass
  - Junior Show -
    - Choice of purchasing Exhibitor’s 2 or 5 day pass
AGE LIMITS -
- Open Show -
  - No Age Restrictions
  - If Class filled to capacity - will not accept more entries
- Junior Show -
  - Must be 8 - 21 years of age or in 3rd grade on or before September 1 of previous year
  - If Class filled to capacity - will not accept more entries
  - Must be the property of the child showing
  - Group placings are not permitted
- Showing in Open & Junior Shows -
  - If animals are shown in both classes, must be shown by same person
  - Exhibitors may assist in herd or flock during judging process only by other children who meet age requirements
FINE ARTS -
- Departments J-1 through M-7 (excluding Junior Show) limited 2 Entries under 1 Class Number
  - Unless stated otherwise under Department
- Entry Tags - must be attached to each article exhibited during duration of fair
  - J-1 through O-3
  - P-2 through P-7
- Bringing Exhibits-
  - Starting the Tuesday of the Fair 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  - Wednesday of Fair 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  - Building with Close - 7:00 PM Sunday of Fair
- Removal of Exhibits -
  - All exhibits must remain at Fairgrounds for duration of Fair
  - Will Re-Open when entries are prepared for pickup until 9:00 PM
  - Enter & Exit through North Gate
LIVESTOCK -
All exhibitors of livestock are required to abide by the 2026 State of Illinois Health Requirements. All Exhibitors of animals at any Will County Fair or Exhibition shall comply with provisions of Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act. Any practice or deviation from normal humane husbandry practices, including, but not limited to artificial manipulations, physical abuse, pumping, medical treatments or mechanical applications of any substance, other than on the prescription of a licensed veterinarian, will constitute a violation. If violations are observed, animal will be excused from exhibition, disqualified, and be ordered to be removed immediately from grounds with all awards previously earned at this fair being forfeited.
ARRIVAL OF LIVESTOCK -
- All livestock exhibits except Open and Junior Goats, must be on grounds by 12:00 PM Wednesday of Fair
- Open and Junior Goats must be on grounds by 8:00 AM Wednesday of Fair
- Showing at Another Fair -
  - Livestock exhibitors, excluding Open & Junior Goat exhibitors, who have their entries in office and can show proof of showing at another Fair on the day immediately preceding the Will County Fair, will be permitted to enter Fairgrounds up to midnight, Thursday of Fair
- Bringing Animals into Fair -
  - 1 vehicle tag will be given and attached to window to enter Fairgrounds for delivery, feed and supplies until 10:00 AM each day
    - All livestock trailers must park in designated areas outside fence after unloading/loading
- Entering Fair Early -
  - Entering grounds before Tuesday of Fair will be charged $10.00 per day per head of livestock
  - No livestock will be permitted on Fairgrounds after 10:00 AM Monday after Fair
    - $10.00 per head per day will be charged
- Conclusion of Fair -
  - Livestock dismissal time announced over PA system Sunday of Fair
PENS AND STALLS -
- Assigned after entries are closed
- No Smoking or Grilling inside Barns and within 15'
- Filled to Capacity -
  - If barns are full to capacity, Will County Fair has the right to refuse anymore entries
- 4-H -
  - If entering only 4-H, not any Will County Fair Classes, exhibitor must pay stall or pen fee for each animal entered
- Tie-Outs -
  - No livestock tie-outs can be made to any fence on the Fairgrounds
JUDGING -
- Selected by Board of Directors and Department Superintendent
- Exhibitors make entries with distinct understanding their stock must be brought to ring for judging and awards at the request of the Superintendent in charge
- Exhibitors and handlers shall not approach or converse with judge, unless at his suggestion, until all classes are completed
- Judges and Superintendents are not allowed to add any entries to list to be judged and awarded
PREMIUM CHECK PICK UP -
- By Sunday of Fair in Fair Office
- The Treasurer of Will County Fair Association reserves right to cancel, or stop payment on any check issued by the office if not cashed within 60 days of issuance
- Premium Waiver Statement -
  - The Department of Agriculture shall use its best efforts to secure sufficient appropriations to fund premiums. In any year for which the General Assembly of the state of Illinois fails to make an appropriation sufficient to pay such premiums, premium amounts may not be accurately reflected in the premium book.
VENDOR SPACE -
- Current Vendors -
  - Space is guaranteed when contract and total payment has been sent in by June 1st
- Vendor shall abide by all laws, rules and regulations of the State of Illinois, County of Will, Village of Peotone, and departments thereof and all rules of Will County Fair Association
CHECK POLICY
- Returned checks $35 plus collection fees with check amount to redeem
- Deadline for Redemption - First Day of Fair
  - Failure constitutes disqualification for entry into future fair exhibits and any legal fees for collection
GENERATORS -
- No Generators on North Side of Beef Barn
MOTORIZED VEHICLES -
- No Golf Carts, UTV's, or any other type of motorized vehicles permitted on fairgrounds
CAMPING -
- Space is limited. Contact Fair Office for openings and pricing
- Any trucks or trailers not used for sleeping quarters must park at far West Area of
  parking lot
LIABILITY -
- Exhibitor assumes full responsibility and will hold harmless Will County Fair Association, its officers, directors and employees for any injury, damages to or loss of any exhibit
- Track -
  - Riding or driving on track by any person or persons during the fair except when competing for premiums, strictly forbidden
    - Will County Fair Association will not be responsible for any damage to persons or property resulting from their being on track
GRIEVANCES -
- Grievance Committee appointed by President of Board of Directors
  - Consists of three members, duties to settle any questions may arise relative to animals, exhibits or any other differences
  - Can make any needed changes in premium list after completion
- All grievances must be in writing with $50.00 deposit turned into Department Superintendent no later 1 hour after being judged
- Department Superintendent will bring matter to Grievance Committee for final decision
COURTESY -
- Officers, Superintendents and Committees of Fair, work Without Compensation
- Please keep this fair what it should be, bringing together our community to celebrate agriculture, showcase local talent, and provide a fun-filled experience for residents and visitors alike.