Rules and Regulations
This Fair is being run accordance to instructions of the Department of Agriculture State of Illinois. No changes shall be made in these rules or the Premium List as published herein except as permitted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
ENTRY FORMS
Entries Close 5:00 PM - Monday, August 10th
If mailed - has to be postmarked by August 10th
Additional fees may apply if mailing entry tags back to exhibitor
Total Number of Animals being brought has to be shown at time of registering with designating stalls/pens needed
Entries cannot be changed or altered after processed
No Refunds
Limitations of Entries -
Open Classes limited 2 entries per class, unless otherwise stated under department
Junior Classes limited 1 entry per class, unless otherwise stated under department
EXTENSIONS
Class Q - Tractor Pull - entries close one hour before contest begins
ITPA Rules
Class V - Baby Show - 6 months to 36 months - entries close Saturday of Fair at 8:00 PM
Baby Show Rules
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
EXHIBITOR PASS
All exhibitors in Open and Junior Departments are required to purchase Exhibitor’s Pass with Entry Form. Pass is for 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 - No more Entries will be accepted
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 - No more Entries will be accepted
Animal must be property of 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 -
Tuesday of Fair 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday of Fair 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Building with Close -
Sunday of Fair 7:00 PM
Removal of Exhibits -
All exhibits must remain at Fairgrounds for duration of Fair
Entries are prepared for pickup until 9:00 PM after Fair has concluded
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 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
Conclusion of Fair -
Livestock dismissal time announced over PA system Sunday of Fair
PENS AND STALLS
Assigned after entries close
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 will 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 Superintendents
Exhibitors understand 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 Illinois 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.
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
VENDOR SPACE
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
More information - Vendors
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 being on track
GRIEVANCES
Grievance Committee appointed by President of Board of Directors
Consists of three members, duties to settle questions may arise relative to animals, exhibits or any other differences
JUDGING GRIEVANCES
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
Continued Diligence will be used by Board to prevent injury to animals or articles during time at fair
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.