The Scenic Side of the Fairgrounds
The Knox County Fairgrounds has a history almost as old as the county. For the Scenic Drive, the 52-acre fairground provides ample free parking with handicap accessibility. Buildings are filled from end to end with displays, demonstrations and assorted vendors.
Antiques, Collectibles, Crafts, Furniture and Flea Market
You will be excited to find antiques, barn board collectibles, crafts of every kind, furniture, pottery and flea market items.
The Spoon River Antique Tractor Association
will display antique farm machinery and hold field demonstrations that will bring back many memories.
will display antique farm machinery and hold field demonstrations that will bring back many memories.
Kiddie Train Rides
will be available for the little ones. |
A Farmer's Market filled with fresh fall produce, including apples, pumpkins and gourds grown locally, and a variety of jellies and jams.
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Don't forget to bring your appetite.
An assortment of food vendors will serve breakfast, butterfly pork chops, rib-eye steak sandwiches, funnel cakes, onion rings, elephant ears, corn dogs, lemon shakeups, and other goodies along the pathway with plenty of picnic tables for dining.
An assortment of food vendors will serve breakfast, butterfly pork chops, rib-eye steak sandwiches, funnel cakes, onion rings, elephant ears, corn dogs, lemon shakeups, and other goodies along the pathway with plenty of picnic tables for dining.
The grounds were the site of troop training during the Civil War. In 1862 the 102nd Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Army trained here and caused so much damage to the grounds that the fair was cancelled that year. A stipend was collected from the state for damages, improvements were made and more land was purchased. In 1943, the fair was closed because of World War II, but it reopened the following year.
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The first grandstand events were harness racing, which is still held each year during the fair. The bell used to start the races can be seen now hanging under the old water tower once used to provide water for steam engines.
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The Knox County Fair is currently taking applications for the Knox County Scenic Drive which is scheduled for the first 2 weekends in October. Scenic Drive at the Knox County Fairgrounds has grown to include booths and activities for everyone. Vendor booths with handmade crafts are located in many of the buildings and covers much of the grounds. Be prepared to see Antique Tractor Display and Demonstrations, petting zoo and plenty of flea market stands. Parking is ample and all buildings are handicap accessible. All buildings and under grandstand are used for this event. Spaces under cover are available upon request. Vendors are able to set-up on Friday, October 4th and leave until the completion of the drive. If you are interested in having a booth at Scenic Drive, please call the fair office (309)289-2714 or Tom Collopy (309)639-2302 or feel free to email the fair office at knoxcofair@hotmail.com for more information.
For More Information Contact:
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Knox County Fairgrounds
Thomas Collopy 1636 Knox Road 1550N Dahinda, IL 61428 (309) 639-2302 knoxcofair@hotmail.com |
Knox County Fairgrounds
Main Office 1392 Knox Highway 9 Knoxville, IL 61448 (309) 289-2714 |