Well, even thought the weather was threatening it turned out to be a good evening....

 My kids Alexandria (6.5 yo) and Samantha (2.5yo) had a great time.  They did wear Mom and Dad out,  we started about 5:00pm and stayed until almost 9:00pm.  

 We started at the Exhibit Hall and the girls loved the flowers, clothes and baked goods.  They even found the veggies interesting.

Would any trip to the fair on bracelet night be complete with out lots of rides?  Sammie, the littlest one, wanted to ride everything including the rides that were way to big for her.  Alex is a little more conservative. 

They did love the boats!

Sammie had to have Dad ride the dragon with her the first time!

 And Alex was not to sure of the exit on the fun house!

 The giant rug slide was also a hit!

It did finally rain, so off to the barns we went.  The kids got to see a pair of 1 hour old calves that were born at the fair!  They thought that was really cool!

 Well, enough for now.  Maybe I can get them back out to the Champaign County Fair again this week...

Before the county fair became synonymous with demolition derby, funnel cakes, deep fried candy bars and carnival rides its purpose was exhibition.  Livestock is still a very big part of the fair.  At Champaign County Fair local farmers bring in their beef and dairy cattle, swine and sheep.  They arrive by Sunday - all but beef cattle must be in place in the barns by 8am on Sunday morning; the beef cattle must be in place by 6pm.  For the next three days, if you come out in the morning, you can see people leading their animals in the show ring and getting judged.

On the first Saturday of the fair, entries are taken at the Kesler Hall (the Exhibit Hall) for Floriculture, Art and Photography, Needlework and Crafts, Culinary and Junior (exhibitors ages 8-18).