THE KENDALL COUNTY FAIR
www.kendallcountyfair.org
IT ALL STARTED WHEN…
The Kendall County Fair officially began in 1841. The first Kendall County Agricultural Fair was held in Oswego in 1854. Only in 1856, did the Fair take place in Plano.
Beginning in 1857, the Kendall County Fair spent the remainder of its original 53 years in Bristol and Yorkville vicinity. The Fair was celebrated for four days in September and appeared to be one of the best county fairs in the state of Illinois.
Entertainment included horse races, chariot races, musical entertainment, games of chance, greased pole competitions, mule races, foot races, and an ice cream stand. Exhibits consisted of horticulture, floriculture, livestock, needlework, and machinery.
In 1894 the Kendall County Fair began as a joint stock company and became an association. Entertainment at the time included America’s great pastime, baseball. In 1904, the decision was made to shorten the fair to only two days due to structural expenses and slow ticket sales. Despite every attempt to increase ticket sales during the next few years, the Fair Association was unable to meet is debts. The decision was made to end the fair and in August 1907 the headline read: “Died in 53rd Year, Kendall County Old Fair is a goner.”
After working diligently since 1998, the fair opened again in 1993 as a dream becomes a reality for many dedicated individuals. The Kendall County Fair is on Route 71 less than a mile west of Route 47 just south of Yorkville in a true country setting.
The current Kendall County Fair board consists of 17 members and is supported by many volunteers. Mike Drendel served as the president of the board from 1991 to 2019. Lea Ann Koch served as the board president from 2019 to 2024. Joel Redman was selected in January of 2025 to serve as the new President.
The objectives of the Kendall County Fair is to further the education objectives of the 4-H program in agriculture and home economics; to improve and encourage the breeding of fine stock and poultry; to stimulate the study of arts and sciences; to hold and give an annual fair where the products of the same may be exhibited, and to do any and all other things that are necessarily incident thereto.
The Kendall County Fair is the first weekend in August and runs four days, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Sunday. 4-H begins Wednesday. Entertainment includes a truck and tractor pull, country western band, and rodeo.
Weekend full of contests, talent shows, commercial exhibits, great food and good company all make up our true county fair.
Many additions and improvements are in the planning states for the future growth of the Kendall County Fairgrounds, but the success and growth of the Kendall County Fair can only continue through the commitment and support of individuals and businesses.
About the Kendall County Fair Logo
The historical Kendall Fair logo may seem simple, but do you know what it stands for?
Many people don’t, but we thought you would like to know! The tractor and field represent agriculture which is a very large part of our county, even today. Kendall County also has a large presence of industry, which is why you see the industrial building within the logo. Kendall County is a growling community with a lot of homes and was included to represent community growth. Combining it all under a bright sun, was the concept behind the sunburst. Bringing everyone together at the Kendall County Fair to meet each other and enjoy their time there. The logo represents bringing together friends, family, and community, meeting at the Kendall County Fair.
For more General Information about the Kendall County Fair Association, contact:
info@kendallcountyfairgrounds.org
630-708-2045
