Macoupin County Fair
By RUTH GILL
Enquirer Democrat Reporter
It was fair week in Carlinville for the Macoupin County Fair, June 2-6, with record attendance. The fair has been in existence since 1852, making it one of the oldest County fairs. Luckily, the weather was perfect, unlike last year, when it rained almost every day. There were carnival rides, fair food, kid-friendly activities, and livestock competitions almost every day. Every night, there were special events such as harness racing, a Queen pageant, concerts, a tractor/truck pull, and a demolition derby.
Each day, children could play and engage in various activities at the Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics kids’ corner, which featured an interactive area inside the W.W. Bates building. Children could color, play with corn, play miniature golf, and shoot basketballs into a grain wagon.
The Exhibit Halls, along with the 4H building, featured items entered by various individuals for judging. There were beautiful quilts, photography, baked goods, produce, eggs, and plants. One building contained items submitted by school-age children, including drawings and crafts. In one of the exhibit halls was a display of the fair’s history. It showcased the many performers who played at the fair over the years, along with programs, newspaper clippings, and awards.
A favorite at the Fair was watching a plain piece of wood be transformed into a sculpture. A chainsaw artist at Bear Hollow Wood Carver created sculptures from logs, and one could place a bid on one of his creations.
The Brandt Race Car was on display at the County Fair. One could check it out and snap a few photos with this impressive racing machine. Brandt has been a great sponsor and supporter of the Fair.
Tuesday was the Macoupin County Farm Bureau Night at the Fair. The first 1,000 people were admitted free of charge, compliments of the County Farm Bureau. Children and adults alike enjoyed the carnival rides and the opportunity to see the different animals.
Twilight harness racing has always been a popular event at the Fair. The Decker Family Memorial Harness Racing featured the Decker family memorial races that are proudly sponsored by Margaret Decker, Dianna Decker Waddell, Wayne Decker, and Jodi Decker Bennett in honor of Tom Decker (1965-1997) and Robert “Bobby” Decker (1937-2023), affectionately referred to as “Papa Deck”. There were 11 races this year that featured at least 3 to 7 horses. Each race had a different sponsor, and the horses either trotted or paced. The winners from each race received cash prizes. The jockeys and horses were from different states, including Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri.
The Farm Bureau hosted the Young Farmers Pedal Tractor Pull. Over 60 children participated in three weight categories: 30-45 lbs, 46-60 lbs, and 61-80 lbs.
Also, in the evening, there was a Pie and Cake Auction featuring around 32 pies and cakes. Mike Crabtree Auctions assisted in auctioning off the baked goods, which had previously been awarded 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-place ribbons at the culinary show. One cake, which was Best in Show for the Junior division, went for $400. Most of the other baked goods went for different amounts, and if it was a known baker, the price usually went higher. Part of the proceeds went back to the baker, and part went to the fair.
With June being Dairy Month, the 4-H group Lucky Birds was handing out free ice cream and milk at various times throughout the fair.
On Thursday, Aaron Lewis & the Stateliners, along with the Josh Holland Band, took the stage at the Country Financial Grandstand. This year, the concert broke the Fair’s attendance record since the concerts resumed. The Josh Holland Band, who was the opening act, played versatile music blending rock and acoustic soul, with high-energy performances. They later performed at the Smoky Jennings Pavilion that evening.
Aaron Lewis is an American musician who was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, and founding member of the band Staind. In 2010, he pursued his solo career in country music. He has around 4 albums, and the latest, a country album called The Hill, was released in 2024. Aaron started his nationwide tour, “2026 American Tour,” earlier this year, and Macoupin County was included. The tour features his backing band, The Stateliners. His music is a signature blend of raw honesty, storytelling, and unapologetic music. He delivered a powerful, deeply personal performance, where his songwriting connects with fans through music that reflects real life, real struggles, and the real America.
Some fans received VIP treatment during the concert. To receive VIP tickets, a sponsor must donate $1,800 and receive 10 VIP tickets. These ticket holders had their own area under the Brandt tent, which included a BBQ buffet and open bar.
Friday was Country Financial Day at the Fair. The fair-goers were able to enjoy the Tractor and Truck pull at the Country Financial Grandstand at the Area Diesel pulling track. A variety of tractors and trucks participated in the ITPA Illinois Tractor Pulling Association and the Mid Illinois Truck Pullers Point Series, including the Work Stock Diesel Truck Class.
