County Fair gets under way next week

It's a little bit country. It's a little bit rock 'n roll.

OK. Bubble gum pop.

The bill for this year's DuPage County Fair includes country legend Travis Tritt and teen pop sensations Ashlee Simpson and Jesse McCartney.

If that's not enough of a treat for the ears, then consider: where else can you hear area mayors holler at pigs but the DuPage County Fair? That's right, the popular pig-calling contest returns for 2006 with a slight twist. Along with swine, it's bovine that will get the shout out from mayors.

The DuPage County Fair returns July 26 through 30 at the county fairgrounds on Manchester Road in Wheaton. Gates open each day at 8 a.m.

Simpson is scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m. July 26, Tritt at 9 p.m. July 27 and McCartney at 8:30 p.m. July 28.

"Ticket sales are very active," said Mike Formento, member of the fair's Board of Directors. "We're completely sold out on the VIP tickets, but we do have tickets left for the three other seating areas."

Tickets for the infield, grandstand and bleachers cost $30, and Formento promises "a perfect view" of the stage no matter where one sits.

Those who plan to go are encouraged to buy their tickets early. Internet sales have been active, Formento said. When tickets went on sale in May, the 1,000 VIP seats for McCartney sold out in three and a half hours, Formento said. Tickets can be purchased online until July 24.

Other grandstand entertainment planned for the fair include the Lazy C Rodeo on July 29 and a demolition derby July 30. All seats for those two events are $5, and shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. In past years, tickets for these events were mostly sold the day of, fair organizers this year have made tickets for every day's events available online.

"We're hoping to get them to buy their tickets early," Formento said.

Free, continuous entertainment will be offered in the entertainment tent. Clowns, karate, dance and gardening are just some of the acts scheduled.

One of the main goals of the fair is to educate people about agriculture and where their food comes from. Many of the traditional county fair events return this year. Calf birthing, now in it's sixth year, will take place.

"We expect to have five calves born during the fair," Formento said.

Other events and activities include an antique engine exhibit; home economics, livestock and agriculture science competitions; milk-a-cow; chick hatching; Ask A Farmer; sheep shearing; beehive exhibition; blacksmith; a petting zoo; agricultural education and exhibits; racing pigs; swimming pigs; kids' pedal pull; livestock auction, stagecoach rides and a carnival.

"We provide a very family-oriented fair, where people can bring the whole family and enjoy the day," Formento said. "We just have something for everybody."

A new feature this year is the Memory Barn, which will host displays of antique tools and other items from the past.

"People can walk through and walk down memory lane," Formento said.

Of course, a county fair is not a county fair without cotton candy, corn dogs, sweet corn and other fair foods, he said. About 25 vendors will offer a variety of dishes, including international cuisine. In keeping with the family focus of the event, no alcohol will be served at the fair.

Special events during the fair include a chain saw carver, youth talent show and watermelon-eating contest July 29. A horse show is scheduled to take place July 29 and July 30.