It's time to go to the county fair

Remember last winter when the relentless cold, snow and ice had everyone dreaming of summer's warmth and greenery? Remember all the promises you made to yourself about getting out and really enjoying summer's activities once the season arrived? Well, it's time to make good on one of those promises. County fair season has arrived in the Sauk Valley. It's time to go to the fair. The Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show began its 4-day run today at the fairgrounds on U.S. Route 30 northeast of Amboy. This fair, which focuses primarily on youth, has many things to see and do for all ages. This evening, for example, there's a tractor and truck pull, cruise night and a performance by the Class Act II big band - plus food, exhibits, bingo, awards and more. In the next 3 days, there will be a carnival, animal judging, more music, a demolition derby, ag olympics, a pig scramble and more. By Sunday evening, a lot of entertainment and fun will have transpired at the 4-H Fairgrounds - and this is just the first of many area fairs to come. The Ogle County Fair arrives next, running July 30-Aug. 3 near Oregon. Then it'll be time for the Carroll County Fair, Aug. 4-9 in Milledgeville, followed by the Whiteside County Fair, Aug. 12-16 in Morrison. Haven't had enough yet? More regional fairs are planned later in August at Freeport (Stephenson County Fair, Aug. 19-24), Princeton (Bureau County Fair, Aug. 20-24), and Mendota (Tri-County Fair, Aug. 28-Sept. 1). If you're looking for low-cost entertainment near home, it's hard to beat the fair. It's a rural tradition that continues to be relevant in the 21st century, because of innovative fair board leadership and hard work by many volunteers. Plus, it's a fun way to create summertime memories. Keep that promise to yourself. Go to the fair.