Drew Herridge with the Marshall-Putnam County Fair Board Gives an Update for the 2026 Marshall-Putnam Fair

Drew Herridge with the Marshall-Putnam County Fair Board joined Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties to give an update for the 2026 Marshall-Putnam Fair. The 105th Annual Marshall-Putnam County Fair runs from July 12th through July 19th, 2026, in Henry, Illinois, celebrating a “Salute to America” theme with a week packed full of family events, livestock competitions, and track entertainment. 

Drew Herridge, Director and Chairman of Events, says the fair remains free to enter with free parking every day. Highlights include Wednesday’s kickoff dinner and wine tasting, Kids Fun Day on Thursday, the demolition derby on Friday, and America’s PPL pull on Saturday. The biggest draw is Thursday night’s concert featuring Scotty McCreery, with Taylor Bruninga and Cody Calkins opening. Tickets are almost sold out for Scotty McCreery, so get your tickets now. Fair details and tickets are available at marshallputnamfair.org and on “Facebook.”

• • Harness Racing: Opens the track on Sunday, July 12th.
  • Queen Pageant: Held on the opening Sunday to crown the 2026 Fair Royalty.
  • Country Concert: Features country star Scotty McCreery with opening acts Taylor Bruninga, Cody Calkins, and The Bandits on Thursday, July 16th.
  • Demolition Derby: High-impact automotive action featuring six classes of cars on Friday night, plus a Power Wheels derby for kids on Saturday.
  • Tractor Pulls: The PPL Tractor Pull takes over Saturday at 5:30 PM, followed by Stock Tractor Pulls on Sunday.

• • Family Fun Night: Kicks off Thursday with a designated Kids’ Funday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
  • Imagination Acres & Ag Fun: Interactive spaces running throughout the week offering themed games, a LEGO building contest, and potato decorating.
  • Daily Entertainment: Features Swifty Swine Pig Racing & Swim Shows, magic acts by Cory Leonard, kids’ water fights, and a kiddie tractor pull.
  • Taste of M-P Fair Cookoff: A regional culinary showcase featuring themes like “An Apple-A-Fair,” “Great Pumpkin,” and the Jr. Chef Roundup.
  • Special Events: Includes wine tasting set to dueling pianos, a County Fair Stampede 5K race, a bags tournament, and a dedicated senior citizens’ program.

• Thursday, July 16th: Junior Swine Show
• Friday, July 17th: Poultry Show
• Saturday, July 18th: Sheep Show, Western Pleasure Horse Show, Junior Beef Show, and Heartland Pygmy Goat Point Show
• Sunday, July 19th: Rabbit Show and Swine Jackpot Show

Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half of his life, making history in 2011 as the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified *Clear as Day*, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The 31-year-old has sold over 4 million albums and achieved 6 No. 1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold-certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold-certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes.” His latest album is *Rise & Fall*, and his current EP is *Scooter & Friends*, which features the smash hit “Bottle Rockets” with Hootie & The Blowfish.

“Land of the Brave” Night at the Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 14th

The Marshall-Putnam Fair is set to bring a full week of summer tradition to Henry, Illinois, running July 12th through 19th. A major highlight comes Tuesday, July 14th, with “Land of the Brave” honoring service and community spirit. The evening begins at 6 with a Greater Peoria Honor Flight presentation that recognizes veterans and their sacrifices. After that, the CreatiVets Color Run adds energy and color to the fairgrounds. Families can also catch the kids’ water fights at 7 in the Southwest Parking Lot, with DJ Mara keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the evening.

Kids Water Fight at Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 14th

The Marshall-Putnam Fair is turning up the fun tonight with Kids Water Fights at the fairgrounds. The event begins around 7 this evening and is being held in partnership with the local fire department. Children will get the chance to cool off, make a splash, and enjoy some friendly water-filled competition as part of the fair’s Tuesday lineup. Families are encouraged to stop by, cheer on the kids, and enjoy a summer evening at the fair. Organizers say it’s all about laughter, community, and giving children a memorable fair experience.

Family Fun Night at Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 16th

Family Fun Night arrives Thursday, July 16th, with activities for all ages. The day begins with neurodivergent inclusion programming from 1 to 3 PM in the Hunt Building, including sensory bins and face painting. From 3 to 7 PM, the celebration opens to the general public with raffles, balloon artists, and the crowd-favorite Swifty Swine Pig Racing show. Magician Cory Leonard will take the stage at 2, 3:30, and 6. Families can also enjoy train rides, inflatables, and mini golf throughout the day. Organizers say the event is designed to be welcoming, active, and fun for everyone.

Taste of Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 18th

The Taste of Marshall Putnam Fair is set for Saturday, July 18th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Hunt Building on the Marshall Putnam Fairgrounds. The event will feature charcuterie and cooking demonstrations, a style show, vendor booths, and a cook-off contest highlighting local flavor and creativity. Organizers say the first 50 attendees will receive swag bags, adding an extra incentive to arrive early. The event offers a preview of fair fun while giving guests a chance to sample, shop, watch demonstrations, and enjoy a lively community gathering.

Battle of the Best Jackpot Show at Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 19th

The Marshall-Putnam Fair in Henry, Illinois, is gearing up for the Battle of the Best Jackpot Show on July 19th. The show begins at 10:30 that morning, with Judge Jake Gossett evaluating the entries. Competitors will be chasing top honors and cash awards, including up to $500 for winning barrows. Prizes will also be awarded for purebred gilts and cross gilts. Exhibitors must submit entries online by 6 PM on July 16th. For more information, contact Kurtis Kolb at 309-846-4821.

Daily Schedule

• • 8:00 AM: County Fair Stampede 5K Run (Grandstand southwest end).
  • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Vendor Show.
  • 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Food Truck Fest.
  • 11:00 AM: LEGO Contest (Registration at 10:30 AM in the Commercial Building).
  • 12:00 PM: MINGO (Music Bingo) in the Commercial Building.
  • 1:00 PM: Harness Racing featuring “Pick-A-Winner”.
  • 3:00 PM: Little Miss Pageant.
  • 4:30 PM: Jr. Miss & Miss Pageant ($5 admission, Hunt Building).

• • 6:00 PM: Greater Peoria Honor Flight Presentation, followed by the CreatiVets Color Run in the southwest parking lot.
  • 7:00 PM: Kids’ Water Fights in the southwest parking lot, hosted by DJ Mara.

• • 4:30 PM: Cookie Stacking in the Hunt Building.
  • 5:00 – 7:30 PM: Kick-Off Dinner in the Activity Building ($12 Pork Chop/Steak, $6 Hot Dog).
  • 5:00 PM: Wine Tasting ($10 admission, Commercial Building).
  • 6:00 – 10:00 PM: Music by Happy Hour.

• • 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Senior Citizens’ Program (Registration 8:30 AM for ages 65+ in Hunt Building).
  • 9:00 AM: Junior Swine Show.
  • 1:00 – 7:00 PM: Family Fun Night.
    • • 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Neurodivergent children and families only.
      • 3:00 – 7:00 PM: General public free activities (pig races, inflatables, mini golf, robotics, goodie bags, Let’s Dance performance at 5:00 PM).

  • 7:00 PM: Country Concert featuring Scotty McCreery with openers Cody Calkins and Taylor Bruninga & The Bandits.
  • 10:30 PM: After Party in the Activity Building.

• • 11:00 AM: Poultry Show.
  • 1:30 PM: Bingo Blitz in the Hunt Building.
  • 3:30 PM: Chalk Drawing (Registration 3:00 PM, Commercial Building, ages 11 & under).
  • 7:00 PM: Power Wheels Derby (Registration 5:00–6:00 PM at Grandstand).
  • 7:00 PM: M-P Fair Demo Derby.
  • 9:00 PM: Tailgate Confessions in the Activity Building.

• • 8:00 AM: Sheep Show.
  • 8:30 AM: Horse Show.
  • 9:00 AM: Pygmy Goat Show.
  • 10:00 AM: Junior Beef Show.
  • 10:00 AM: Taste of M-P Fair Cookoff (Registration 9:00 AM, Commercial Building).
  • 11:00 AM: Kiddie Tractor Pull (Registration 10:00 AM, Commercial Building).
  • 1:00 PM: Bags Tournament (Registration 12:00–12:30 PM, Activity Building).
  • 1:00 PM: Down in the Barn Activities (Registration 12:30 PM, Hunt Building, ages 2–11).
  • 3:00 PM: Potato Decorating Contest (Registration 2:30 PM, Commercial Building).
  • 4:00 PM: M-P-S Show Choir ($2 admission, Hunt Building).
  • 5:00 PM: Chillers & Laughs Frozen T-Shirt Contest (Registration 4:30 PM, Grandstand east end).
  • 5:30 PM: PPL “America’s Pull”.
  • 9:00 PM: The Riker Maneuver in the Activity Building.

• • 8:00 AM: Church Service in the Hunt Building.
  • 8:00 – 10:00 AM: Fair Breakfast in the Activity Building.
  • 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Top 50 Car Show (Registration 8:00 – 11:00 AM).
  • 9:00 AM: Rabbit Show.
  • 10:30 AM: Swine Show.
  • 10:30 AM: M-P Antique & Stock Tractor Pull & The Back Road Pullers.
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Kids Sunday Funday (Inflatables 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Pig race 12:00 PM, Magic 12:30 & 2:00 PM, Foam Party 3:00–4:00 PM).
  • 12:00 PM: Redneck Games in the Activity Building.
  • 12:00 PM: Bocce Ball.
  • 3:30 PM: Stump Carving Auction in the Activity Building.

• Daily: Flag Raising & Lowering Ceremonies at 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM.
• Wednesday – Sunday: Swifty Swine Pig Races, Food Vendors, and Grounds Vendors.
• Wednesday & Friday – Sunday: Stump Carver T.C. Gill.
• Thursday – Saturday: Farmstead Face-Off Game Show and Imagination Acres.
• Thursday – Sunday: M&K Inflatables, Trackless Train, Mini Golf, and Magician Cory Leonard.
• Friday – Sunday: Antique Tractor Show.
• Commercial Vendors: Friday (12:00–8:00 PM), Saturday (10:00 AM–8:00 PM), Sunday (10:00 AM–5:00 PM).

Grandstand Track Schedule & Pricing

• • Ticket Office Opens: 11:30 AM
  • Adults: $3
  • Kids (6–12): $1
  • Reserved Seats: $5

• • Ticket Office Opens: 4:00 PM
  • Track: $50
  • General Admission: $40
  • Reserved Seats: SOLD OUT

• • Ticket Office Opens: 4:00 PM
  • Adults: $20
  • Kids (6–12): $10
  • Reserved Seats: $25
  • Pit Passes: $30 (Sold exclusively at the Pit Gate; minimum age 12, under 18 requires guardian waiver).

• • Ticket Office Opens: 2:00 PM
  • Adults: $25
  • Kids (6–12): $10
  • Reserved Seats: $35

• • Ticket Office Opens: 8:00 AM
  • Adults: $10
  • Kids (6–12): $5
  • Reserved Seats: $10