The DuPage County Fair returns to the Wheaton fairgrounds Thursday, July 23, kicking off four days of animal exhibits, live music, carnival rides and a talent contest that runs through Sunday, July 26.
The fair is at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road. Admission details and a full schedule of events are available at dupagecountyfair.org.
America 250 mural for kids
One new addition this year: an America 250 mural activity on Friday, July 24. Fairgoers can add their yellow painted handprints to a large canvas featuring an American flag and the number "250," celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The activity runs 1 to 4 p.m.
DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, who is also an artist, created the mural. Supplies were donated by IBEW Local 701 and PowerForward DuPage, a Warrenville-based organization.
"We wanted to add a youth component to our countywide celebration of our nation's anniversary that would allow kids of all ages to express themselves and have fun," Conroy told the Chicago Tribune.
Frank Gravina, business manager of IBEW Local 701, said the union was proud to support the activity and hoped children and teens would enjoy painting while checking out the rides and fair food. Several summer camps have already signed up, but walk-ins are welcome and supplies will be provided. The finished mural will remain at the fairgrounds.
More on Sunday
Two events round out Sunday, July 26, for Wheaton-area families.
ChiTown Exotic Car Show: The ChiTown Exotic Car Group holds its second annual show at Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago, according to Shaw Local and the farm's website. Gates open at noon, with cars on display from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person at the gate. The event includes kids activities and food for purchase.
Vintage Baseball at Cantigny Park: The DuPage Plowboys take on the McHenry Independents at noon on the Polo Field at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Players follow 1850s rules and regulations, giving spectators a look at how the game was played more than a century ago. The game runs until 3 p.m. Parking fees may apply.
Community events calendar
- Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26: DuPage County Fair, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Schedule and admission at dupagecountyfair.org.
- Friday, July 24, 1–4 p.m.: America 250 children's mural painting at the DuPage County Fair.
- Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.: Wheaton French Market, Main and Liberty streets, downtown Wheaton.
- Sunday, July 26, noon–4 p.m.: ChiTown Exotic Car Show, Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago. $5 admission.
- Sunday, July 26, noon–3 p.m.: Vintage Baseball, Polo Field, Cantigny Park, Wheaton.
