The weekend brings the Stephenson County Fair and Wynonna Judd, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Stephenson County Fair
What: The county fair features livestock shows, fair food, carnival rides and live entertainment. Other activities include tractor pulls, tough truck challenge, demolition derby (Saturday), educational exhibits and Pretty Bird Paradise, an interactive tent featuring hundreds of birds. There will be antique farm displays and exhibits, shows and hands-on activities that celebrate the best of Stephenson County’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Styx tribute band plays at 8 p.m. Friday; Eliminator, ZZTop tribute band, plays at 6 p.m. Friday. This year’s general admission ticket includes grandstand entertainment at no additional charge. See stephensoncountyfair.org for a full schedule.
When: Tuesday, July 22 – Saturday, July 26
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: $10 daily admission; $30 early bird special for unlimited entry all week; free admission for children age 8 and younger
Storytime at the Fair
What: Join Miss Amanda at the fair for stories and fun. Read stories, make a project and participate in movement activities. After storytime, enjoy the rest of the events the fair has to offer.
When: 11 a.m. – noon Friday, July 25
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Wynonna Judd Greatest Hits Tour
What: Grammy Award-winner, country/soul vocalist Wynonna Judd built on the Appalachian traditionalism that defined The Judds. Beyond the groundbreaking music she and her mother created as The Judds, Wynonna has grown into her once-in-a-generation vocal prowess.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 25 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $66-$121
Praise in the Park
What: Join the No Worries band for a night of sing-a-long hymns. Worship together. Praise in the Park is held from 7-8 p.m. Friday nights from June through August. Light refreshments and benches are provided. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at East Gate Church, Freeport.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, July 25
Where: Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Freewill offering welcomed
Glow Golf
What: Wing It! Mini Golf located in Krape Park will be transformed with glowing lights and golf balls. Bring your favorite foursome. Standard admission fees apply.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Wing It! At Krape Park, Freeport
PAEday Weekend
What: The 4th Annual PAEDay Weekend is a vibrant community gathering designed to foster peace, friendship and love. PAE stands for Positive Active Environments. Enjoy free food, beverages, music, games and vendors. The kickball tournament returns this year.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: Taylor Park, 900 E. Stephenson St., Freeport
A Day in Etruria
What: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Etruscans. Discover ancient Etruscan artifacts from our exclusive collection and spend an hour exploring the rich history and culture of this enigmatic civilization.
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 26 or 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 29
Where: Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport
Christmas in July
What: The Christmas in July Couples Twilight event combines a holiday dinner with twilight golf. Fee includes 5 p.m. registration and holiday cocktails, 6 p.m. tee-off (nine holes), Christmas dinner leftovers after golf, on-course games and prizes and a prize for the most festive couple. There will be three couples per team, limited to 11 teams. Holiday theme attire is encouraged. The menu includes ham, turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole and traditional Christmas dinner sides.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Where: The Freeport Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: $60 per couple; $40 for members
Music under the Stars
What: Enjoy music from the Freeport Early Jazz Society Concert in this weekly concert. There’s plenty of bench seating or bring lawn chairs.
When: 7-8:15 p.m. Sunday, July 27
Where: Krape Park, 1799 Park Blvd., Freeport
Cost: Free
Straight No Chaser
What: Straight No Chaser are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $66-$110
Coming next week
Make it Monday
What: Each week, make a different project that you can take home. This week, make paper snakes. Advance registration is required.
When: 2-3 and 3-4 p.m. Monday, July 28
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Color Our World
What: Paint with Victoria in this Color Our World watercolor painting class. Please register each person separately to paint Polly the Parrot. Registration is required.
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 28
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Teen Tuesday
What: Meet at Debate Square for another round of Games in the Grass. This month, play Capture the Flag. The game is simple. Split into two teams. Each team will hide their flags, then the game commences. Dress to run and get ready for some friendly competition. Teen Tuesdays are for youth going into 7th through 12th grades.
When: 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 29
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Solar Social
What: Join the Stateline Solar team for a Solar Social to hear how solar works, what to expect when going solar, the various types of systems and equipment, the state and federal incentives, and information regarding battery back-up systems and electric vehicle charging stations. Feel free to ask questions throughout the presentation. Bring a power bill and get a preliminary solar proposal to see what solar could do for your home, farm or business.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30
Where: Wolf Hollow Golf Course, 6546 N. Shippee Road, Lena
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Stephenson County Fair, Wynonna Judd among 10 events in Freeport area this weekend
Reporting by Kathi Edwards / Journal Standard
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