Old-School Jersey

Seems to us Illinois natives that too often St. Louisans associate our state with only three things: strip clubs, endless corn and Chicago. But never mind -- Illinois is a beautiful place, one containing multitudes. And believe it or not, there's tons to do and see outside the Chicago city limits. Take the Jersey County Fair (Jersey County Fairgrounds, 1610 Road E, Jerseyville, Illinois). The county was founded in 1839 and named itself after the large number of early settlers who migrated to it from New Jersey. It's still primarily a rural precinct, exactly the type that specializes in big outdoor fairs every summer. Jersey's fair has been going strong for 145 years now; this year's runs every day from Saturday through Sunday (July 5 through July 13). You can count on tractor pulls, a rodeo, harness races, animal shows, all-night carnival rides, food and lots more. General gate admission is $2 for adults, but children twelve and younger get in free. Grandstand event prices vary. For more information call 618-498-3422 or visit www.jerseycountyfair.com.
July 5-11, 5-10 p.m.; Sat., July 12, 4-11 p.m.; Sun., July 13, 4-10 p.m., 2014