History and Purpose:

The Vermilion County Fair and Expo was incorporated in 1947. It was first known as the Eastern Illinois Fair, and was held at the old Eastern Illinois Fairgrounds in Danville.Each and every year since then, a group of volunteers made up of the Board of Directors, Superintendents, 4-H Leaders and workers, Civic groups, and dedicated individuals have worked together to bring a great family fun event to the community.

The Board of Directors of the Vermilion County Fair is dedicated to tradition and, at the same time, is committed to innovation. We constantly seek out new and exciting events that will provide a variety of entertainment and activities for everyone. The carnival and grandstand attractions serve dual purposes. They are there to provide good quality entertainment for the entire family, but along with Grandstand and front gate admissions, and vendor rentals, they are what enables us to continue the fair year after year.

We believe our purpose is twofold. Our primary purpose is to promote the Illinois Agricultural industry through exhibits and competitions. Livestock, produce, hobbies and handiwork are shown by people of all ages. The other aspect of our purpose is to entertain. A variety of grandstand events, a first class carnival and free entertainment attract fairgoers from many walks of life. Once on the grounds, they can enjoy the displays of livestock, the horse shows and equipment demonstration, as well as, view the huge variety of exhibitions in the exhibit building. Some come to the fair as spectators and come back year after year to participate.

When we do that, when we add another name to the list of people for whom the Fair becomes a tradition, that is when we feel our purpose has been realized; to provide exhibition and competition opportunities, Educate, Entertain and serve the people of Vermilion County.