The Lake County Fair returns for its 96th year on Wednesday and continues through July 27. Festivities will be at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. (Lake County Fair photo) 

The 96th edition of the Lake County Fair returns Wednesday, with a mix of music, motorized mayhem, agricultural pride, traditional carnival rides and an array of attractions.

Festivities will be at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake.  

All musical performances and events in the Grandstand arena and South Arena are included with admission. Tickets are not date specific. Individuals age 13 and older are $15 per day, and $55 for a five-day pass. Youth ages 6-12 are admitted for $5 or $20 for a season pass. Children under age 5 are free. Seniors pay $5 daily or $20 for the season pass.  

The Livestock Barn will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through July 26, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27. The Commercial gate on Peterson Road opens at 8 a.m. for livestock events.  

Chey Pribel, the Lake County Fairgrounds director of marketing, celebrated the mix of “thrilling events, captivating entertainment, and family-friendly fun.”

A strolling DJ will wander the fairway three times a day, and there will be daily glass-blowing demonstrations. All five days will see attractions like Show Me Swine Pig Races, Kidbucks Game Show, the John Measner Magic Show, K9 demonstrations with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Timberworks Lumberjack Show.  

The Swine Jackpot Show at 10 a.m. July 25, will feature three divisions “that highlights some of the finest pigs and most dedicated youth in the show ring.”  

Pribel says fair officials are also pleased with the return of a “sensory-friendly carnival ” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday that provides “a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.” 

And there’s music. Swifties in attendance will enjoy the first musical offering at 8 p.m. Wednesday, when Operation Glow — Taylor Swift Party takes the stage. As the band says, “Our tickets are not $20,000 but our shows still pop!” 

The Dixon Bandits’ southern rock starts things off at 5 p.m. Thursday, followed by Alien Eyes. Brass From the Past, a 15-piece outfit plays the hits of Motown and an array of pop, jazz, R&B, soul, rock, and funk.  

July 25 has a full slate of sounds, starting at 3:30 p.m. with Big Boss and the Toes, covering artists from the Grateful Dead to the Stones and Pearl Jam. The Noize bring their rock, pop, funk, country, and soul at 5 p.m. Second Hand Soul Band goes on at 6 p.m. with their mix that includes Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and Cream. The Chapel Hill Band plays music from the ’70s up to today. The last night concludes with stellar ’80s cover band Hi Infidelity covering hits by Journey, REO Speedwagon, Bon Jovi, Boston and others. 

On July 26, five acts take the stage, starting with the Libertyville School of Rock at 1:30 p.m. Peter and the Versatiles bring their “soulful grooves of Motown” as well as funk, country and R&B at 2 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., Blue Marlin from southern Illinois performs. At 6 p.m., Beyond the Blonde pays tribute to P!NK, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga. The Gooroos bring their “’90s to now, dance and rock high energy next. At 9 p.m., “classic rock that comes alive” with No Limit.  

July 27 starts with Tropixplosion’s mix of Calypso, Reggae, Latin and rock at 2:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., Chicago Latin Groove plays Salsa to Cumbia, Merengue to Latin Jazz, “and even a splash of Disco.” The weekend concludes with Classical Blast and their mix of “Classic Rock and a little Bach.”  

For the fans of mechanized mayhem and destruction, the Demolition Derby starts the action in the Grandstand Arena on Wednesday. Starting at 6 p.m. and on the half hour, fans can enjoy Powerwheels Demolition Derby, Compact Car Enduro, Tough Truck Obstacle Course, Compact Car Demolition Derby and Full Size Car Demolition Derby.  

On both Wednesday and Thursday, it’s Moto Cross in the South Arena. Practice starts at 5 p.m. and the main event at 7 p.m.  

Meanwhile, at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Grandstand Arena, “ the skies ignite with adrenaline “ as the 406FMX High Air Tour brings the top riders in the world from X-Games and Nitro Circus for a huge freestyle motocross show.  

The Grandstand Arena will be shaken by the roar of Monster Trucks both July 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. A Pre-show Pit Party will be at 5 p.m.  

On July 27, the Grandstand Arena will be shaken by the nonmechanical power of Pro Bull Riding, as fearless cowboys bravest cowboys ride atop raging bulls, showcasing “unparalleled courage and unmatched grit” of what is called “the ultimate cowboy challenge.”