2024 Great Jones County Fair – Everything You Need to Know

The Great Jones County Fair will be taking over Monticello this week, and we could not be more excited! Here's everything you need to know ahead of the event:

When it it?

The 2024 Great Jones County Fair will take place Wednesday, July 17th through Sunday, July 21st. "Sneak-a-Peek" Day is Tuesday, July 16th.

Where is it?

The Jones County Fairgrounds are located at 800 N Maple Street in Monticello. There is a designated area for free parking, as well as free street parking, but there are also lots of people in the neighborhood who offer up their lawns and driveways for a parking fee.

How much is it to get in?

• FREE on Tuesday
• $12 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday (purchased online)
• $15 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (purchased at gate)
• $5 Sunday
• $38 Admission Package (5 daily admission tickets)
• Children 10 and under are free

Can I bring a bag/purse?

You can, but there is a 'Clear Bag Policy' at the fair, which means you can only bring bags that fit these qualifications:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" x 12" x 6"
• Gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Small clutch purse or wallet that's 4.5" x 6.5" (about the size of a hand) or smaller, with or without a handle or strap
• A diaper bag (additional inspection is required)

What is this year's Grandstand entertainment?

• Wednesday, July 17th at 7 p.m. - Pro Pulling League ($5 for amphitheater seats - otherwise it's free)
• Thursday, July 18th at 8 p.m. - Lainey Wilson & Jackson Dean (SOLD OUT)
• Friday, July 19th at 7 p.m. - Creed, Switchfoot, and Finger Eleven on the "Summer of '99 Tour" (Track is SOLD OUT)
• Saturday, July 20th at 8 p.m. - Cody Johnson & Randall King (Track is SOLD OUT)
• Sunday, July 21st at 7 p.m. - Hailey Whitters

Other events on the track include:

• Tuesday, July 16th at 6:30 p.m. - ECIPA Pull (FREE)
• Thursday, July 18th at 11 a.m. - Harness Racing (FREE)
• Saturday, July 20th at 11 a.m. - Stock Car Races ($5 for amphitheater seats - otherwise it's free)

Can I view the concerts for free?

As always, hillside seating for the shows is free. But, you'll have to get there early for a good spot. Blankets and tarps are allowed on grass beginning at 8 a.m., with a maximum tarp size of 8 x 8 feet. You are not allowed to tape tarps together. You can also view the concerts from the beer tent.

Will I need cash for drinks?

The only place you will be able to pay cash for beverages is on the track, otherwise you will need to get a Fair Card. Fair Cards can be picked up and loaded at several booths on the fairgrounds and at the fair office. You can also load your Fair Card online by scanning the QR code on the back.

What else is happening at the 2024 fair?

• Carnival Rides
  • Wristbands are available and can be used Tuesday, July 16th from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m.to 5 p.m.

• Brewhaus Beer Tent
  • Located south of the Amphitheater and northeast of the Midway
  • Entertainment Schedule
    • Tuesday Night - DJ Johnson
    • Wednesday Night - DJ Johnson
    • Thursday Night - Adam Keith
    • Friday Night - Crazy Delicious
    • Saturday Night - Boot Jack Band

• Craft Beer Tent
  • Located east of the 4H Exhibit Hall, north of the Amphitheater, and south of the 4H barns and parking
  • Entertainment Schedule:
    • Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Gypsy
    • Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Sarah Boyle
    • Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Steve Kalmes
    • Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Funk Junkies
    • Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Foley & Farrowe
    • Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Angela Meyer

• Kids Zone
  • Located inside the Berndes Center
  • Open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Activities include arts & crafts, "Papa Balloon" creations, corn boxes, Lego race tracks, face painting, and a strolling card magician
• Barn Dance
  • Located inside the small animal barn
  • Saturday after the main stage concert until midnight
  • All ages welcome - event is alcohol-free

There are also a number of contests taking place at the fair, including a mullet competition, a cornhole tournament, a cookie stacking competition, and more. You can check out the full schedule HERE.

 For a full daily schedule of events, visit the official website HERE.