Galena Country Fair is annually held on Columbus Day Weekend. It began as a few booths in Grant Park on a crisp fall weekend. More than forty years later, the fair boasts more than 100 vendors, festival food booths, family activities, and live entertainment.
Since 2003, when Jo Daviess Country Fair Charities, Inc., became associated with the fair, more than $1 million has been returned to the communities of Jo Daviess County through donations to not-for-profit organizations and a grant program. Monies from the fair have supported a wide range of causes including strengthening our communities' emergency services and preparedness, developing programs for youth, and improving the well-being of the citizens of Jo Daviess County.
Fairgoers support our worthwhile cause when they attend the fair, give a donation at the gate, enjoy our food + drink, participate in the silent auction, and buy raffle tickets.
The fair is planned and organized by the Galena Country Fair Planning Committee, an all-volunteer group. The committee plans all aspects of the fair and raises funds to give to Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, Inc. (JDCCFC), a not-for-profit organization with a mission to facilitate and assist charitable causes throughout Jo Daviess County.
Ed Bochniak*
Co-Chairperson
Frances Beadle*
Treasurer
Bill Eaton
Entertainment
John Herting
Beer
Mary Ellen Lyne
Games
Michelle Murdock
Volunteers
Jerry Rust
Beer
John Trannel
Beer
*denotes
Executive Committee member
Bill Caron
Co-Chairperson
Elly Renner
Grab & Go
Greg Fleege
Electrical
Joellen Holland
Silent Auction
Andy Miller
Vittle House
Joan Ricketts
Member at Large
Drew Townsend
Gazebo Garden
Mike Virtue
Supply/Food Coordinator
Libby Miller*
Secretary
Nancy Brashaw
Raffle
Christine Melaas
Publicity
Paul Jackson
Supplies Coordinator
Kim Miller
Vittle House
Teresa Rowe
Vendors
Michelle Townsend
Gazebo Garden
Tim Wickler
Logistics
The fair relies on the assistance of hundreds of local volunteers. Volunteering at Galena Country Fair is an easy way for a not-for-profit organization to earn money to use towards their cause. For every hour a volunteer works at Galena Country Fair, he or she can designate a $10 donation to be given to a Jo Daviess County not-for-profit organization of his or her choice. Learn more by visiting the Fundraising Program page.
Annually, Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, Inc. (JDCCFC) reviews grant applications from Jo Daviess County not-for-profit organizations and awards tens of thousands of dollars in grants. Monies from the fair have supported a wide-range of causes including strengthening our communities' emergency services and preparedness, developing programs for youths, and improving the well-being of the citizens of Jo Daviess County. Learn more by visiting the Grant Program page.