One of the big events to kick off the start of the fake was the barrow show.
Matthew Engnell's six month old pig, Regonold, weighing in at 266 pounds, spend the day getting ready for a big debut in front of the judges.
"The first impression is more of the desired things. You want to make sure they look good at first so they (the judges) are still interested in it later," says Engnell.
Before they head to the show floor, a lot of hard work goes into getting ready.
"Judges like to see a wide stomach, nice wide shoulders, all the bones in good positions so it has a nice shape," added Engnell.
Programs like the barrow show are something the Henry County Fair is still able to keep around. Even with the lack of funding from the state.
With the Illinois budget still in limbo, fair funds have dropped from $33,000 to zero over the past two years.
"It does put a dent in the fair slightly but our fair board has prepared over the years for this," says Jake Young with Henry County Fair.
This year, the fair was made possible by sticking to their own budget and thanks to some helping hands.
"We've had several donations over the last few years. Really our community pulls together and helps us stay here," added Young.
More events like tractor pulling, demolition derbies, donkey racing, live concerts and truck and tractor pulling will be happening throughout the week. Fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. The fair wraps up Sunday.