Galena Country Fair is held annually on Columbus Day Weekend. It began as a few booths in Grant Park on a crisp fall weekend. More than twenty-five years later, the fair boasts more than 150 vendors, a country bake shop, festival food booths, family activities and live entertainment.

The fair is organized by the Galena Country Fair Planning Committee. The committee strives to meet the goals of Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities, Inc. (JDCCFC), a fundraising organization with a mission to facilitate and assist charitable causes throughout the county. "Many generous businesses and individuals support the event," stated Ron Smith, Fair Chairman. "It’s great that all the fair proceeds remain in Jo Daviess County."


JDCCFC has a nine member board of directors. The board manages the organization's finances and oversees the actions of the Galena Country Fair Committee. Annually, the board reviews grant applications from Jo Daviess County non-profit organizations. In 2008, more than $78,000 was awarded in grants and donations to Jo Daviess County organizations.


"Without the help of state, county and local law enforcement and emergency personnel plus the hundreds of volunteers from area churches and civic organizations, Galena Country Fair would not happen," stated Smith. "It’s rewarding to see everyone’s hard work financially benefit so many Jo Daviess County citizens."