LIVE from the Illinois County Fairs
Watch FREE live harness racing from fairgrounds across Illinois…
Next Live Stream
Join us for our next broadcast from the Brown County Fair in Mt. Sterling, Illinois!
📅 Saturday, August 10, 2025 – Post Time 1:00 PM
About HarnessTube
HarnessTube is dedicated to showcasing the excitement and tradition of county fair harness racing across Illinois and beyond. We provide free, high-quality livestreams of fair racing events so fans, families, and horesmen can enjoy the sport whereve they are. Our mission is to promote grassroots harness racing, highlight local talent, and keep the rich heritage of fair racing alive for future generations.
Fair Schedule
🏇 2026 Fair Schedule to be announced…
Support HarnessTube
Keep HarnessTube Free for Everyone!
We love bringing you HarnessTube, and we’re committed to keeping it 100% free for all our fans. Your donation, no matter the size, directly supports our operations and helps cover the costs of running the site. If you enjoy HarnessTube, please consider chipping in to keep the service running strong!
A Proud Tradition of Racing
The History of Harness Racing at Illinois County Fairs
Harness racing has been a proud tradition at Illinois county fairs for well over a century. From the late 1800s onward, county fair racetracks became the heart of summertime competition and community gathering across the state. Local farmers, horsemen, and families would bring their best Standardbreds to the fairgrounds to test their speed, skill, and training in friendly — yet fiercely competitive — races.
In the early days, the races were often held on dirt tracks carved out of fairgrounds or open fields, drawing large crowds who cheered on hometown favorites. Over time, Illinois developed one of the strongest networks of county fair harness racing in the country, giving young horses, drivers, and trainers a place to learn and shine before moving on to the state’s pari-mutuel circuits.
Today, harness racing remains a beloved highlight of the Illinois county fair season. From the grandstands of small-town fairgrounds to the roar of the horses rounding the final turn, the sport continues to celebrate Illinois’ agricultural roots, sportsmanship, and community spirit — keeping a living link to generations of racing tradition.
Contact HarnessTube
Have a question, comment, or county fair update?
We’d love to hear from you.
📧 harnesstube@gmail.com
🔗 YouTube • Facebook