AgriNews_County Fairs 2021_060421

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2 Friday, June 4, 2021

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Good Luck To All 4-H Participants We’re Proud of All Your Hard Work!

Contact Us for All Your Dairy Equipment and Hygiene Needs The four-hitch draft horse class is one of many livestock competitions held during the Boone County Fair.

County fairs are back BELVIDERE, Ill. — The bovines are back for the 2021 Boone County Fair.

“Come out and see the friends and neighbors you haven’t seen in a year,” said Tom Ratcliffe, who handles advertising and publicity for the Boone County Fair.

“We’re dedicated to families at our fair with strictly family entertainment.”

Livestock owners will bring thousands of animals to show at the Aug. 10-15 fair.

“There will be about 4,000 head of livestock competing, including one of the largest draft horse shows for a county fair in the state,” Ratcliffe said. “There will be from 200 to 300 draft horses competing during the week in classes from two- to six-hitch teams.”

In 2019, the outdoor horse arena was refurbished.

“There is new fencing and lighting, so the arena is really nice with plenty of seating and the horses have plenty of room,” Ratcliffe said.

Horse owners come from across the Midwest to par-

Boone County Fair Aug. 10-15 8791 IL-76, Belvidere, Illinois www.boonecountyfair.com

ticipate at the fair.

“Some years we’ve had a team come from Canada,” Ratcliffe said. “If you like horses, the Boone County Fair is the place to be. We have built two buildings for the horses and we’re going to build a third building in the near future.”

Ponies are also shown at the fair along with dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry and alpacas.

“We have a milk house in the dairy barn, so if you’re there at the right time, you can see cows being milked,” Ratcliffe said.

“And in the poultry barn there are chicks that are hatching.”

Skinners Amusements will provide rides during the fair.

“We have 150 acres

packed with all kinds of great stuff,” Ratcliffe said.

“We have six days of great local bands planned in the Entertainment Pavilion and a couple of magicians on the grounds, including Mr. D’s, who does several shows every day out of his 1930s pickup truck.”

The All-Star Stunt Dogs will perform free shows several times every day of the fair.

“They are rescue dogs from across the country that do amazing acts,” Ratcliffe said.

Many events are planned for the grandstand, including a concert by Diamond Rio on Saturday at 8 p.m.

“We’re getting a lot of excitement on or Facebook page from people about the concert,” Ratcliffe said.

“On Wednesday and Thursday there will be truck and tractor pulls that will include all kinds of trucks, semis, hot rods, garden tractors and tractors,” he said. “If you like tractor pulls, we’ve got all kinds of vehicles competing.”

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Historic fair to deliver good vibrations

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URBANA, Ill. — Nearly 170 years ago a group of Champaign County pioneer families gathered for a day to showcase their best livestock, grain samples and other agricultural products for display.

With few exceptions, including last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic, the Champaign County Fair has been a popular annual summer event that draws rural residents and urbanites alike.

Exhibitors may enter livestock, agriculture products, arts, textiles, culinary items, horticulture, floriculture, needlework and crafts. In addition there is a queen contest prior to the fair and during fair week there is a religious music show, country music show, demolition derbies, harness racing, motorcycle racing, car show, rodeo, tractor pull

Champaign County Fair

July 22-31 1302 N. Coler Ave. Urbana, Illinois www.champaigncountyfair.cc

and semi truck pull.

“The fair board and staff are currently working to put on the Champaign County Fair as scheduled. The health and safety of fairgoers is our top priority and we’ll continue to work closely the Champaign-Urbana Department of Public Health and the National Centers for Disease Control,” the board stated on its website.

The daily schedule of events will available on the fair’s website in early June. However, the grandstand lineup of concerts,

races, shows and activities have been set.

Opening night, Thursday, July 22, country music star Gary Allan will perform with Travis Denning beginning at 8 p.m. at the grandstand.

Allan made his country music debut with the release of his single “Her Man,” the leadoff to his gold-certified debut album, “Used Heart for Sale,” which was released in 1996 on Decca.

His second album, “It Would Be You,” followed in 1998. Allan’s third album, “Smoke Rings in the Dark,” was his first one for MCA Nashville — to which he has been signed ever since — and his first platinum album.

His next albums, “Alright Guy” and “See If I Care,” both were also certified platinum while “Tough All Over,” “Greatest Hits” and “Living Hard” were

all certified gold. His next two albums, “Get Off on the Pain” and “Set You Free,” both reached the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums charts, at Nos. 2 and 1, respectively.

Denning charted with singles “David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs” and “After a Few,” the latter of which has reached No. 1 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart.

The grandstand will be filled with good vibrations on Friday, July 23, when The Beach Boys hit the stage at 7:30 p.m.

The Beach Boys have been an indelible part of American music history for nearly six decades, selling over 100 million records worldwide. The group had over 80 songs chart worldwide, 36 of them in the U.S. Top 40, the most by a U.S. rock band, and four topping the Billboard Hot 100. They

were inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

Stock car races will hit the track on Saturday, July 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed on Sunday by draft horse pulls at 1 p.m. and a 5 p.m. draft horse show.

The Cincinnati Circus will bring its many acts to the fair on Monday, July 26, with shows at noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The trotters will hit the oval for harness racing beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, and the volume will be turned up at the track at 6:30 the following evening for motorcycle races.

Monster trucks convene for visitors’ entertainment on Thursday, July 29, at 7 p.m., followed the next night by the annual demolition derby.

The grandstand buzz concludes Saturday, July 31, with tractor pulls at noon and 5 p.m.

4 Friday, June 4, 2021

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New event joins fan favorites PARIS, Ill. — In January 2021, with Illinois COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the Edgar County Fair Board decided to roll the dice.

“We started in January.

We were planning just like we always do, like we were having a normal fair. We were planning to go ahead just like usual,” said Terri Wheeler-Quinn, fair board secretary.

The 2021 Edgar County Fair will go ahead just like usual, with a new motorsport attraction and a list of fair favorites. The fair takes place July 17-24 at the Edgar County Fairgrounds, 1104 N. Main Street, Paris.

“It’s very exciting for us.

We have everything locked in and ready to go. We just have to do the prep work,” Wheeler-Quinn said.

This is the 159th Edgar

Edgar County Fair

July 17-24 1104 N. Main St. Paris, Illinois www.edgarcountyfair.com

County Fair.

The return of a popular band from Indiana, PS Dump Your Boyfriend/ Pfreak Show, gets things started on Saturday, July 17.

“We had them in 2019 and they are an awesome band. They play all kinds of music and there really is something for everybody, really something for every age group,” Quinn said.

A new motorsport event this year is the Junkyard Autocross. A mix of motocross, with a dirt pattern course that includes turns and jumps, and demolition

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derby, with demo-quality vehicles occasionally colliding as they maneuver around the course and navigate the jumps, the Junkyard Motocross starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21.

The Edgar County Fair Queen pageant returns on Sunday, July 18, at 7 p.m.

A major draw every year is the demolition derby.

That starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 24.

Another event that will return in 2021 is the Xtreme Roughstock Tour Rodeo, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 22.

“We had that in 2019 and it was a huge hit here,” Wheeler-Quinn said.

Harness racing is another tradition at the Edgar County Fair and the only change this year is that the racing will start at 5 p.m. instead of earlier in the afternoon.

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Petting Zoo

4-H talent centerpiece of fair OAKWOOD, Ill. — The Vermilion County Fair and Expo’s longstanding tradition of affordable family fun while fulfilling its primary purpose of promoting Illinois agriculture continues in 2021.

The fair version continues to hold the line on prices with the fair’s single-day gate general admission unchanged at $6 per person that includes unlimited carnival rides. There will be additional admissions for grandstand events.

Pre-fair activities will be held Monday, June 21, with 4-H general project judging.

Open and junior show entries will be accepted the following day in agriculture, culinary, education and natural history, fine arts, hobbies and textiles.

The fair officially opens Wednesday, June 23, at 9 a.m. with the 4-H tractor

Vermilion County Fair & Expo June 21-27 17528 N. 1180 East Road Oakwood, Illinois

and lawn tractor driving contest, 4-H horse show and the start of the carnival. The 4-H general projects show runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The day concludes with the Little Miss, Young Miss, Junior Miss and Queen Pageant at 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 24, is chock-full of activities with junior swine judging at 8 a.m. followed by 4-H rabbit, goat, sheep and swine shows. The Horse Open Fun Show and truck and tractor pull both kick off at 6 p.m. Action at the grandstand begins at 6 p.m. with the truck and tractor pull

June 24.

The June 25 lineup includes 4-H poultry and beef shows, open poultry show, celebrity showmanship, the Steinbaugh Master Showmanship Contest, Friends of 4-H Livestock Auction and Horse Youth Jackpot Show.

Another full day of events is on tap for June 26 with a 4-H dog obedience show, open beef show, 4-H cat care show, baby contest, 4-H small pet care, junior open sheep show, junior sheep show, and open gilt and barrow show. Stadium motocross tops off the day beginning at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

The final day of the fair opens with a nondenominational church service at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. with the crunch of metal at the entertaining demolition derby.

— Daily st

e Harv Tyme Farm Kids

August 6th-15th

Planning the 2021 Fair! We are moving forward to having our Fair August 6th-15th. We may have to modify or cancel some events for this year.

But we know how much everyone missed it and want to bring back the tradition! We will do our best to welcome you back and keep you safe!

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Visit us at lake-county-fair.com

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6 Friday, June 4, 2021

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‘Big Foot’ featured in Monster Truck Show at fair

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KANKAKEE, Ill. — Free grandstand shows by nationally known performers, agricultural exhibits and livestock judging are just a few of the long list of events featured at the Kankakee County Fair.

The jam-packed schedule begins when the fairground gates open for exhibitors at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4. The day’s activities include a 4-H dairy, poultry and wildlife and garden tractor rodeo. The Creative Arts/ Ag Building hosts open and junior competition for floriculture, horticulture, farm crops and arts.

The antique tractor pulls are slated for 4:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at the grandstand, followed by go-kart racing at 6 p.m.

Daily performances also kickoff on opening day for the following features: • Kidbucks game show is a thrilling game show where

randomly selected members of the audience participate in wild and crazy games. Unlike many trivia-based game shows where contestants ring a bell and answer a question, Kidbucks is an action-based game in which the contestants are competing in clever, creative, challenging and entertaining games of a physical nature. The grand champion enters the Kidbucks chamber and grabs as many “Kidbucks” as possible as they swirl about the chamber. The bucks are tallied and redeemed for a prize based on how many bucks are collected.

• The Twin Stunts motorcycle thrill show features twin brothers, Sawyer and Shannon Schmidtman. The show consists of wheelies, acrobatics, burnouts, tandem and many more advanced maneuvers while maintaining safe control of their machines.

Kankakee County Fair Aug. 4-8 213 W 4000 Road S Kankakee, Illinois www.kankakeefair.org

• The Amazing Doberman Dog Show is an action-packed motorcycle biker themed show full of fun awesome dog tricks and fire.

The show has been performed all around the world and all through the United States in circuses, fairs, plays and sports games.

4-H’ers will be busy once again on Thursday, Aug. 5, for the horse and pony, market gilt, barrow, dairy goat, beef, sheep and rabbit shows. The Extreme School Bus Figure 8 race begins at 7 p.m.

Aug. 5 at the grandstand.

Open and junior shows on tap for Friday, Aug. 6, include poul-

try and wildlife, horse and pony, beef cattle, Boer goat, rabbit, swine and barrow. The Illinois National Barrel Horse Association horse show begins at 5 p.m.

Aug. 6 at the show arena.

“Big Foot” will be among the vehicles featured in the All Star Monster Truck Show by All Star Motorsport Productions at 7 p.m.

Aug. 6 at the grandstand. The monster trucks will also be featured at noon Aug. 7.

The livestock shows conclude Saturday, Aug.7, with rabbit and sheep open competition, adult and junior horse and pony shows, and games and speed open horse show. The 4-H livestock auction begins at 1 p.m.

The International Professional Rodeo Association rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 7. IPRA has become the sports second largest professional rodeo association sanctioning nearly 300 rodeos.

The IPRA has a membership base

of over 2,400 members and currently sanctions rodeos across the United States with 15 of these events being held in Oklahoma.

A second Illinois National Barrel Horse Association horse show is on tap for 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the arena followed at noon by the Illiana Puller Association’s truck and tractor pulls at the grandstand. Pull classes are IPA outlaw/pro farm/non-altered tractors; IPA pro stock 4-wheel drive/altered stock 4WD; and local gas 4WD and local diesel 4WD. The fair’s grandstand finale will feature Spanky’s Beater Bonanza demolition derby at 7 p.m.

Aug. 8. Classes will be 4- and 6-cylinder midsize vans, SUVs and pickups (no full size); and 4and 6-cylinder cars.

A full schedule of daily events is posted on the Kankakee County Fair website: www. kankakeefair.org.

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8 Friday, June 4, 2021

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Harness racing kicks off with all that jazz LINCOLN, Ill. — As organizers of the Logan County Fair in Lincoln wrap up and finalize the details of their 2021 fair, one thing is certain — one of the best parts is an event that can’t be formally scheduled or organized. One of the best parts of this fair will be both joyous and poignant.

“Our fair has become more like a family reunion, where you see the people you haven’t seen in a while and you renew those relationships,” said Mike Maske, Logan County Fair Board secretary.

The Logan County Fair, like many rural county fairs, has pivoted in recent years to focus on being a place that offers some-

thing to do for all ages and for the whole family.

“We’ve kept our rural roots, but where 50 years ago you might have come to the fair to see the latest farm implements or the brand-new labor-saving devices for the home and farm and things like that, we’ve had to rethink that,” Maske said.

Last year, fair organizers waited as long as they could before making the difficult decision to cancel the fair. It was a double blow, for along with quarantines and social distancing, it meant that fairgoers wouldn’t be able to catch up on those friendships and renew those acquaintances.

Logan County Fair Aug. 1-8 1408 Short 11th St. Lincoln, Illinois www.logancountyfairil.com

“That’s what was so hard about losing our fair last year. We didn’t get to see a lot of our fair families for a whole year and now some of those folks won’t be back because they have passed away,” Maske said.

The 2021 Logan County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 1-8. The fair kicks off with an event that

Lawn mowers hit 60 mph in race FREEPORT, Ill. — Lawn Mower Races and Tough Truck Challenge will entertain those attending the Stephenson County Fair on Saturday, July 31.

“This event is new to me, but we did it years ago,” said Lori Tessendorf, executive manager of the Stephenson County Fair.

“This is an event the public can register to participate in.”

The grandstand show will start at 6 p.m.

“The lawn mowers will race around the track at 50 to 60 mph,” Tessendorf said. “The trucks will be going around obstacles and jumping over mounds of dirt.”

Special events will be held at the grandstand each night of the fair that is set for July 27-31.

The Midwest Summer Nationals Tractor and Truck Pull will be held on July 27-28 starting at 5 p.m. both nights. The Demolition Derby is planned for 6 p.m. Friday, July 30.

“Youth and Family Night on Thursday evening is going to be a little different this year,” Tessendorf said. “We are still in the planning stage, but we are hoping to do scrambles, mutton busting and a celebrity showmanship contest.”

This year for the livestock shows, the 4-H competition will

Stephenson County Fair

July 27-31 2250 S. Walnut Road Freeport, Illinois www.stephensoncountyfair.org

be held on the day prior to the start of the fair, Monday, July 26.

The FFA show is set for Tuesday, July 27, and the Junior Open and Open livestock exhibitors will compete Wednesday through Saturday.

Local bands are scheduled throughout the fair at the Entertainment Tent.

“One of the highlights is the Hoo Haven Wild Bird Rehabilitation group that does rehabilitation for hawks, owls and wildlife,” Tessendorf said. “They will do a two-hour demonstration starting at 3 p.m. and all the events in this tent are free.”

The Great Lakes Timber Show will do three free shows daily during the fair, south of the Foresight Building. Additional activities available to fairgoers include axe throwing and an escape room.

“Fabulous Faces does some incredible face painting,” Tessen-

dorf said. “I’m not just talking about a little f lower on your cheek. They do a whole animal face.”

On Saturday, a Kiddie Tractor Pull is planned in the Foresight Commercial Building. Sponsored by the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, registration is at 12:30 p.m. with the pull starting at 1 p.m.

The Greater Freeport Partnership is sponsoring a Weekday Lunch Special at the fair from Tuesday through Friday.

“You can come to the fair at 11 a.m., pay your admission and if you leave before 1 p.m., the admission cost is refunded,” Tessendorf said. “It’s our free lunch special.”

A special Throwback Thursday admission cost is $2 per person with kids 5 years old and under free.

“We are hoping our food vendors will also do Throwback Thursday and offer special prices on their food items,” Tessendorf said.

For the other four days of the fair, admission is $5 per person and kids 5 and under are free.

For more information about the Stephenson County Fair, go to www.stephensoncountyfair. org or call 815-235-2918.

harkens back to those “old time” fairs — harness racing.

“We have three days of harness racing that opens on Sunday, Aug. 1. We have 10 races that first day. In the grandstand on Sunday, before the races start, we will have a jazz band playing.

It’s a great day, it’s like an oldtime county fair and it’s a free gate that day. We have hundreds of people who come and watch the racing from the grandstands,” Maske said.

On Tuesday night, the fair royalty is crowned in the Queen and Little Miss contest. That also draws a crowd as friends and family of the contestants come

out to cheer on their favorite.

“During the fair we have a calf scramble, the tractor pull, a country concert on Saturday night, a rodeo and a demolition derby, in addition to the judging contests and livestock shows. It’s pretty much standard and events that go on every year, but we’ve been successful with them and people like them so we try not to change too much when it’s working,” Maske said.

He said event times and ticketing information will be posted on the fair’s Facebook page or on the fair website, www.logancountyfairil.com, or by calling the fair office at 217-732-3311.

It’s Showtime

Cassie Simons puts her hog through its paces in the show ring during swine judging at the La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair in Ottawa, Illinois.

Rebecca Dunteman, 15, and Brandon Goltermann, 17, show some of their goats during the Kane County Fair in St. Charles, Illinois.

On the cover

A young competitor shows off her steer at the livestock auction at the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock, Illinois.

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Hit-makers to perform MELVIN, Ill. — The Ford County Fair’s long reputation for bringing top-notch entertainment to central Illinois continues.

This year’s fair delivers multiplatinum hit-makers Eli Young Band to the main stage with Shenandoah beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18.

Eli Young Band hit the country music scene with its self-titled debut album in 2002. The band has charted eight times on the Billboard country charts, with four of their single reaching No. 1.

“Crazy Girl” was the top country song of 2011, according to Billboard Year-End, along with “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Love Ain’t.”

The band won the Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year in 2012 and previously earned multiple nominations for Grammy, CMA, CMT, Academy of Country Music and Teen Choice awards.

Ford County Fair

June 13-19 329 E. Third St., Melvin, Illinois www.fordcountyfair.org

Shenandoah’s honors include Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Krauss and has three certified gold albums plus placed 26 singles on Billboard’s Hot County Songs chart.

The nearly century-old fair not only offers big time entertainment, but also a wide variety of other activities for all ages.

The Ford County Fair kicks off with the traditional horse show at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 13, and continues through a dance featuring Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians with Al Pierson in the Dance Building from 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 19.

Sandwiched in between those

Eli Young Band, which will perform June 18 at the Ford County Fair, has been one of the best modern country acts to emerge from the bustling Texas country scene. two events are a long list of activities, including the Queen Pageant Monday, June 14; Little Mister and Miss Pageant as well as talent show on June 15; Lumberjack Show June 16; children’s tractor pull June 17; and daily home economics and livestock shows, a petting zoo, carnival and more.

The Illiana Truck and Tractor Pull comes to Melvin on Thursday, June 17, beginning at 6 p.m., featuring pro stock trucks, mini rods, outlaw tractors and farm stock tractors. The Illiana Pullers Association that oversees the event is a state-level sanctioning body for the sport of truck and

tractor pulling.

Over $10,000 in cash prizes are on the line for the demolition derby that kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 19, at the grandstand. Competition classes are modified wire, ’80s stock wire, trucks, full-built, small cars and mini vans.

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Fair’s ‘Got Talent’ WATSEKA, Ill. — One of country music’s many roots is the singing cowboys from both history and early western films and the real deal hits the stage during the Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Club Fair.

Before hitting the country music charts, Jason Pritchett was a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-ranked bull rider in high school and rode PRCA ranked bulls for several years before pursing his music career.

Pritchett, who will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the fair, was a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2007 and was the music director for country recording artist Billy Dean when he got the opportunity to play at the Grand Ole Opry. His career took off when his first single, “Good Show,” climbed the charts to No. 16 and his first four radio songs hit the top 40 charts in record time.

The fair opens on Tuesday, July 13, with a 4-H food sale beginning a 2 p.m., the traditional flag-raising and presentation of 4-H clubs at 7:45 p.m., and the 8 p.m.

Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageant. Swyear Amusements Midway rides open at 6 p.m. July 13.

A detailed event schedule has not been finalized, but there are numerous activities already on the planned along with the daily carnival.

A talent show will be held on the stage at 8 p.m.

Ag tradition continues PONTIAC, Ill. — Ninety-one years ago a group of volunteers hosted an agricultural fair in Livingston County and numerous volunteers carry on that tradition this year.

Each of the fair’s days is filled with judging contests, displays, carnival rides, food and entertainment and conclude with exciting grandstand shows.

A world championship rodeo is on tap for 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 21, in the grandstand area.

A demolition derby by Ramer Race Promotion will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 23, at the grandstand. Ramer Race Promotions has been promoting demolition derbies at Illinois fairs and festivals for over 20 years.

The fair concludes with

Livingston County Fair

July 21-24 18142 4-H Park Road Pontiac, Illinois www.livingstoncountyagfair.com

the rumble of horsepower on Saturday, July 24, with tractor pulls beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Illini State Pullers class lineup will be 8,000-pound hot street diesel trucks, 6,000 NA trucks, 6,000 light super stock tractors, 11,000 too hot to farm tractors, 6,500 open, 1,050 super stock garden tractors, and a stock class offered of 8,000 stock diesel trucks.

Daily happenings throughout the fair will feature

magician Rob Thompson, Kidsbucks Game Show, Whimsy Pixie face painting, and chainsaw sculpting demonstrations.

Thompson’s well over 200 performances per year have been featured in casino showrooms, corporate events, theaters and festivals across the U.S. Agriculture continues to be the foundation of this event with sheep, dairy, goats, horses, beef cattle, swine, poultry and other shows. There will also be 4-H judging for a wide variety of other projects ranging from horticulture, woodworking and entomology to electronics, leadership and rocketry.

Fairgoers can also enjoy the renovated kitchen for home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner.

County music star Jason Pritchett will perform July 17 at the Iroquois County Fair.

Iroquois County Fair

July 13-18 1390 E 2000 N Road Watseka, Illinois www.iroquoiscofair.com

Wednesday, July 14.

The 4-H and junior horse and pony show is on tap for July 15 at 8 a.m., along with a 3 p.m. 4-H dog obedience show. The evening concludes with the demolition derby that begins at 7:30 p.m.

Draft horse shows with halter and hitch classes, master showman contest, a 4-H clothing review, livestock sale, 4-H and open style show and will provide a full day on Friday. The popular Kankakee County-based Latting Rodeo will entertain the crowd begin-

ning at 7 p.m.

Horse enthusiasts will have more entertainment Saturday, July 17, when the Western Horse and Pony Show gaming classes lead off the day. There will also be the annual tractor ride, food auction, costume goat lead, dog agility judging and demonstration, the Pritchett concert and a teen dance.

A nother big day is slated for Sunday. The Western Horse and Pony Show pleasure classes open the fair that day. An all faith church service begins at 9:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center.

Rounding out the July 18 activities are a tractor pull, Grill Master cook-off contest, quilt show, a costume sheep lead and master showman contest. The Illinois Tractor Pull Association tractor and truck pull is at 6 p.m.

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‘We are coming back to what we know and love’ AMBOY, Ill. — The Lee County Fair will return in 2021 — and its board members are more than ready.

“We are thankful that we are coming back to what we know and love,” said Katie Pratt, secretary and registrar on the Lee County Fair Board.

The Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show will take place July 22-25 at the Lee County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1196 Franklin Road, Amboy.

One of the biggest changes that fairgoers will notice this year is that there isn’t a carnival.

“Our carnival company is not coming back and that is a decision that they made. They are from out of state and they had to plan their season and they couldn’t plan when they didn’t know what the guidelines would be in Illinois. So, they had to make a decision and they canceled their route through Illi-

nois,” Pratt said.

But those who are fans of a carnival midway shouldn’t get disappointed just yet.

“We are working on another type of carnival-ish event with a local vendor who we are really excited about. I don’t have all the details, but we will have them on our Facebook page as they become available,” Pratt said.

The fan favorites, including truck and tractor pulls and a rodeo, will return to the 2021 Lee County Fair.

“Thursday and Friday night in the grandstand we will have our tractor and truck pulls. Thursday night is the garden tractors, as well, and then Friday night will be the Illini State Pullers,” Pratt said.

The Broken Horn Rodeo returns to the fair on Saturday night.

“We really enjoyed working with them and they put on a great show,” Pratt said.

Lee County 4-H Fair & Junior Show

July 22-25 1196 Franklin Road, Amboy, Illinois www.leecounty4hcenter.com

For children, there will be a full schedule of activities.

“We will have pony rides, a petting zoo, AgLand, the activity tent for kids, and the County Fair Speedway, the remote control car racing,” Pratt said.

A popular event for fans of shooting sports will return to the fair after a few years’ absence.

“The National Wild Turkey Federation will be set up with their shooting sports demonstration. Kids will be able to come and do some target practice with BB guns and archery. This event was really popular when they came a couple of years ago so

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on Saturday night,” Pratt said.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings of the fair, Teen Turf, the youth after-school organization in Amboy, will present a pancake and sausage breakfast fundraiser.

Pratt said the fair board continues to keep the events that have proved to be popular year after year.

“We have stuck with our traditional things. We still have a pedal pull on Sunday. We have pin dodgeball, which remains really popular with our young people,” she said.

The fair ends on Sunday with an event that allows everyone to blow off a little steam in a fun way — Big Wheel races.

“Picture Fisher Price Big Wheels and a 12- or 13- or 14-yearold trying to sit on it and drive it. We set up a track in the show barn and we race Big Wheels,” Pratt said.

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they are returning,” Pratt said.

Pratt said that the Marketplace, a vendor and craft fair, will return on Sunday. Booth spaces still are available for that event.

“We are actively looking for people who would like to come and set up in a booth space to sell their wares,” Pratt said.

When it comes to fair food, most of the fair’s usual food vendors will be returning and the fair’s patio dining area will host two ag-related events.

“On Thursday night on our patio, the Lee County Farm Bureau Young Leaders will be serving Italian beef sandwiches. On Friday night, the Lee County Pork Producers will be serving their pork chop sandwiches. The patio is open on Saturday night, so we are putting out the word that if an organization wants to come out and serve a meal as a fundraiser, we’ve got the space and they are welcome to join us

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‘Watermelon Crawl,’ dueling pianos, tractor pull at 100th fair HENRY, Ill. — Visitors to the 100th Marshall-Putnam Fair can do the “Watermelon Crawl,” and sip wine as they watch pianos duel.

The first night of the fair, July 14, opens with a full slate of festivities.

“We will have our kickoff dinner, we have harness racing, a wine tasting and this year, along with the wine tasting, we have dueling pianos,” said Lori Deeworth, fair board secretary.

Deeworth said fair organizers had a committee to plan the events to make the 100th fair extra special.

“We have been planning since August and September of last year. We wanted to get it all in motion. We were hoping for the best and that we could have a fair in 2021,” she said.

After the 2020 fair was canceled, many of the events, including the country concert planned for the 2020 fair, were moved for-

Marshall-Putnam Fair

July 14-18 915 University Ave., Henry, Illinois www.marshallputnamfair.org

ward a year.

“It would have just been devastating if we couldn’t have had a fair this year,” Deeworth said.

Drew Herridge, the concert organizer for the Marshall-Putnam Fair Board, has been waiting since 2019 to see the country concert become a reality.

It was in August 2019 that Herridge and the fair board approached country singer Tracy Byrd about performing at the 2020 Marshall-Putnam Fair.

“We started talking to him in August 2019. We originally had him for the 2020 fair. That was canceled. So, I have been holding on since August 2019, trying to get Tracy Byrd to come to Henry,

Illinois,” Herridge said.

Byrd hit the charts with his second album, “No Ordinary Man,” released in 1994. Five songs from that album made it into the top five in 1994, including “Watermelon Crawl,” “Keeper of the Stars,” “Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous,” and “The First Step.”

Byrd went on to further fame with hits such as “Don’t Take Her, She’s All I Got,” a cover of the 1971 Johnny Paycheck hit.

His other hits include “I’m From the Country,” “Drinkin’ Bone” and “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo.”

Byrd will perform along with the Joe Stamm Band and Craig Gerdes on Thursday, July 15.

The Lucas Oil America’s Pull tractor pull will return to the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 17.

On Friday, the motorsports madness begins at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds with

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the demolition derby.

“It’s always standing room only for our demolition derby.

The grandstands are full. The bleachers are full. It’s a hugely popular event for us,” Deeworth said.

On Sunday, the last day of the fair, the attention turns to family fun.

“There’s a church service in the morning. And then we have a Sunday Funday. We will have different games and activities for kids and games and activities for adults, like bags. It’s just a leisurely Sunday with something for everyone to do, and then the antique and stock tractor pull is Sunday afternoon,” Deeworth said.

Deeworth said ticketing information for all of the grandstand events, including the country concert, is available at marshallputnamfair.org, through the Marshall-Putnam Fair’s Facebook page or by calling the fair office at 309-364-2814.

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Motocross racing returns with classes for all ages OLNEY, Ill. — For fans of motorsports, from motocross to high-powered diesel trucks, the 2021 Richland County Fair is the place to be.

One of the big highlights of the 2021 fair will be a return of motocross racing for all ages.

“We haven’t had it for seven or eight years and it was always a big draw for us. It got to where the numbers were dwindling, but we have had a lot of people wanting it back. So, we are going to give it a shot again this year,” said Doug Westall, president of the Richland County Fair Board.

The Richland County Fair takes place July 3-10 at the Olney City Park Fairgrounds, Route 130 and Ludlow Street, in Olney.

Westall said the motocross races, which start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, will include classes for all ages and different types of machines.

“It will be four-wheelers and

motorcycles, motocross bikes, and for little kids up to adults. We have individual classes by age, and then for the older kids and adults, it goes by CCs, how big their motorcycle is,” Westall said.

The motocross will take place on a motocross course that volunteers will build the night before the event.

“It happens right in front of our grandstand. We build the track the Friday night before the event and it’s usually an all-nighter because it takes a while to build that track. We have a lot of good response from the community to help us put it together,” Westall said.

Another major motor event is the demolition derby, a perennial crowd-pleaser at the fair.

“That is a very big draw for our county fair. Our grandstand holds 2,000 people and we sell it out every year for the demolition derby,” Westall said.

Richland County Fair July 3-10 Route 130 and Ludlow Street Olney, Illinois www.richlandcountyfair.org

The demolition derby takes place on Saturday, July 3, starting at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday night, the motorsport mania continues with dirt drags.

“You can drive pickup trucks, four-wheelers, motorcycles, we have dune buggies and everything else,” Westall said.

Trucks and tractors take center stage on Thursday and Friday nights.

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the fair.

Little Egypt Shows, from Marion, will present a carnival.

“We’ve had the same carnival for 25 years and they do a fine job,” Westall said.

Since the fair takes place over the Independence Day holiday, the fair will host a fireworks display on Sunday, July 4.

In the bandshell on Sunday evening, July 4, starting at 7 p.m., bands and musical groups from local churches will present a Christian concert.

Westall said the board decided to plan the 2021 fair and hope that it could and would go as planned.

“Even a couple months ago, we didn’t know which way to turn, we really didn’t. We just decided let’s put this thing together and keep our fingers crossed and see what happens. So far, it’s going in our favor,” he said.

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wheel-drive trucks. We have a real big turnout of our local people. A lot of them bring their farm trucks in, hook onto the sled and pull,” Westall said.

For those who prefer something hands-on, there will be pig penning.

“We’ve been doing this for four or five years now. There are a lot of businesses that get involved and put teams together,” Westall said.

The event pits pigs — and water and mud — against those teams.

“You put a pig in a pen and they have so much time to get it into another pen and it’s all in mud and water. We’ll have around 40 teams with five people on a team.

It’s really funny to watch them and everybody has a good time,” Westall said.

When it comes to livestock, the fair will host livestock shows starting on Saturday, July 3 and continuing through the week of

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Vendors offer a variety of food options for fairgoers YORKVILLE, Ill. — Kendall County 4-H members will exhibit their projects during the 2021 Kendall County Fair set for July 29 to Aug. 1. However, there won’t be an open show this year.

“In the past we’ve had two to three fundraisers to help cover the cost of the fair, but we haven’t had them because of the pandemic,” said Lea Ann Koch, president of the Kendall County Fair. “So, we’re having a soft fair this year.”

Although the fair board is still working on the details, the tentative schedule for the 4-H shows is: Thursday, July 29 — goats, poultry and swine; Friday, July 30 — swine, dairy and rabbits; and Saturday, July 31 — cattle and cats, with the auction in the evening.

A few of the typical fair events are also planned for this year.

“On Thursday, the Gaming Show will start at 9 a.m. and that’s a daylong event that in-

Kendall County Fair

July 29-Aug. 1 10826 Illinois Route 71 Yorkville, Illinois www.kendallcountyfairgrounds.org

cludes all kinds of activities with horses like barrel racing,” Koch said.

On Friday, fairgoers can enjoy the Truck and Tractor Pull show starting at 6 p.m. featuring the Illini State Pullers.

“There will be a car show on both Saturday and Sunday with registration at 7 a.m. and the show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Koch said.

Food vendors will offer a variety of options for fairgoers.

“Several of the typical food vendors will be at the fair, including the beef producers, the pork producers, the corn growers and the Newark FFA,” Koch said.

A fairgoer enjoys a funnel cake at the Kendall County Fair.

Since there is a limited about of events for the 2021 fair, admission of $10 per person will only be charged on Friday for the Truck and Tractor Pull show.

“Come to the fair, enjoy yourself, have some food,” Koch said.

Although many events that are

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“We’ve been planting hostas around a lot of the trees and

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we received a donation of six concrete benches that we have placed around the fairgrounds for sitting areas,” Koch said.

“We are also collecting plastic bottle caps that will be made into benches and it takes 200 pounds of plastic and $250 to get each bench made,” she said. “We are going to put a sitting area on the east side of the building under the trees.”

A farm family donated a metal grain bin that has been relocated to the fairgrounds.

“The concrete for the floor was also donated, so now we have an outdoor bar,” Koch said. “One of our banner sponsors has an exterior company, so they came and put siding on the three ticket booths which looks awesome because they match the other buildings.”

For more information about the Kendall County Fair, go to www.kendallcountyfairgrounds. org or call 630-553-2860.

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www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | Friday, June 4, 2021

15

Music, entertainment acts throughout the fairgrounds SANDWICH, Ill. — Main stage shows and many events throughout the fairgrounds provide continuous entertainment during the Sandwich Fair, Sept. 8-12.

On opening day of the fair, harness racing is featured at the track. For those who enjoy motor sports, truck pulls are set for Thursday evening, tractor pulls on Saturday and a demolition derby on Sunday.

In addition, an antique car show is planned on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., located in the infield of the track. Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon and it will be a show only with no judging.

All cars through 1990 are eligible and the registration fee is $15.

Free musical performances are featured on each day of the fair at both the Ag Land Stage and the Home Arts Stage. In the Craft Demonstration Building, artists both demonstrate their crafts, as well as offer items for sale.

Entertainment acts will per-

Sandwich Fair

Sept. 8-12 15730 Pratt Road Sandwich, Illinois www.sandwichfair.com

form at various times and locations throughout the fair. In addition to magic shows, acts include the Banjo Buddies Dixie Land Trio, Buttons the Clown, Mariachi America, Rob the Robot and the Moo-Mania Comedy Show.

Exhibitors will fill the Home Arts Building, the Horticulture Building and the Arts and Crafts Building with thousands of their entries. Those entries will include baking, canning, sewing, needlework, vegetables, flowers, photography, woodworking and paintings, just to name a few. In addition, a variety of commercial displays are located in several

A young fairgoer pretends to drive an old John Deere tractor in a sea of antique tractors during the Sandwich Fair. buildings.

Make sure to take time to visit the Secretary’s Office, which is one of the oldest buildings on the fairgrounds and now serves as a

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museum for the fair that was established in 1888.

The museum features items that were given away or sold at past fairs, as well as videos that

were recorded during previous fairs. New items are donated to the museum so the display changes each year.

Admission to the fair is $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12 years old and free for kids 5 years old and under. Parking is included with admission.

Several special promotions are planned during the fair. Wednesday is Children Free Day and all children 12 and under are free.

All adults 55 and over get in the fair for $6 before 5 p.m. on Senior Day, Thursday, Sept. 9. Bargain Day on Friday allows all to enter the fair for $6 before 5 p.m. and on the final day of the fair everyone is admitted for $6 after 3 p.m.

Hours of the fair are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about the Sandwich Fair, go to www. sandwichfair.com or call 815-7862159.

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Fair ‘is like a reunion’ CROWN POINT, Ind. — Visiting the Lake County Fair is like coming home for many members of the community.

Arlene Marcinek has been involved with the fair for 30 years.

“It feels like getting together with your family every year,” Marcinek said. “It’s like a reunion because everybody comes.

We catch up with each other’s families year to year. Whether it be the carnival, the vendors or the fairgoers, we keep in touch.”

This year’s fair will be held Aug. 6-15.

Guests can catch the excitement of the All Star Monster Truck Show at 7 p.m. Aug. 6-8 in the Grandstand. For an added fee, you can ride a real monster truck before or after the show.

On Aug. 9-10, the rodeo will come to town. Aug. 12-13 is the West Creek Mud Runners Mud Drags. And a fan favorite, the International Demolition Derby, will take place at 5 p.m. Aug. 14-15.

The Lake County Fair will feature a rodeo Aug. 9-10.

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Aug. 6-15 889 S. Court St. Crown Point, Indiana www.lake-county-fair.com

“There are daily horse shows and 4-H exhibits and animals in all of the barns,” Marcinek said. “The livestock nursery is going to be back this year. In 2019, we were luckily enough to have a birth every day. It runs the Monday of the fair, Aug. 9, through Saturday Aug. 17. The live births will take place in the dairy barn.”

A safari petting zoo will be free and open daily. Come pet llamas, zebras or kangaroos.

Other attractions include pedal pulls, hot wheels racing and much more.

Learn more at www.lake-county-fair.com.

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www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | Friday, June 4, 2021

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Livestock shows going on throughout the week

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DJ and Beer Tent Bring the entire family out during fair week there is something for everyone! Kids activities happening daily. For a complete list of events and times please visit marshallputnamfair.org or check us out on Facebook.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | Friday, June 4, 2021

19

Grandstand events include demo derby, harness racing

Newton County fairgoers can watch harness racing at noon on Saturday, July 10.

KENTLAND, Ind. — The 102nd Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair will take place July 10-16.

“The Newton County Fair Board works hard to put on several events throughout our fair week,” said Cory Groover, fair spokesperson. “Each night we host a grandstand event.”

This year’s grandstand and free stage lineup includes harness racing and a demolition derby July 10, pedal tractor pull and church night July 11, fair pageants July 12 and a Rolling Stones tribute band July 13.

Earth Night will take place July 14. The event includes fun, free entertainment and is sponsored by Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District.

4H Battle of the Barns will also take place July 14.

Other attractions include micro wrestling and the IPA Truck and Tractor Pull.

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“The antique tractor parade is a family event at the fair,” Groover said. “Drivers often include their children and grandchildren in the event. The truck and tractor pull has been a crowd favorite for year. Our grandstand audiences have witnessed some amazing horse power in action.”

Demolition derbies have been a crowd favorite for years. Spectators love to watch the crashes and bashes.

“We try to bring events to Newton County that our families will enjoy watching,” Groover said.

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Agriculture, family at heart of fair GOSHEN, Ind. — The Elkhart County Fair will be held July 23-31 with a theme of “Honor the past.

Celebrate the present. Embrace the future.”

“It’s important to look at where you’ve come from, so that you can see where you are going,” said Fair President Trent Hostetler.

“We have a lot of history at the fair that we should be proud of and that’s helped us get to where we are today. Yet, we have a direction that we’re headed in the future and it’s exciting.”

The fair will include a great lineup of entertainment, including ZZ Top at 8 p.m. July 24, Tracy Byrd and Mark Wills at 8 p.m.

July 26, and Chris Lane and Morgan Evans at 8 p.m.

July 27. On July 28, Darci Lynne will take the stage at 8 p.m.

All grandstand shows require reserved seating this year.

“We have a great lineup of entertainment,” said Miranda Muir, general manager of Elkhart County Fair. “We’ve been working on revamping all of our events to fit within the confines of COVID-19 restrictions to keep our community safe. That’s taken a

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lot of extra work.”

Muir encouraged guests to purchase their fair tickets ahead of time.

“We are asking guests to buy day-specific tickets,” she said. “That’s because, depending on the COVID restrictions at the time, we may have some attendance restrictions in place. If they can buy their tickets ahead of time, that will guarantee their entrance.”

Agriculture can be found almost everywhere throughout the fair, Muir said.

Children can interact with animals at the Old MacDonald Farm, or witness the miracle of life at the birthing center.

“There are several different opportunities for kids to learn about ag,” Muir said. “Then, of course, there are our 4-H projects.

4-H is a huge part of our fair and the promotion of ag through our fair.”

Visitors can watch live-

stock shows or check out projects created by 4-H members.

July 23, opening day, is Green Earth Day at the fair. Local groups and businesses will share ways that the community can focus on sustainability.

The Midway will stay open until 11 p.m. daily. On July 24, Kids’ Day ride specials will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kiddieland wristbands will be available for $12 each.

The fair will also include two queen pageants: the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen Pageant and the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Pageant.

The Senior Queen Pageant celebrates women who have “reached the age of elegance” and have celebrated their 60th birthday before opening day of the fair.

In the Home and Family Arts area, an array of quirky contests will take place.

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We have the Best term/interest rates available Fixed rates, 5-25 years.

618-528-2264 c 618-643-2264 The Bel-Ray Co,

Don Welch and Jeff Welch, McLeansboro, IL

HIZEY FARM SERVICE LLC

740-756-4810

NORRIS AG EQUIPMENT

GMLS Industries, Inc.

New pro push, Slinger PS 235 Vertical Spreaders.

SAVE MONEY!

Fits JD 750, 1850, 1560 & 1860, $12.50/per row + S&H. Also Reconditioning Planter & Drill Cast Closing Wheels.

21 x 18 5785 $8049 27 x 21 11265 13143 42 x 24 32245 30190 Drying Floors W/12 Supports & Flashing 21' . . . . . . . . . $2676 27' . . . . . . . . . . 4466 42' . . . . ... . . . . 10609

(660) 699-2179, (888) 983-2136

Knight Complete Line-up

We have a kit to repair loose and worn seed boot hinges. No more vertical seed boot movement.

Better depth control, more even emergence, uses less seed.

www.greendrills

Call For All Your Grain Bin Needs www.goldengrainbins.com

Several Reconditioned, $5500 & up.

Complete Batco parts.

JD No-Till Drills Sloppy Seed Boot Problems

SPRING DISCOUNTS Heavy Drying Bins Size Bu. Price

Batco Conveyors

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Winco Generators.

PTO portables and engine sets available Large Inventory.

Waters Equipment Albion, IL.

618-599-2816 c 618-445-2816 home 206 S. E. Third St Aledo, IL 61231

29948 North 975 East Rd. Cornell, IL. 61311

Contact: Bryon Norris

(815)672-0855 or (888)276-2708 After Hours: (815)822-3565

Hardi, Gregson, Demco, Summer Sprayers ~ Parts ~ Pumps ~ Repairs ~ ~ Outback Guidance Systems ~ ~ Endura Plas Tanks ~

30 Plus Years of Experience! email: info@norrisagequipment.com

AUCTION/REALTY

BY SCHACKMANN, INC Mark Schackmann, Auctioneer Cell 618-562-0824 Ellen Massey Broker Cell 217-232-5595

www.schackmann.com schackmann@schackmann.com 801 W. Fayette, Effingham IL 62401 Office 217-342-4500 Online Auctions - Real Estate Appraisals – Commercial – Farm - Estates

(309)582-5116 (309)582-5473 Fax mercercountyfarmbureau@gmail.com

www.mercercfb.org

Johnson Agency Robert K. Johnson Broker/Auctioneer/Agent

135 South Main Sheffield, Illinois 61361

815-454-2840 – Office 800-454-2716 – Toll Free Real Estate Insurance Auction Service E-Mail: j.agency@mchsi.com

22 Friday, June 4, 2021

| COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Experience nightly entertainment R ENSSEL A ER, I nd.

— Experience nightly entertainment at the Jasper County Fair July 24-31.

4-H fans can check out livestock shows and open class exhibits.

Family-friendly events, including an antique tractor parade and Pioneer Village, will be available for all to enjoy.

Buford Bear will provide entertainment for fairgoers at the Jasper And for those who have County Fair. been looking forward to fair food: mouthwatering include a tractor pull dishes from a variety of July 24, mud drags July Jasper County vendors will be available.

25, rodeo July 26, donkey This year’s Jasper Fair races July 27, Night of County Fair will feature a July 24-31 Laughs July 28, circus carnival based out of 3671 W. Clark St. July 39, monster trucks Eaton.

July 30, and a demo derby Rensselaer, Indiana Buford Bear will be at July 31. the fair July 24-26. www.jaspercountyfair.

Free stage entertainment Guests can watch dogs weebly.com including Good Time Clogperform incredible tricks gers on July 29 and Colten during the Canines in the Mark your calendars for Chapman July 30 will be Clouds event daily from 5 grandstand events, which available. to 8 p.m.

Call and Mention Boone County Fair and Get Special Pricing

German Karcher® Electric Motor Hot Pressure Washers offer Special Coil Anti Scale System, Auto Start Stop, Crane Hook, 10 Gallon Fuel Tank and More!

MiTM® Gas Motor Hot Units have Honda® GX Motors and USA Iowa Built Quality Pressure Washers – Floor Sweeper & Scrubbers CETA™ Repair Service Wide Selection of IN STOCK Accessories and Parts 2003 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL 61104 815-399-8839 paul@rjbowers.com SM-LA1888081

SM-LA1883243

www.agrinews-pubs.com | COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | Friday, June 4, 2021

23

‘The best 10 days of summer’ VALPARAISO, Ind. — Porter County Fair boasts the “best 10 days of summer” July 22-31.

Scrumptious fair food, grandstand entertainment, and free stage and ground acts will be available all week. Four-H livestock barns and shows, along with a top-notch Midway, round out the fair.

This year, several famous singers will grace the stage: • On July 22, country singer Brantley Gilbert with special guest Lauren Alaina will perform.

• On July 23, Miranda Lambert will sing the night away. Her accolades include five Album of the Year awards, four Best Song awards, four Best Single awards and nine Top Female Vocalist awards.

• On July 24, Christian band For King & Country with special guest Echosmith will perform.

4-H and family are integral parts of the Porter County Fair.

Tractors will be on display at the Porter County Fair.

RICHLAND COUNTY FAIR EVENTS July 3 -10 rd

th

On July 9th we will be hosting the Indiana Truck Pulling Association Pro Stock Diesels.

GRANDSTAND

WHITE TENT

Saturday, July 3..............Demolition Derby.............................7:00 PM Monday, July 5 ...............Queen Contest/Little Miss..............7:00 PM Tuesday, July 6................Pig Penning .......................................7:00 PM Tuesday, July 6................Talent Show (on bandshell in middle of park)...............7:00 PM Wednesday, July 7.........Dirt Drags..........................................7:00 PM Thursday, July 8 ..............ISPA/IHFSPA Tractor Pulls .............7:00 PM Friday, July 9...................Truck Pulls..........................................7:00 PM Saturday, July 10............Motocross..........................................7:00 PM

Monday, July 5 ...............Ag Experience .....................4:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday, July 7.........Richland County Farm Bureau.........................1:00 – 6:00 PM Pedal Tractor Pull...... 2:30 PM Registration 3:00 PM Start Friday, July 9...................Susie Bishop Story Hour....1:00 – 4:00 PM

BANDSHELL (NO ADMISSION FEE) Sunday, July 4.................Local Gospel Sing ...........................7:00 PM Tuesday, July 6................Talent Show.......................................7:00 PM SM-LA1885444

JULY 15-18, 2021 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS FARM COLLECTOR SHOW Welcoming farm toys, lawn and garden tractors, attachments, garden plows, tillers and antique tractors, hit & miss motors. All makes and models, restored and unrestored, original and modified. All in the beautiful Olney City Park in Olney, IL home of the White Squirrels.

CARNIVAL RIDES WILL RUN JULY 5–10

Porter County Fair July 22-31 217 E. Division Road Valparaiso, Indiana www.portercountyfair.com

4-H members have spent months preparing to show off their animals and projects.

Children and adults alike look forward to the carnival rides, games and fair food.

The Porter County Fair features a barbecue cook-off. Local food and ethnic fare alike will be available to devour.

Action lovers can enjoy the rodeo bull riding shows, tractor pull and demolition derby. Rides for all ages can be found on the Midway.

Free entertainment includes the 4-H Queen Contest and Cutest Baby competition.

We are featuring that equipment at the Toy Tractor show

FEATURING: Allis Chalmers Air Conditioned Toy Show Flea Market in Covered Barns with Electricity Plenty of Shade to Park Equipment Under Food Vendors

RICHLAND COUNTY FAIR BOARD 702 White Squirrel Olney City Park Olney, IL 62450 618-392-0766 richlandcountyfair.org

| COUNTY FAIR PREVIEW | www.agrinews-pubs.com

LIVE ANIMALS

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