McHenry County News FRE
E
11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115 • (815) 654-4850 • www.McHenrycountynewspaper.com Display Advertising & Classifieds: 815-654-4850 • Circulation: 815-654-4854 • E-mail:McHenrynews@rvpublishing.com
Volume 6 Issue 34
AUGUST 18, 2016
WOODSTOCK CAR WASH N O W O P E N
• 3 Heated Bays • Brand New Vacuums • Automatic Wash Now Open • 7’ High and Large Enough for Dually Pickup Trucks
218 Fair Street, Woodstock, IL (Behind McDonalds)
239731
Family Roots,Country Boots Fair By Anne Eickstadt CORRESPONDENT
W
hat do you think of when you hear the words ‘county fair’? Carnival? 4H baking and sewing? Cows, sheep pigs, and other animals? It’s all of that and more at the McHenry County Fair on August 3 – 7. The carnival is Skinner Amusements which has its home base here in McHenry County - in Marengo, to be precise. The animals are all competition ready. The 4-H is more than baking and sewing. “4H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4H camps.” – 4-h.org The McHenry County Fair offers organized games, contests and competitions for young and old and everyone in between. All branches of the military and veterans are represented here. Outdoor booths offer tempting food, souvenirs and playful activities. Indoor booths present vendors, politicians, hospitals and non-profit organizations. The police department is offering Child Identification, fingerprinting all ten fingers of each child that parents bring in. Of course, there are truck and tractor events as well as a demolition derby, singing, dancing and even a watermelon eating contest. One entertainer that the fair brought in for the length of the event is Andy Martello. Now based in Las Vegas, Martello grew up in McHenry County, attending Riley Elementary School in Marengo. From high school, he went on to work for “a small, family-owned circus. Maybe you have heard of them – Ringling Brothers?” From Ringling Bros. Circus, Martello appeared on the ‘Bozo Circus’ show. A true blast from the past, you might remember him spinning plates on the show. Did anyone else also yell “Hey, Andy!” at the television set when the plates started to slow down and began to wobble? Granted, Bozo was a Chicago phenomenon and many of the show’s fans have moved away, but a lot of us are still in this area. Martello has been a headliner in Las Vegas, he has appeared on ‘Comedy Central’ on TV. He performed a fire eating act on ‘Last Comic Standing’. He has opened shows for Gladys Knight and other entertainment
More fa
ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO McHenry County News
Alexi Nelson, 9 months old, gets her first lesson on driving country vehicles at the Mchenry County Fair.
legends, performed in comedy clubs, and toured the world with his comedy routines. Just a short distance away from the stage, 2016 Miss McHenry County, Gia Dougherty, and 2016 Miss Teen McHenry County, Meg Basco, are judging the ‘Funny Bunny’ contest. Rabbits are put into costumes in several categories such as ‘Sports Bunny’. I thought the Football Bunny with white stitching strapped around him was a contender but the Soccer Bunny is the winner by unanimous vote. The animal sports turn real with a performance of the Ultimate Flying Canines. These dogs really enjoy catching Frisbees. Border collie, Psych, has performed in the Frisbee Dog World Championships with his handler Pennie Mahon. The McHenry County Fair is held at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock. It has brought in fabulous performers to entertain the crowds during both the day and evening, scheduled a nice variety of competitions and, in general, has provided a fun few days for everyone who attended. More information about the McHenry County Fair and the McHenry County Fairgrounds can be found online at www.mchenrycountyfair.com.
ir pictu res on pag e 8!
Heritage Fair pie competition
COURTESY PHOTO McHenry County News
Eighteen entries, in two categories, competed for Heritage Fair’s coveted championship on July 10 in the McHenry County Historical Museum’s West Harmony School. The overall winner was Eileen Lane of McHenry, pictured with McHenry County Historical Society Administrator Kurt Begalka. The winning pie was auctioned off for $42.50, all of which benefited the Society. The winning lineup rounded out as follows: Other – 1. Jean Turner, Huntley (nutty fig); 2. Flora Breslich, Hampshire (pecan); 3. Jean Turner (rhubarb/pear); Berry – 1. Eileen Lane, McHenry (cherry); 2. Jean Turner, Huntley (strawberry); Jean Turner (blueberry).