Behind-the-scenes work makes a fair

MELVIN – Volunteers such as Diane Perkins wear many different hats when it comes to the Ford County Fair.

“I help out in the office keeping the books,” Perkins explains. “I am also on the beef committee and I work with photography and publicity.”

Perkins admits the fair, which runs through Saturday in Melvin, would not be possible without all of the volunteers involved. In fact, planning has already started for next year’s fair.

“We are constantly thinking about the fair, looking for entertainment and trying to decide what we can do to keep making this bigger and better,” Perkins said.

One of the highlights of the Ford County Fair is the queen pageant where preparations start at the end of May and several rehearsals are held in the days leading up to the fair in June.

If you have never been to a county fair, Perkins hopes you stop by the Ford County event this week to see what it is like. Visitors are able to enjoy food, see some animals and take in a show during the evening.

Former Ford County Fair Queen Audrey Bloomquist of Paxton was strolling through the grounds on Monday and assisting with the hog show. She considers her year as queen an “incredible” experience, saying she enjoyed every aspect.

“I would do it all over again and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Bloomquist said.

Bloomquist considers being queen a great opportunity and also a learning experience. She has transferred from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the University of Illinois where she will be a sophomore. Bloomquist is double majoring in political science and Earth society and environment. She is considering attending law school down the road.