Iroquois Fair sticks to ag roots
CRESCENT CITY – The Iroquois County Fair always remembers its 4-H and ag roots.
The annual event is the center of summertime activities in east central Illinois.
“We are probably a little different than some county fairs. We try to maintain this family-friendly really old time county fair atmosphere,” said fair president Marvin Perzee.
In keeping with the ag tradition, swine, sheep and beef were judged Friday with dairy on Thursday. Sheep numbers are up compared to last year although the dairy is dwindling a bit, according to Perzee.
“Usually, if you can win in Iroquois County, you can probably go to Springfield and be in pretty good shape.”
Perzee continues to be amazed at the success of the sale on the final day of the fair. Area businesses are supportive of the young people and more money is raised every year. Perzee hopes the young fair attendees take an interest in animal agriculture.
The Iroquois County Fair queen pageant has a long history of successful participants. Miss Iroquois County Fair became the state fair queen last year and the pageant is well known throughout the area.
Perzee has been Iroquois County Fair president since 1972 and has been on the fair board since 1966.