View from the Cab: Fairing well
I suddenly have a craving for funnel cakes and lemonade shakeups. Maybe it’s because we just attended the annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention in Springfield.
Our family made the annual trip for a weekend of fun helping out the IAAF by emceeing the Friday evening entertainment showcase where fairs book their acts for 2020. The kids had a blast taking in the show and swimming in the big Crowne Plaza pool on the top floor.
Congratulations to all of the Friend of Illinois Fairs winners during the convention. This includes Rodney Griffin from Quincy in Adams County, a proud supporter of his fair for 45 years. His company sponsors the bull riding event at the fair each year.
Gary Hadden from Jacksonville in Morgan County always goes above and beyond to help. He is an assistant superintendent on the cattle committee and helps organize a sand volleyball tournament.
Larry Macheroux of Henry County has worked for the Woodstock Police Department and his county sheriff’s department and provided security at the fair for years. He was honored for his decades of service.
Steve Paulson from Roscoe in Boone County is described as a true asset to the county fair and is a superintendent with “high personal integrity.”
Regalia Manufacturing in Rock Island County was another honor recipient. The family owned business, which strives to put customers first, has provided customer service to fairs and other special events for many decades.
Mary Jane Spinazola of Earlville in LaSalle County is stepping down from a role on her fair board. Her efforts over the years made the fair what it is today.
A moment of silence was observed for the late Marvin Perzee of the Iroquois County Fair. An award was accepted by his wife, Sharon.
I want to also congratulate this year’s Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, Kelsi Kessler of Carmi in White County. Kessler’s grandfather operates a farm in Carmi and she got her start in agriculture with FFA. Her father is plant manager of Champion Labs of Albion and her mother is a banker.
(The View from the Cab is powered each week by Petersen Chevy-Buick in Fairbury)
