View from the Cab: Fair week is here
By: Kent Casson
A year away from fairs has us all looking forward to this week’s Livingston County Ag Fair at the 4-H fairgrounds near Pontiac.
This will be our family’s temporary home Wednesday through Saturday as our son Kasen makes his in-person showing debut. We had the virtual experience last year but are thrilled to be back on the grounds. Catch us in the dairy barn throughout the week or say hey while I am wondering around gathering stories and conducting interviews.
Listen to my radio programming on the Central Illinois Farm Network for fair interviews and check the CIFN website for complete coverage as well, which will be shared to social media.
I have the honor of emceeing the annual king and queen crowning, which is an exciting moment for everyone at the fair. We also plan to have the Central Illinois Farm Network’s midday market update live from the fair talking to various guests.
Guests can enjoy new fun activities each day of the fair along with project judging, a carnival and so much more. Highlights this week include the Broken Horn Rodeo, demolition derby from Ramer Race Promotions, Illini State Pullers Tractor Pull, scholarship presentations and the livestock auction.
Be on the lookout for magician Rob Thompson working his magic on the midway, Whimsy Pixie Face Painting and the Kids Bucks Game Show. The Livingston County Farm Bureau’s Kiddie Tractor Pull is planned for later in the week in the Show Barn and unlimited carnival rides are planned on Saturday afternoon with the purchase of a $20 wristband.
Admission is free for children 10 and under and adults are $5 each day before 4 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after 4 p.m. Senior citizens over 60 are $2 at all times and it is $8 for a season pass. Adult season passes are $25 while the junior exhibitor fee is also $25.
The Livingston County Ag Fair website indicates groups of volunteers have hosted an agricultural fair in the county since 1930. The Livingston County Agricultural Fair Association currently includes 20 volunteers who continue the tradition of holding an event every year. Volunteer duties include park maintenance, building repairs, grounds upkeep and providing a campground host.
Detailed fair information is available online at https://www.livingstoncountyagfair.com/schedule/. See you at the fair!
