Williamson County Fair

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June 24-30, 2012

Transcript of Williamson County Fair

Page 1: Williamson County Fair
Page 2: Williamson County Fair

As sure as the summer heat penetratesSouthern Illinois around this time ofyear, the unmistakable sights andsounds of the state’s longest running fairdo the same at the Williamson CountyFairgrounds.

The 156th version of the WilliamsonCounty Fair will take place even earlierthan last year’s July edition and is slatedfor June 24-30.

As in past years, this year’s fair willfeature concerts, a beauty pageant,demolition derbies, bull riding,motocross racing, tractor pulls, a homeshow, horse shows and more.

Popular country duo LoCash Cowboys

will return as the fair’s headlining act,and a bevy of other local talent will beon display, as well.

The fair is also making the switch toEvansville-based Brady’s Amusements,which is well-renowned for deliveringan array of rides, family games andconcessions to fairs throughout Indiana,Illinois and Tennessee.

The array of entertainment options iswhat has helped the fair survive yearafter year, even as fair budgets across thenation seem to shrink. WilliamsonCounty’s proud tradition drawsspectators from across the Midwest whoare seeking great food fare, qualityshows and unique competitions.

It was in 1857 when the county’s firstfair took place as a way for locals to

showcase the products of their farms,fields, gardens and homes on a donated10-acre plot of land on Marion’s eastside. Friendly competition, family-focused entertainment and the spirit ofcommunity collaboration spearheadedthe fair’s development over the years.

The same simple principles exist todayand will surely continue to drive the fairfor years to come.

Page 22 Friday, June 22, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Williamson County Fair

The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) ispublished daily for $178 per year at 710 N.Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. TheSouthern Illinoisan is owned by LeeEnterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.

•• BBoobb WWiilllliiaammss,, [email protected]

•• TToo ssuubbssccrriibbee:: Call 618-351-5000from Carbondale, Murphysboro andDeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 fromWilliamson County; or 800-228-0429,option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdayand Sunday.

•• TToo ppllaaccee aa ddiissppllaayy aadd:: Call 8a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454,option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429,option 6.

special.thesouthern.com

Better with age

BY JOE SZYNKOWSKITHE SOUTHERN DETAILS

156th Williamson County Fair101 Fair St., Marion618-751-9318williamsoncountyfair@yahoo.comwww.williamsoncountyillinoisfair.com

Illinois’ longest-running fair kicks off in Williamson County

Sunday, June 24Gaited and Pleasure Horse Show, 4 p.m., Justin

Eli Dodd Arena, free

Monday, June 25Williamson County 4-H Day

Tuesday, June 26Motocross racing at the Grandstand; $10

general, $12 box seat, $15 pit passCarnival opens, 5 p.m.Entertainment Barn opens, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27Hot Rod Garden Tractor Pull at the Grandstand,

7 p.m.; $8 general, $10 box seat, $15 pit passCarnival opens, 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 28Beauty and the Beasts at the Grandstand,

7 p.m.; $8 general, $10 box seat, $15 pit pass;cowboy bull riding and cowgirl barrel racing

Harness Racing, noon, freeCarnival opens, 5 p.m.LoCash Cowboys, 8 p.m., Entertainment Barn,

$12

Friday, June 29Tractor Pull at the Grandstand, 7 p.m.;

$8 general, $10 box seat, $15 pit passWilliamson County 4-H Horse Show, 9:30 a.m.,

Justin Eli Dodd ArenaHarness Racing, noon, freeCarnival opens, 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 30Demo Derby at the Grandstand, 7 p.m.; $10

general, $12 box seat, $15 pit passSpeed Horse Show, 4 p.m., Justin Eli

Dodd ArenaCarnival on the midway at 5 p.m.

SCHEDULE

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNA horse makes its way down the stretchduring the 2010 Williamson County Fair.

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Williamson County Fair · The Southern Illinoisan Friday, June 22, 2012 Page 33

For the third year in arow, LoCash Cowboyswill headline theWilliamson County Fair’sexciting lineup of musicaltalent. The country musicduo comprised of ChrisLucas and Preston Brustwill bring their high-energy, live performanceto the stage.

Lucas and Brust havebeen busy traveling thenation the past six years,working on their craft andearning a reputation asbeing one of the mostentertaining live shows incountry music. Theirlively personalities andenergetic performanceshave earned them plentyof fans along the way.

They have shared billswith artists includingCharlie Daniels, ZZ Top,Toby Keith, Train, BlakeShelton and Tom Petty,among others; performedat halftime of NBA andU.S. Olympic teambasketball games; andperformed on Fox NewsNetwork’s New Year’s Evebroadcast in front of 2million people in TimesSquare. Chris and Prestonalso wrote (with JarenJohnson) “You Gonna Fly,”a song on Keith Urban’scurrent album, “GetCloser.”

Their WilliamsonCounty Fair show starts at8 p.m. and tickets areavailable at SouthernTickets Online or at thedoor.

Fans can expect a heavydose of rock from Fridaynight’s lineup, led by 30-Aut-6, hailing fromValier. Nearly a decadeafter winning a battle ofthe bands at the CopperDragon, the band is

working harder than ever.It has opened for Saliva,Seven Mary Three andRevis.

Saturday night’s will“sound like country, feellike rock and taste likechicken,” according to theslogan of the Matt PossBand. The Midwest-basedband has released fouralbums and successfullyheadlined the 2009-10“Pickup Truck Tour”across the Midwest, deepSouth and Texas. Theband is also proud of itshistory of supporting theUnited States military,and has played to troopsin Kyrgyzstan, SaudiArabia and Afghanistan.

Danny and theDreamers open the fair’sentertainment slate onTuesday. For moreinformation, [email protected] or call 618-751-9318.

DETAILSTuesday, June 26: Danny

and the DreamersThursday, June 28:

LoCash CowboysFriday, June 29: Rock

Night with 30-Aut-6 andLori’s Puppets

Saturday, June 30: MattPoss Band

LoCash Cowboys rocking the fair’s entertainment barn

ENTERTAINMENTThe Williamson

County Fair will beginsmoothly this year, withthe free Gaited & WesternHorse Show set to takeplace on opening Sunday,June 24. The show beginsat 4 p.m. in the Justin EliDodd Memorial Arenawith participantscompeting for ribbonsand a total of $4,300 inpremiums.

Gaited horses areselectively bred fornatural gaited tendenciesat intermediate speed.The Western style

competition will featurecalm, quiet and smooth-riding horses. Riderswork long and hard toimplement the propertechniques that help theirhorses develop thosegraceful gaits, not to

mention the upkeep ofmaintaining a beautifullygroomed horse.

The show will featureriders — men, womenand children alike —dressed in English orWestern attireshowcasing their horsesin gaits, walks, jogs andlopes.

The show offers asmooth-riding pace forspectators to appreciatethe pure beauty thataccompanies a gentleglide along the track.

Halter Classes will

include Gaited Stallionsand Geldings, WesternType Stallions andGeldings, Gaited TypeMare and Western TypeMares. Some of theevent’s Pleasure Classeswill include SeniorCitizen, Trail, SpecialtyAction Flat Shod Racking and Open Show.Where applicable, therules of The AmericanQuarter HorseAssociation and TheRacking Horse BreedersAssociation of Americawill apply.

DETAILSGaited & Western Horse

ShowJustin Eli Dodd Memorial

Arena4 p.m. Sunday, June 24Free

Gaited & Western Horse Show will open fair festivities in stylePOPULAR FAIR FARE

As they usually do thistime of year, fans ofharness racing will gettheir fill at theWilliamson County Fair.Two days of free racingare scheduled June 28and June 29. A total of sixraces will take place eachday.

Harness racing inIllinois has seen betterdays, especiallyconsidering the recent

state budget issueshampering the sport. Butthe popular two-day fairevent will help fans,trainers and competitors

forget those struggles,said speedsuperintendent TomThrogmorton.

“It affects the numberof horses because somewill be off racing wherethe purses are a littlehigher,” Throgmortonsaid. “But it won’t affectthe quality of racing. Wewill still have stronghorses and goodcompetition, and we are

expecting the sameamount of entries as lastyear.”

Purses may not bewhat they used to be, butpassion for the races stillexists. The competitionswill draw big crowds.

“It’s a family-friendlyevent that everyone canenjoy,” Throgmortonsaid. “That is what hasmade it so popular overthe years.”

DETAILSHarness RacingGrandstandNoon, Thursday, June 28

and Friday, June 29Free

Fair features two days of harness racing action

Gardeners, cooks andcraftspeople alike havelong used the WilliamsonCounty Fair as anopportunity to show offtheir skills. This year willbe no different, as avariety of forums willallow them to do so.

All exhibition entrieswill be collected from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday,June 24. The show willtake place in theWomen’s Building. Thecompetition encouragescreativity, as no entryhaving previously won

premiums in anydepartment is allowed tobe entered.

Below are some of theexhibition categories. Fora full list and furtherdetails on each category,visit the fair’s website atwww.williamsoncountyillinoisfair.com.

Garden BasketArrangement: Any varietyof garden vegetablesand/or fruits can bedisplayed with or in abasket. Items in thebasket must be grown bythe exhibitor.

Floriculture: Fresh-cutplan materials are to beused, unless otherwisestated. The arrangementmust be the original workof the exhibitor and theflowers and foliage mustbe grown by theexhibitor.

Potted Plants: Classes

include African Violet,Philodendron, Fern,Foliage Plant, BloomingPlants and BloomingHanding Plants.

Crafts: Original worksare required for allclasses, including Quilts,Crochet, Knitting,Embroidery, Needlework,Wood Crafts, Art andPhotography.

Culinary: Classesinclude Jellies, Jams,Vegetables and PickledItems, including dillpickles, bread and butterpickles, beets and others.

DETAILSWomen’s BuildingEntries to be collected

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Sunday, June 24

Fair Exhibition showcases variety of original work

PROVIDED / WILLIAMSONCOUNTY FAIR BOARD

LoCash Cowboys will performat the Williamson County Fair.

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Page 44 Friday, June 22, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Williamson County Fair

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Esther Waddy has beeninvolved in 4-H since shewas 8 years old. Now inher first year as programcoordinator, she isfocused on promoting theimportance of the club’sHead, Heart, Hands andHealth mission.

“4-H is a program thatallows each child topresent something thatthey are interested in,”Waddy said. “They gainall sorts of valuableexperience and skills,whether it be sewing,cooking, technology,robotics and so forth. Andthey use that knowledgethrough life.”

The Williamson CountyFair has long been a forumfor youth to showcasethose interests, and thisyear’s 4-H Day is set for

June 25 with the countryshow starting at 1 p.m. inthe exhibition building.Following the exhibitionof projects, the group willhost a popcorn socialfrom 3 to 5 p.m., duringwhich staff members andvolunteers will beavailable to discuss 4-Hclub programming.

The popcorn social willbe followed by a smallanimal show, goat showand dairy show. OnFriday, June 29, the 4-Hhorse show will kick off at9 a.m.

4-H provides the

opportunity for youthages 5 through 18 toexpand their life skillsthrough many differentcommunity programs. Formore information,contact Waddy at theUniversity of Illinoisextension office at 618-993-3304.

DETAILSJune 25: 4-H Day, 1 p.m.June 29: Horse show,

9 a.m.

Popular 4-H shows and exhibits offer youth chance to show their skills

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOA 4-H'er digs weeds out of a garden.

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Williamson County Fair · The Southern Illinoisan Friday, June 22, 2012 Page 55

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Page 6: Williamson County Fair

Page 66 Friday, June 22, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Williamson County Fair

MISS WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS STORAGE • GARAGES STORAGE • GARAGES CABINS & MORECABINS & MORE

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL! SAVE UP TO $400! ENDS JUNE 30THFATHER’S DAY SPECIAL! SAVE UP TO $400! ENDS JUNE 30TH19867 Ketteman Lane • Ewing, IL 62836 • (618) 927.0533 • email: [email protected] • Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:00pm • Sat. by appointment

AARON EISENHAUER / THE SOUTHERNChandler Short reacts with surprise after being named Miss Williamson County Fair 2012 as last year's queen Chelsea Reardon fits the sash around her duringthe Miss Williamson County Fair Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, June 16 at Marion High School.

AARON EISENHAUER / THE SOUTHERN

Sarah Loos of Pinckneyville.

AARON EISENHAUER / THE SOUTHERN

Alex McVicker of Herrin.

AARON EISENHAUER /THE SOUTHERN

Macie Minor of Pinckneyville.

Page 7: Williamson County Fair

Tim Hawthorne, a De Soto native and 35-year veteran of themotocross circuit, hasbroken plenty of bones.He has traveled thecountry and competedagainst some of the bestin the business, andluckily for local fans ofmotocross, he brings thatexperience andconnections as promoterfor the annual motocrossevent at the WilliamsonCounty Fair.

“We will have some ofthe top riders within 500

miles of here,”Hawthorne said. “Theseguys are professionalsand have raced in the bigvenues and domes.”

Hawthorne coordinatesmotocross shows acrossthe region, even all theway up to Springfield.

But he doesn’t justorganize high-flyingmotocross events, heraces in them. He willcompete in the eventTuesday, June 26, as willracers ranging from ages4 to 50-plus.

Three sets ofprofessional riders willhighlight the event invarious classes. The firstseries of heats will be forchildren ages 4 to 6.

“Those are some of themost popular races,”Hawthorne said. “Peoplelove watching those little

4-or 5-year-olds outthere having a goodtime.”

The event will featuregiveaways from localshops, and of course,plenty of racingexcitement.

“It’s just going to be alot of bar-banging,fast-passing action,”Hawthorne said. “Therewill be the 65-, 70-foottriple right in front of thegrandstand so fans willget a great view of jumpsthat will be 25 or 30 feetin the air.”

DETAILSMotocross RacingGrandstandTuesday, June 26$10 general, $12 box

seats, $15 pit pass

Get ready for high-flying motocross racing

If you love the look of ashiny, sparkling beauty ofa car, then theWilliamson County FairDemo Derby is definitelynot for you.

One of the fair’s mostpopular events is knownmore for the array ofmuddy, crunched-up,windowless beastscrashing into each otherwith reckless abandon.But to the hoards ofspectators that will be

watching from thegrandstands or the backof their pickups, nothingcould be more beautiful.

The action gets underway at 7 p.m. Saturdaywith tickets ranging from

$10 to $15. Smoke willroll and bodies will jolt asdrivers compete fortrophies, payouts and the honor of being themost aggressivecompetitor.

Here is a quick look at afew Demo Derby rulesfrom event promoter,Whiplash RacingPromotions, which urgesdrivers to maintain abalance between safetyand destruction:

Be aggressive: Driversmust make an aggressivehit every 60 seconds.

Driver door hits: If the hit is deemed by theofficial to be careless or intentional, the driver will bedisqualified.

Sandbagging: Lockingup the brakes prior to ahit for anything otherthan avoiding a driver’sdoor will be a cause fordisqualification.

DETAILSDemo DerbyGrandstand7 p.m. Saturday, June 30$10 general, $12 box, $15

Demo Derby has become a fan favorite

In a unique event thatshowcases the splendorof barrel racing, thebrawn of bull riding andthe zaniness of rodeoclowns, WilliamsonCounty’s ‘Beauties andthe Beasts’ is a surecrowd-pleaser. The eventis slated for Thursday,June 28, and tickets rangefrom $8 to $15. Here’swhat you can expect:

Beauties: The region’stop cowgirls willfeverishly feature theirhorse-handling skills inthis fast-paced, timed

event. Cash prizes are upfor grabs for the riderswho can successfullymaneuver their horsearound the barrels in theshortest amount of time.

Beasts: Cash is also onthe line for the bunch of

brazen cowboys braveenough to saddle up their

big, bucking bulls.Known as the mostdangerous eight secondsin sports, competitorswill attempt to earn thecash without breakingany bones.

Clowns: What would arodeo show be withoutthe shenanigans of a fewpesky circus clowns?Always good for a fewlaughs, these Bozo look-alikes will keep you andthe kids chuckling whileyou’re questioning theirsanity for riling up thebulls.

DETAILS‘Beauties and the Beasts’Grandstand7:30 p.m. Thursday,

June 28$8 general, $10 box seats,

$15 pit pass

Cowgirls and cowboys team up for barrel racing and bull riding

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNJohn Stout of Cartervillerides a bull during the 2010'Beauties and the Beasts'rodeo.

Williamson County Fair · The Southern Illinoisan Friday, June 22, 2012 Page 77

Once the dust settlesfrom a week full ofgraceful horse events andlightning-speedmotocross racing, thefairground grandstandwill transform into arealm of pure power.

The long-runningTractor Pull is set to flexits muscles Friday, June29, as participants fromacross the Midwest willshow off their modifiedstock pullers. The roar ofmultiple-engine tractorsprovides an adrenaline-boosting experience forspectators.

Known as the world’smost powerful sport,competitors exert theirsuper-machines in aneffort to pull a sled ofweighted boxes down thetrack. As weight is added,it transfers to the front of the sled, making itharder for the tractors to pull. The winner ineach category is the onethat pulls its sled thefarthest.

Big or small, these

plows don’t rely strictlyon their power to turnheads. Custom paint jobsof deep greens, vibrantoranges and rich redscombine with the shinysilver chrome exhausts toadd a certain beauty to theground-poundingmachines.

Friday’s festivities alsofeature an antique tractorpull, and fairgoers can get a smaller version ofthe main eventWednesday, June 27during the Hot RodGarden Tractor Pull.

DETAILSHot Rod Garden

Tractor Pull Grandstand7 p.m. Wednesday, June 27$8 general, $10 box seat,

$15 pit passTractor PullGrandstand7 p.m. Friday, June 29$8 general, $10 box seat,

$15 pit pass

Tractor Pulls are a powerfulfair tradition

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOThe annual motocross event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26.

RACING

Page 8: Williamson County Fair

Page 88 Friday, June 22, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Williamson County Fair

SATURDAY JUNE 23RD5K Run-Registration @ 7am / 5K Run @ 8am

SUNDAY JUNE 24THDairy & Beef Cattle on Grounds by 12 Noon

Entries taken Monday, June 25th: 9AM - 12 Noon

Entries taken for Depts J, L, M & O: 10AM - 3PM

4:00PM - Gaited & Pleasure Horse Show

- Justin Eli Dodd Arena - No Admission

MONDAY JUNE 25THWILLIAMSON COUNTY 4-H DAY -

4-H Small Animal Show, 4-H Exhibit Show

CARNIVAL NOT OPEN!

TUESDAY JUNE 26THGrandstand Entertainment - Motocross Racing

Timmy Hawthorne Fair Racers, Promoter General Admission $10 Ind.

CARNIVAL ON THE MIDWAY, OPEN @ 5PM

Entertainment Barn opens @ 5PM

Entertainment - Danny & The Dreamers @ 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY JUNE 27THGrandstand Entertainment - Hot Rod Garden Tractor and Mini Truck Pull @ 7PM

General Admission $5 Ind.

Info - www.mgtmra.com

FAIRWilliamson county JUNE 24-30

W i lli a m son Cou nt y Fa i rgrou n ds M a rion, i LLI NOIS

New carnival - Brady amusements opens @ 5pm JuNE 26-30

THURSDAY JUNE 28THHarness Racing - 12 Noon FREE ADMISSION

Grandstand Entertainment - Beauty & the Beasts @ 7:30PM

Cowboy’s Bull Riding; Cowgirl’s Barrel Race

General Admission $8 Ind.

Entertainment Barn - Marion Ford Presents

LoCash Cowboys @ 8PM

FRIDAY JUNE 29THWmsn Co. Horse 4-H Horse Show @ 9:30AM

- Justin Eli Dodd ArenaHarness Racing @ 12 Noon

Grandstand Entertainment - Tractor Pull @ 7PM - General Admission $8

Entertainment Barn - 30Aut6 & Lori’s Puppets @ 8PM

SATURDAY JUNE 30THPick up day for entries in Depts. J,L,M,O

– 10am Until 1pm

Speed Horse Show @ 4pm – Justin Eli Dodd ArenaDEMO DERBY II- Whiplash Racing Promotions

@ 7pm – Grandstand - General Admission $10

Entertainment Barn - Matt Poss & Rolling Thunder @ 8pm

*4-H contestants must be enrolled in Williamson

County 4-H program by May 2012.

Admission Pricing For

Motocross, Demo Derby 1&2 Tractor Pull

Barrel Racing & Bull Riding

Box Seats $10 - $12

Pit Pass $15Must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol!

WWW.WILLIAMSONCOUNTYILLINOISFAIR.COM • Call 618.751.9318 or Email [email protected] for more info

Chandler Short would like to welcome everyone to this year’s fair!