WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR
Fair board officers John Fosse, President Janelle Baltzell, Vice President Steve Eli, Secretary/Treasurer
Fair board of directors
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
John Fosse Steve Eli Janelle Baltzell Rick Herring Gary Pearson Tony Isbell Jerry Barrass Thomas Throgmorton Donnie Allen Jarad Chancy Mike Crickman
Dixie Darling enjoys her cool down from trainer Susie Jochim of Carmi and co-owner Erv Barbre of Minnesota at the 2010 Williamson County Fair in Marion. Dixie Darling took second place in the final race of the annual harness racing event.
155th annual Williamson County Fair: July 9 to 16 Activities and attractions have made the fair a summer destination BY MARY THOMAS LAYTON THE SOUTHERN
The 155th annual Williamson County Fair will be a few weeks earlier than usual — July 9 to 16. But, all of the activities and attractions that have made the fair a summer destination for tourists, as well as locals, will remain pretty
much the same. Steve Eli, secretary/ treasurer of Williamson County Fair Board of Directors, said the decision to move the fair up one month was based on several reasons. “We had the chance to get a bigger carnival, and they were going to be in Illinois in July. And, maybe the temperatures
would be a little cooler than in August,” Eli said. Normally, the school year kicks off right after the fair ends, he pointed out, and parents are concerned about the expenses involved with school supplies and other school-related necessities. “School has become quite an expense, and
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Page 2 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
we’re hoping that with the fair a month earlier, people will have more vacation money to spend,” Eli said. He emphasized that the carnival will not be open for the first two days of the fair. It will open on Monday, July 11, and continue until the fair closes. “I think we’ve got a
little bit of everything. LoCash Cowboys is returning this year,” Eli said. “They’re very popular and draw a lot of people.” All of the concerts will be in the Entertainment Barn, except for the July 14 Christian rock concert, which will be at the grandstand. This year’s fair will
• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618-997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
feature all of the favorites, including harness racing, 4-H exhibits and shows, barrel racing and bull riding. Combine that with a full line of concerts, traditional fair food and a spin on the Ferris wheel, and everyone should have a great time. mary.layton@thesouthern.com 618-351-5071
• To place a display ad: Call 8 a.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.
Williamson county
FAIR
JULY 09-16 Willi amson County Fairgrou nds M arion, iLLINOIS
New c carnival family arnival - f amily attractions amusements s opens opens @ 5pm July y 111-16 1-16
SATURDAY JULY 9TH 5K Run-Registration @ 7am / 5K Run @ 8am Williamson County Fair Car Show – 9am-2pm Entry Day for Departments J, L,M,O,P – 10am-3pm Truck Mud Race @ 3pm Entertainment Barn opens @ 3pm LOCASH COWBOYS in Concert @ 8:30pm
SUNDAY JULY 10TH Little Miss and Mr. Williamson County Fair Pageants @ 1:30pm – Marion Civic Center Gaited and Pleasure Horse Show @ 4pm Community Worship Service @ 7pm – Marion Civic Center
WEDNESDAY JULY 13TH Emily Travis would like to welcome everyone to this year’s fair!
Admission Pricing For Motocross, Demo Derby 1&2 Tractor Pull Barrel Racing & Bull Riding General Admission $10 Ind. Box Seats $12 Pit Pass $15
MONDAY JULY 11TH FAMILY NIGHT – Free Parking Monday Only! 4-H Project Judging @ 1pm, display until 7pm – Hanna Bldg Miss Williamson County Fair Scholarship and Princess Pageant @ 7pm – Marion Civic Center Motocross Racing – Timmy Hawthorne Fair Racers Production @ 7pm – Grandstand Teen Night with Radio Active Society @ 7pm – Entertainment Barn
TUESDAY JULY 12TH Demo Derby I – Whiplash Racing Productions @ 7pm – Grandstand Entertainment Barn opens @ 5pm
Must be 21 to purchase and consume alcohol!
Wmson. Co. 4-H Small Animal Show @ 9am Beef Cattle on grounds by Noon Tractor Pull @ 7pm – Grandstand Entertainment Barn featuring JUSTIN MOORE in concert @ 8pm
THURSDAY JULY 14TH HARNESS RACING @ 12 Noon – Grandstand Karaoke with Fast Eddie’s Karaoke Show – Karaoke Contest ! – Entertainment Barn
FRIDAY JULY 15TH Wmson. Co. 4-H Horse Show @ 10am – Justin Eli Dodd Arena Harness Racing @ 12 Noon – Grandstand Beauties and The Beasts – Barrel Racing and Bull Riding @ 7pm – Grandstand THE BRAT PACK @ 8pm – Entertainment Barn
SATURDAY JULY 16TH Pick up day for entries in Depts. J,L,M,O,P – 10am Until 2pm Battle of The Bands @ 12 Noon – Entertainment Barn Evening Feature Band REVIS @ 8pm – Entertainment Barn Speed Horse Show @ 6pm – Justin Eli Dodd Arena DEMO DERBY II- Whiplash Racing Promotions @ 7pm – Grandstand
WWW.WILLIAMSONCOUNTYILLINOISFAIR.COM • Call 618.751.9318 or Email WILLIAMSONCOUNTYFAIR@YAHOO.COM for more info The Southern Illinoisan Friday, July 1, 2011 Page 3
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR LoCash Cowboys It was April 2008, and the LoCash Cowboys were doing what they do best — rocking a packed house. They were at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon, where the two of them — Preston Brust and Chris Lucas — had met a few years earlier. The amped-up crowd was living, screaming proof that they had put the time since then to good use. They had been criss-crossing the country, honing their craft on stages large and small, developing one of the most dynamic live shows in any genre of music. Along the way, they had sold more than 60,000 copies of their homemade CD, earned endorsements from the likes of Budweiser, shared bills with artists including Charlie Daniels and ZZ Top, performed at halftime of NBA and U.S. Olympic team basketball games, and earned television appearances ranging from Tanya Tucker’s reality show “Tuckerville” to “Pageant School: Becoming Miss America,” writing the theme songs for both. They had also attracted their share of support from those in the industry who recognized just how much of the total package they had — great vocals, world-class dance moves, a unique look and charisma to burn, as well as a wealth of experience and a work ethic that impressed everyone who dealt with them. On that warm spring night, the final piece of the puzzle would fall into place. Jeffrey Steele, one of Nashville’s biggest names in songwriting (“The Cowboy In Me,” “What Hurts The Most,” “My Town”) and producing (Montgomery Gentry, Keith Anderson) was working his way through the crowd. Steele had caught the LoCash vision, and he signed on as songwriting partner and producer. After building and gathering strength for years, earning a growing legion of fans inside and outside the industry, the LoCash Cowboys saw their momentum become a perfect storm. “We had a few great songs already,” adds Preston, “but writing 40 songs with Jeffrey
DETAILS
ENTERTAINMENT
8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9 $12 advance / $15 at the door
amounted to honing the vision, defining who and what we are. We knew the whole time that this wasn’t just going to be 11 or 12 songs on a record. We knew it would be the debut of what the world will know as LoCash.” That debut was called “This Is How We Do It.” The Cowboys’ signing by Stroudavarious Records brought together two of the most important elements of the LoCash story — their ability to capture fans with their live performances, and their heart for humanitarian work, especially with young people. Their subsequent breakthrough is fitting testament to the talent, persistence and hard work that has been evident in Chris and Preston since their earliest years. Their live show did the heavy lifting, with their over-the-top energy winning fans in city after city. “We became known for just going out and having a good time,” says Chris. “We read each audience. We don’t really have a set list. We just go out and make it fun.” The list of bills they have shared continues to grow — Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, REO Speedwagon, Tom Petty, Gretchen Wilson and many others. They toured the country headlining Maxim’s Red Man Roadhouse Tour. Their TV appearances have been as varied, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s “SlamiVersary,” where they performed before 10,000 screaming fans at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, to Fox News Network’s New Year’s Eve Broadcast before 2 million in Times Square. “We’re like stage Marines,” laughs Preston. “We walk out, take one look at the audience and attack. We never let up, whether it’s a 30-minute appearance or a four-hour show. The energy stays at a peak the entire time.”
Page 4 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
LoCash Cowboys will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9.
Jared Thomas & the Vagabonds From the very first note you hear you can tell that Jared Thomas & the Vagabonds have managed to intertwine honest, personal lyrics with heart-felt soul, haunting blues riffs, and a bit of hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll to create a brand of music that is unique and satisfying. These guys will hit you deep in your soul and rock you to your core. The band is lead by Jared Thomas on lead guitar and vocals, with Gary Windham on bass, and Ryan Ingram on drums and backing vocals. Collectively these guys have multiple years of experience on stages across the country. Years after first meeting, the guys decided they needed to join together and become Vagabonds. The powerful musicianship and ability to take the reins of vocal responsibility, makes this band a virtual trifecta on stage. Recently the band has been busy honing their craft on stages across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. In the summer they are embarking on their first trip to Illinois with a stop in Memphis along the way. They are on track to successfully play more than 200 shows this year. The guys have been beyond blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with such greats as Brandon Jenkins, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, Josh Weathers & The True Endeavors, Rodney
DETAILS Opening for LoCash Cowboys 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9 $12 advance / $15 at the door
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
Jared Thomas & the Vagabonds will open for LoCash Cowboys on Saturday, July 9.
Parker & The 50 Peso Reward, among many others. The group is embarking on their debut EP titled, “Two Dollar Cigar” which will be available early summer. This album will contain five hard hitting original songs that are guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Jared Thomas & the Vagabonds are eager to share their eclectic blend of blues and rock. — Provided by the Williamson County Fair Board
Justin Moore “It’s a dirt road, a fishing pole, a cold beer sittin’ on a tailgate, an old church, a kind word, it’s where I was born and raised, Heaven ain’t that far away.” The lyrics from Justin’s self-penned song “Heaven Ain’t That Far Away” typify his philosophy on life. In music and in life, Justin embodies the soul and character of a kid from a small town. He was born and raised in Poyen, Ark., population 272. The town has no streetlights or street names. His grandfather “Paw” Charles gave each one of his children 15 acres of land to build their homes on and to raise their families in, and that’s exactly what they all did. Paw and grandma Faynette (Maw) raised cattle on their farm and from a young age Justin would help with the chores. He’d bush-hog the land and feed the cows and learn about hard work. His other grandparents, Tom and Becky (PaPa and Nanny), live a mile down the road in Poyen. PaPa took Justin out to his first deer stand before he was 1. He taught him how to hunt and fish, and they haven’t missed a season since. Justin’s parents, Tommy Ray and Charlene, recognized at an early age Justin’s ability to remember songs and to sing them. Tommy Ray has a recording of a 2-year-old Justin singing the George Strait song “Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye.” Soon Justin was singing gospel songs at church. He won the talent search at Poyen High School when he was 8 years old. In high school Justin was a starter on their basketball team and helped lead the team to a 39-0 season as well as win the state championship. He was an allregion catcher on the baseball team and received multiple scholarship offers for both sports and academics; however, Justin took a bold leap and moved to Nashville in
DETAILS 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 $15 advance / $20 at the door
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
Justin Moore will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13.
October 2002 — just a few months after graduating from high school. Justin’s first “big gig” was New Years Eve 2001 at The Music Mountain Jamboree in Hot Springs, Ark., where he performed four songs with the house band and got a standing ovation. “That was pretty exciting,” says Justin. “I had never been in front of 500 people before so I was a little nervous until I got going, but then I just loved it. I really wished I could have done a few more, but it put the fire in me to go after this as a career.” In March 2005 Justin returned to his hometown for a sell-out concert with his own band. The enthusiastic crowd of over 700 went wild when it heard Justin’s new material. “It’s a lot of fun playing in the clubs around Nashville, like The Wildhorse, The Bluebird, The Stage, The French Quarter and all of the others, but nothing beats going home to play for family and friends and all the people who are supporting me in my journey,” Justin said. — Provided by the Williamson County Fair Board
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR The Brat Pack Ask yourself one question: “What decade do I wish had never ended?” Alright, two: “What band relives that delightful time so convincingly that I can escape into it weekend after weekend and gaze at their poster Monday through Thursday just to keep the magic alive?” For a totally tubular, upbeat show your guests will never forget, for entertainment with a capital “wow,” you have no choice but to call the Brat Pack. Whatever the event, your crowd will be dancing on the ceiling, singing along in colorful headgear — which is provided! — and tipping the bartenders all night long. Since 1996, the Brat Pack has been rocking clubs, parties, weddings and even themselves. They play only the songs people love, hours and hours of the crazy, wild, party music that conjures up big hair, padded shoulders, Mister T and Care Bears. Fronted by the fabulously acid-washed Tommy Tubular, the ensemble delivers the smash hits audiences hope for when they cry “I want my MTV!” No slugs themselves, Tommy’s wacky sidekicks keep him on his toes and the gals up front blushing. A top-flight crew
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
The Brat Pack will play the songs people love at 8 p.m. Friday, July 15.
DETAILS 8 p.m. Friday, July 15 $10 at the door
mans the supercharged 1.21 gigawatt sound system and ’80s light show to make the action larger than life. So, hop into the DeLorean and hold onto your parachute pants, there’s not a dull moment in their set. As thousands of fans can attest, a Brat Pack show is more than a performance, it’s a party. To psych up the audiences,
this group will stop at nothing; they have costumes, ’80s fashion, choreography (good and terrible), props, bits from movies, and an unbreakable will. Never again will you wonder, “Where’s the beef?” just “How soon can I get them here?” No matter how long the drive (the Brat Pack loves to drive), when they pull up to the curb, say your prayers and eat your vitamins — you’re going to need Punky Power to survive a night of Brat Pack’s high-energy hijinks. — Provided by the Williamson County Fair Board
SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JULY 9 5K Run-Registration 7 a.m. / 5K Run 8 a.m. Williamson County Fair Car Show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Truck Mud Bog, 2 p.m., $10 per person, east side of grounds Entertainment Barn opens at 5 p.m. LoCash Cowboys in concert, 8:30 p.m., $12 advanced / $15 at the door SUNDAY, JULY 10 Dairy cattle on grounds by noon Little Miss and Mr. Williamson County Fair Pageants, Marion Civic Center, 1:30 p.m.; admission at the door Gaited and Pleasure Horse Show, 4 p.m. Community worship service, Grandstand, 7 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 11 Carnival opens, 5 p.m. Family Night, free parking 4-H project judging, 1 p.m., display until 7 p.m., Hanna Building Miss Williamson County Fair Scholarship and Princess Pageant, 7 p.m., Marion Civic Center; admission at the door Motocross racing, 7 p.m., Grandstand, $10 general admission, $12 box seat, $15 pit pass Entertainment Barn Teen Night with Radio Active Society 7 p.m.
SEE SCHEDULE / PAGE 7
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, July 1, 2011 Page 5
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR Revis Revis is an American post-grunge band from Carbondale. Members Justin Holman, Robert Davis and David Piribauer released one major album, “Places for Breathing,” in 2003 before disbanding in 2005. The band reuinted five years later and is gaining momentum. Revis signed with Epic Records to start work on their first album at NRG Recording in North Hollywood, DETAILS Calif. Some of 8 p.m. Saturday, July 16 their demo $15 at the door songs ended up on the debut album; others were written during NRG’s recording session. The end result was the debut album, released in May 2003. After touring with popular groups like Linkin Park, Pearl Jam, Evanescence and Fuel, Revis scored two rock radio hits, “Caught in the Rain,” which was featured in the movie “Daredevil,” and “Seven.” Their album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, selling 10,000 copies in its opening week and peaked at 115 on the Billboard Top 200.
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
Revis, a post-grunge band from Carbondale, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 16.
Despite the band’s rising popularity, Revis individually went in different directions and would ultimately be dropped from Epic Records. In response to fan enthusiasm, Revis reunited and began writing and recording material in late 2010. The band is currently working at NRG and will continue to release new songs in support of their upcoming tour. They have been getting radio play in several markets in the Midwest, and their sophomore effort, “Do We Have to Beg” was scheduled for release in May.
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Page 6 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
Christian rock bands Awaken and City Serenade will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.
Buy Locally!
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE FROM PAGE 5
Why go anywhere else?
TUESDAY, JULY 12 Carnival opens at 5 p.m. Demo Derby I, 7 p.m., Grandstand, $10 general admission, $12 box seat, $15 pit pass Entertainment Barn opens at 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 4-H small animal show, 9 a.m., sheep barn Beef Cattle on grounds by noon Carnival opens at 5 p.m. Tractor Pull, 7 p.m., Grandstand, $10 general admission, $12 box seat, $15 pit pass Entertainment Barn featuring Justin Moore, 8 p.m., $15 advance, $20 at the door THURSDAY, JULY 14 Harness Racing, noon, Grandstand, free Carnival opens at 5 p.m. Christian Rock Concert with Awaken and City Serenade, Grandstand, 7 p.m., $5 general admission, $7 box seat Entertainment Barn Karaoke with Fast Eddie’s Karaoke Show; contest FRIDAY, JULY 15 4-H Horse Show, Justin Eli Dodd Arena, 10 a.m.
PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Horses make their way down the stretch during the 2010 Williamson County Fair. Harness racing, noon, Grandstand, free Carnival opens at 5 p.m. Beauties and The Beasts, 7 p.m., Grandstand, barrel racing and bull riding, $10 general admission, $12 box seat, $15 pit pass Entertainment Barn, The Brat Pack, 8 p.m.; $10 at the door
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SATURDAY, JULY 16 Entertainment Barn, Battle of the Bands, noon Speed Horse Show, 6 p.m., free, Justin Eli Dodd Arena Demo Derby II, 7 p.m., Grandstand, $10 general admission, $12 box seat, $15 pit pass Entertainment Barn featuring Revis, 8 p.m., $15
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Page 8 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR
QUEEN CANDIDATES Seven to vie for crown in Williamson County Fair Scholarship Pageant BY MARY THOMAS LAYTON THE SOUTHERN
Seven young ladies will compete for a $500 scholarship in the Williamson County Fair Scholarship Pageant at 7:30 p.m. July 11 in Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The reigning queen is Emily Travis of Belknap, who was the second runner-up at the Illinois State Fair Pageant in Springfield. “That’s a big deal. She did extremely well there,” said Karen Sala, coordinator of the county pageant. “In my nine years here, I’ve had a state fair queen. And, almost every year, our girls place,” Sala said. The state winner was Sherrie Smith of Rosiclare. She won the county pageant in 2004 and the state title in 2005. This year’s contestants include Mycah Hudson, daughter of Mike and Jory Hudson of Herrin; Kaitlyn Abell, daughter of Scott and Barb Abell of Carterville; Caitlin Rentfro, daughter of Jeff and Trudy Rentfro of Marion; Chelsea Reardon, daughter of Larry and Becky Reardon of Murphysboro; Olivia Lind, daughter of Bart and Amy Lind of Carterville; Chelsye Vincent, daughter of Neil and Cindy Vincent of Marion; and Arika Murray, daughter of Mike and Kim Murray of Johnston City. “I have worked with
Abell
Rentfro
Hudson
Lind
Murray
It is open to girls from newborn to 15 years old and boys from newborn to 5 years old. There are seven age categories for girls and four age categories for boys. Applications will be
taken at the door from noon to 1:15 p.m. that day. The entry fee is $30. A photogenic winner will be named in all age divisions of the children’s pageant. Cost to compete in the photogenic
Reardon competition is $10 for a total of $40. For more information, call Sala at 618-9426264. mary.layton@thesouthern.com 618-351-5071
Vincent
PRINCESS CANDIDATES
Mayfield
Phillips
pageants for over 40 years, now mostly as an interview coach,” Sala said. “The critical part of most pageants is the interview.” She said that girls who participate in pageants learn interview skills. The princess pageant, a non-competitive event,
will take place during the scholarship pageant. All of the girls will receive a participation trophy and a crown. In addition to the scholarship and princess pageants, a children’s pageant will be at 1:30 p.m. July 10 in Marion Cultural and Civic Center.
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, July 1, 2011 Page 9
FB McAfoos & Co. 13998 St. Hwy. 34 E. Benton, IL 62812 (618) 438-4721 Page 10 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
STORE HOURS: APRIL thru AUGUST Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-6:00 pm Sat. 8:00 am-1:00 pm
SEPTEMBER thru MARCH Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm Sat. 8:00 am-12 Noon
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR
PROVIDED / WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCEITY
These photos, provided by the Williamson County Historical Society, show the fair in years gone by. They are (clockwise from above left) a parade passing by the grandstand in the mid-1940s, a part of a circus set up in the infield in 1900, an aerial view of the racetrack and a woman in the doorway of a cabin during the county centennial celebration in 1939.
From the past Fair showcased the intermingling of farm, field, garden and home The Williamson County Fair has an illustrious history dating to 1856, when a group of county residents joined to form the event to showcase the intermingling of farm, field, garden and home. With a donation of 10 acres east of downtown Marion, the fair became a reality in 1857. The annual fair got quite a boost in 1910, when Theodore Roosevelt visited Marion during his presidential campaign and entertained 10,000
HISTORY people in the fair’s infield. Roosevelt told those in attendance that the Williamson County Fairgrounds surpassed any such fairgrounds in his home state of New York. Other luminaries who have visited the fair include Gen. John A.
Logan, Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, LeRoy A. Godard, William Jennings Bryan, Sen. Alben Barkley and Secretary of War Harry Woodring. In 1915, the St. Louis Republic newspaper covered the fair for a special feature edition. More than 40,000 people attended the event.
The Southern Illinoisan Friday, July 1, 2011 Page 11
P E P S I M I DA M E R I C A Proud to call Southern Illinois home for over years Our first automated bottling machine above the chicken hatchery. Previously, the bottling had been done by hand.
Marion Pepsi started as the Marion Hatchery & Poultry Co, selling Red Rooster drinks.
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1-800-827-7020 www.pepsimidamerica.com Page 12 Friday, July 1, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan