Fun at the Western Illinois Fair

CONLEY CHANEY-FITZJARALD, age 4, of Mt. Sterling enjoys a corndog with his father, Phil Fitzjarald. Food was plentiful around the fairgrounds, with every type of food imaginable. Conley is a son of Erin Sinnett and Phil Fitzjarald.

WAIMAN SIBLINGS Journee (l), age 9, Hattie (middle), age 2, and Emmett (r), age 5, roar down the “Fun Slide” with their father, Donovan (back). A popular attraction at nearly every local fair or festival, the giant held onto its reputation. Journee, Hattie, and Emmett are children of Danielle and Donovan Waiman, of Payson.

HUDSON MOWEN (front), age 3, and Jolene Pearson (back), age 3, prepare for their ride on the train. Miniature trains meant for the young kids crowd at local fairs draw a crowd. The Western Illinois Fair had two train rides present with a constant flow of children riding both. Hudson is a son of Rebekah Mowen of Pleasant Hill. Jolene is a daughter of Lisa Pearson of Griggsville.

JACK BRYSON (l) and Ethan Koch (r) prepare for a collision during the stock mower class at the fair’s demolition derby. The class consisted of two drivers, though they arguably put on the top show of the night. They spent their time on the track, dead middle, allowing the crowd to get a great view. Following the derby, Bryson said, “We hope we put on a good enough show to be asked back, I believe after last night the locals thought it was fun and interesting.” Bryson finished first in the contest, also receiving the Mad Dog award. Koch came in second.

KENNY MANSON (l), Corey Suhre (middle), and Clayton Fernandes (right) converge in the middle of the track during the June 22 Bus Demolition Derby. The competition concluded with Manson and Fernandes as the only two drivers able to move. However, it wasn’t long before Fernandes found himself stuck, having popped both front driver tires. Manson driving the Rumors “Have It” Bus, ended up with the first-place finish. The event was fast paced, involving tons of big hits and multiple popped tires.

BRYAN BROWN (l) and Jack Ehlert (r) put on a show for the crowd in the final event of the night at the Western Illinois Fair Bus Demolition Derby. Ehlert and his bus, Backyard Boiler, have been a fixture at the fair for many years, often playing the role of crowd favorite. Buses kept the crowd engaged, in what could be described as a high energy event.