Sleeping in the Barn

When all of the other fair attendees leave the fairgrounds there are some 4-Her's with livestock who stay to make sure they are properly taken care of and to keep other horses safe. Some stay in trailers, both others will sleep in the livestock barns. Ellie and Sarah Korthals have been showing horses for four years, Ellie has been staying overnight for three years while Sarah has been doing it all four.

"When you spend the night, you get to be with your horse to make sure nothing happens to them at night," says Ellie.
An example of something that could happen to the horses happened last year, a horse hit the gate and almost fell over horses could also get scarred of the halter and get scarred.
"If horses were to act up and no one was here, it would be pretty chaotic," says Ellie "most of the horses behave."
When nighttime comes around and the fairgrounds close for the night, the barn doors are locked and it gets really quite
"The only thing you can hear are the horses and the cars going by," says Ellie.

 It's also more convenient for Sarah and Ellie to stay over night because competitors wake up early to get their horses ready for competition and they would have to wake up even earlier to get to the fairgrounds. Ellie and Sarah's mom also stays at the fairgrounds in a trailer.

Their favorite part about staying at the fairground is it is considered a big sleepover and getting to be with your friends and horse. It's tough for them to decide on a least favorite part, but Sarah said it is getting to go to bed early when everyone is excited about competing the next day.

But staying overnight isn't always a fun experience. Adam Dynes,who shows both cattle and goats, stayed the night in the livestock barns for the first time last week at another fair when a really bad storm hit at four in the morning and the tornado sirens went off. Adam and the other competitors that were staying had to run for cover, but the storm passed and no one was hurt. He will even stay in the barns for three days at this years state fair. He's looking forward to it, but says it will probably get old by the time day three has come around. 

But overall everyone seems to enjoy the experience staying overnight at the fairgrounds.

"I enjoy it because your with your friends," says Ellie "Your already home for the rest of the year."

Be sure to catch the rest of the livestock shows, which will conclude tomorrow. 

Meet BLEND

From Left: Johnathan Estes, Adrian Fox, Aaron Chamness
and Nik Berry consist of BLEND. This is their second time
to the Henry County Fair

Nine years ago at John A Logan Community College in Southern Illinois, a talent competition was being held. The curriculum in the competition was to put together four people and songs from the 1950's in acappella. The band that won really didn't have a name but went by the name "The Do Oppers."  A former member of the group later decided on the name BLEND because all of how the members bring their voices together to create acappella music. The group consists of Aaron Chamness on tenor, Nik Berry on bass, Johnathan Estes on lead and Adrian Fox on baritone. Johnathan has been with BLEND for nine years, and is the only original member while Aaron has been with the group for four years, both Adrian and Nik have been with BLEND for a year.

BLEND sings acappella from original songs from both the 1950's and 1960's this is their second time at the Henry County Fair. Their favorite part of preforming is something all of the members agree on:

"Putting a smile on people's faces and making people happy" says Aaron.

Outside of preforming in multiple cities across Illinois and throughout the Midwest, Johnathan, Aaron, Adrian and Nik are just normal guys. Johnathan is a 4th grade teacher, Aaron works part-time at a local gas station, and Adrian and Nik work at a local restaurant in their hometown. They don't get asked to sing very much, except for Johnathan

"I have sang some spelling words for my 4th grade class" he says. 

You can catch BLEND for their final performances in the MEC tent tonight at 5 pm and 8 pm.        

Pageant Dance

Here are the dances that the Miss, Jr Miss and Little Miss did yesterday

Miss and Jr. Miss dance

Little Miss dance

Meet Gabe

Gabe Wand with his horse Powerful Madison
will compete in today's Harness Racing event 

Gabe Wand of Platteville, WI first got interested in harness racing when he was young.
"My dad has done it for 40+ years, I was born and raised right into it" he says.
He drove in his first race in a matinee at age 13, this week at the Henry County Fair will mark 20 years since that has happened. Like any racer, his favorite part about racing is winning, but he also likes training young horses and teaching them how to be a race horse. Training a horse for harness racing isn't easy, every horse is different and has a different, but intense, training program that could range from sprints to long distance training.
"It's a conditioning program, you train them like athletes" says Gabe.

Besides harness racing, Gabe is also the President of Wisconsin Harness Race Association and on the Board of Directors for the United States Trotting Association. His duties mostly include overseeing the organization but some of his other duties include contracting individual county fairs, provide guidance on how to run an effective race program, and to help create a marketing program to get people excited for and attend the harness racing events.

But today Gabe is just another racer. It is his first time at the Henry County Fair, along with his horse, Powerful Madison, who will race in the 9th of 11 races in her first race since last October. Gabe says she may be feeling a little "short," meaning she is in shape, but not as in shape as the other horses she is competing against, but she is ready for competition.
The harness racing will take place at noon today in the grandstand with Twitter providing live updates throughout the races.

Meet Darren

Darren with his car that he will compete in the
2014 Henry County Fair

The demolition derby is a family tradition in the Hutchinson household. Darren's father, Darrell, participated in the demo derby for 18 years. This fueled Darren's interest to one day participate in the derby and when his father stopped competing, Darren then took the wheel and has been participating for 19 years in the demo derby. Darren has won a few demo derby's at multiple fair in the year's he has participated.  

"When I was young my dad did it back in the day and I've always enjoyed it" says Darren. 

Safety has changed in the last 25 years of the demolition derby but also the availability of the cars. "The cars aren't as available as they used to be, there hard to find" says Darren.

Another big component of the demo derby that has changed is the number of competitors. Darren mentioned that when Darrell competed there used to be 100+ cars in a class that would come to the  Henry County Fair. Now if the demolition derby gets 20 in a class it's a pretty decent turn out. 

What makes the Henry County Fair special for Darren is that "hometown feeling." 

Darren will compete in the Open Wire Class at this
year's Henry County Fair

"It's a fun time of the year. My parents took me when I was really little and it's always something I look forward too" says Darren, "I always like doing the demo derby to support the hometown fair."

Darren will compete in the Open Wire Class this Saturday, his father will be in the stands cheering him on.

"He enjoys it, every year he comes to watch the derby" says Darren.

Twitter

Follow @henrycofair for live updates of the Open Barrow Show

Meet Ben

Ben Martens with one of his
cars for the Demo Derby

Ben Martens of Orion started helping his neighbor build cars when he was 14, this triggered his interest to take up the Demolition Derby. For the last four years he has been participating in the demo derby at the Henry County Fair, but unfortunately he hasn't won yet.

His favorite part is the adrenaline rush on competition day, "It's a blast going out on the track and hitting people just for fun and not having to worry about what you break."

He also mentioned that it is fun building the cars because it gives him and his friends an opportunity to hang out.
Building the car it takes a lot of time. After obtaining a car, all of the interior must be taken out and the car can be built after that. There are also certain rules and regulations that dictate how strong the car can be.

Ben Martens competes
in the Demo Derby

On competition day Ben is normally seen finishing up his car and in the early afternoon he will try to get it to the fair so it can be inspected. "That way I have a chance to relax and calm my nerves before the derby starts" he says.
His favorite memory is from the 2011 Henry County Demo Derby when him and his friends bought a car the night before and built it in less than 24 hours, his friend ended up winning the derby with that car. He hopes to one day share that same fate of winning the Henry County Fair Demo Derby.

Ben believes that the Henry County Fair is special because it's his "hometown" county and where great memories can be shared with good friends. Be sure to catch Ben competing in the Demo Derby on June 28th at 6:30 at the grandstand!

Friday Night Video Contest

You could win Eric Paslay tickets as well as meet and greet passes and a T-Shirt if you enter in the Henry County Fair's "Friday Night" Video Contest! The rules are simple, upload a 30 second video of how you do your "Friday Night" to the Henry County Fair Facebook page by June 20th (this Friday!). Judging criteria will be on Originality, Content, Use of Eric Paslay's Song "Friday Night,' Length, and Participant Interaction. The winner will be announced on June 21st, more rules are listed on the fair website. Good luck!!!! 

Meet Jill

Jill Darin has been showing her canning at the Henry County Fair
for seven years

Jill Darin of Geneseo enjoys practicing what some people call a lost art. "In some respects canning is a lost art. People are so busy that they find it difficult to find the time. But, I also know that more people having taken up canning or are willing to try it in the last few years." When she first got married, she wanted a garden and after her first year of gardening wanted to save some of her produce, so she gave canning a try. Even though she has won many awards at multiple fairs including sweepstakes and judges choice, her first time canning didn't go so well. "I wasn't too successful back then with making pickles, but canning whole tomatoes was a breeze and gave me confidence to keep trying."

She has been showing at the Henry County Fair for seven years winning in many different classes and divisions such as baking, fresh produce, amateur photography, antiques and collections and crocheted items. "Other than canning I LOVE to enter the pie category" she says. Her least favorite canning item is peaches because it is very time consuming to get all of the skins slipped off of them. The hardest thing to can is any recipe that involves habaneros, "I clean out the house when I do it" says Jill. Her favorite thing to can? Tomato soup. "It makes a cold winter's day enjoyable having a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of homemade tomato soup" she says.
Jill believes there are many benefits to canning because she knows what is and isn't in her food and can tailor to fit her family's tastes and canning is so much healthier as well as economical.

Jill's canning has won multiple awards
 including the Sweepstakes and Judges Choice Award 

Jill also points out that one common myth about canning is that canning is dangerous, adding that they thought of the can "exploding" scares people. But she also mentioned that news pressure canners have safety features on them to help prevent any dangerous situations.

What Jill enjoys most about the Henry County Fair is looking at the 4-H and Art Hall exhibits, saying it is wonderful to see everyone's hard work and when asked about the new classes at the HCF she mentioned that they haven't changed too much but maybe just got "a little more defined."

Be sure to check out Jill's canning and other exhibits over in the Art Hall throughout fairweek!

Guest Post-Katie Miller

Katie Miller of Cambridge has written a guest post about her experience showing cattle:

Katie Miller will show three heifers and a cow/calf pair
at this years Henry County Fair

Cattle have always interested me and have become my 

passion. My grandparents have a herd of commercial cows. They were my inspiration for becoming involved in the beef industry. My grandparents help me with my cattle and teach me many valuable lessons needed in order to raise my cattle. They helped me start my showing career by purchasing me my first bucket calf, Pandi, for 4-H. I had a great experience with Pandi that I decided I would continue showing bucket calves and someday steers and heifers. I have shown steers and heifers for 4 years now and enjoy every minute of it! We go to shows across Illinois. This year I have 3 heifers and a cow/calf pair to show.

Being involved in the beef industry has given me many opportunities. I served as a Henry County Beef Ambassador and worked to promote our county association and the industry. I also will be attending the IBA EDGE conference which will teach me how to advocate for the industry and ways to be more involved.

I have been busy preparing for the fair for months! I have walked and washed my calves many times to prepare them for the shows. It is a lot of work, but I truly enjoy every minute of it!

Harness Racing

If you like seeing horses run in circles really fast, the harness racing takes place on Wednesday June 25th at 1 p.m. in the grandstand. The classes that will race will be Trot- 2 yr, Trot- 3 yr, Pace- 2 yr and Pace- 3 yr. There will not be a rain date. Harness racing has a big history at the fair. When looking at Frances Johnston's scrapbooks there were numerous articles about harness racing and it was the main form of entertainment before World War II and also the earliest. During the first fair local farmers brought their horses and would race them. I always catch a glimpse of the practice runs and if I'm lucky sometimes the races. Of course we've all seen horse racing on TV, but I am amazed at the speed of the horses and it is more thrilling in person. This is a great event for the family.
If you are interested in entering, the entry fee is $100 and the maintenance fee is $20. Wood shavings are only to be used instead of straw and entries will be accepted between 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. 72 hours before the race. The stalls will be available on a first come first serve basis and have to be cleaned before leaving the fairgrounds.

Transportation to the Fair

If you need a ride to the Henry County Fair,  Henry County Public Transportation can get you there. HCPT is operated in Kewanee, IL and serves Henry, Stark, and western Bureau Counties. They operate seven 14 passenger vans, one 10 passenger van and three 5 passenger minivans that all have wheelchair lifts and are handicapped accessible.

According to their brochure, they provide rides by appointment only and must schedule at least 24 hours in advance. The rates that are: $1 per trip traveling within the same city limits in Henry, Stark, or western Bureau Counties, $2 per trip traveling outside of city limits beginning and ending within Henry, Stark, or western Bureau Counties and $5 per trip traveling outside of Henry, Stark, or western Bureau Counties, this one also includes $1 per transfer after the first trip within city limits.

You must also pay prior to service and provide the exact dollar amount. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Monday - Friday with nights and weekends available based on driver availability. The phone number is 309-854-RIDE (7433) rides can not be scheduling through the answering machine.

HCF Carnival Information

New this year new at the Henry County Fair a Mega Pass can be bought for $45 per person for unlimited rides all week long. The prices of armbands per person changes on certain dates throughout the week the prices are listed as following:

Tuesday 6-10 p.m. $15

Wednesday 6-10 p.m. $15

Thursday 1-5 and 6-10 p.m. $15

Friday 6-11 p.m. $20

Saturday 1-5 and 6-11 p.m. $20

Sunday 1-5 p.m. $15 

Individual tickets can also be bought, this year the rides and attractions will be provided by by Wilson Family Shows. Some of my favorite memories from the fair come from riding as many carnival rides as I could handle so let me ask to whoever is reading this how many can you handle? 

Meet Chelsea

Chelsea Vyncke competes in the ridden trail pattern
during the 2013 Equestrian Ambassador Contest

Chelsea Vyncke of Orion was crowned runner-up in 2012 for the Henry County Equestrian Ambassador contest, she ran again in 2013 and received the title of Henry County Equestrian Ambassador. "I have had a wonderful year of visiting with many people, attending equestrian-related functions, meeting new friends, and educating people about horses, as well as my title" she says of her experience. She first started showing horses in fun shows but in 2009 started showing horses for 4-H and has loved it ever since.

The preparation begins with practices scheduled in April with contestants riding their horses for an hour and then work on the halter. The preparation continues up until fair week, "the week before the show, I clean up my tack and get everything ready I will need for my horse and myself, the day before the show is spent tying up loose ends to prepare for the show, such as packing the trailer and bathing my horse." Her favorite part about showing horses is the friendships she has gained. "I have gained many life-long friends through 4-H and horse showing. I enjoy going to shows and competing against people I know, it makes the shows more fun" she says.

A typical day for Chelsea last year as an ambassador would start about mid-morning, with the exception of the horse show. She spent fair week preparing for and competing in the Equestrian Ambassador contest, attending the harness races, talent show and other grandstand events. Her 4-H club also worked the food stand and helping other 4-H competitors get their horse settled in the horse barn, and helping with the speed horse show and handing out awards during the 4-H fun show.

Chelsea Vyncke (left) with Miss Rodeo 2013 Cassandra Spivey,
at her send off party for Miss Rodeo America

One of her favorite memories is when she helped Miss Rodeo Illinois, Cassandra Spivey, with her coronation and send-off party for Miss Rodeo America. She has had the opportunity to meet famous horsemen such as Sharon Camarillo and Al Dunning and also meet famous trainers such as Chris Cox.
To Chelsea the Henry County Fair is special because of that "home town" feeling. "I've met many of my friends through the fair, and I know I have gained many life-long friends. It's a great fair with something for everyone."

Motors

There will be tons of "motor" events at the Henry County Fair to enjoy. Featured again this year is a tractor pull, truck pull, demo derby and flat track motorcycle racing, all of these events taking place in the grandstand.

As stated in my previous posts if a canned good item is brought on June 29th it is free admission in the grandstand for that day for the Flat Motorcycle Races. Practice starts at 9 a.m. with race time starting at 1:30 p.m.

The demolition derby will take place on Saturday June 28th at 6:30 p.m. and will feature classes such as 80 and Newer Wire, Open Wire and Weld Class. Pit passes are $20.00 per person. There will also be a bus demolition, which is always my favorite part of the whole derby. The car entry fee is $40.00 per car

The truck pull will be Wednesday, June 25th at 7 p.m. with 6500 Alt 4x4, Open Stock Pickup, 6800 Gas and 8000 Diesel. The tractor pull will be the next day also at 6:30 p.m. with pit passes also at $10.00 per person. The entry fee for the  truck pull is $20.00 per hook and the tractor pull is $20.00 which also includes one pit pass per tractor.

The excitement of the crowd combined with the roar of the motors makes for a great time of cars crashing into each other, tractors and truck pulling heavy weights for distance and motorcycles racing around in circles going as fast as they can. These are MUST SEE events.

Deadlines

Deadlines for the Henry County Fair for June 9th at 5 p.m. include the Pit Master Cook-Off, Cutest Baby Contest, Talent Show, and all Art and Livestock Departments. Entry forms are available online or in hard copy in the fairbook, be sure to mail or drop them off to the fair office 311 East North ST, Cambridge, IL PO Box 105 61238. The gate fun pass will increase to $25 after June 9th so get them soon! 315