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 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."

Family Fun on a Budget

It's not expensive to attend the Henry County Fair. There are plenty of budget friendly activities to do at this years Henry County Fair, most are free or low cost. Of course all the livestock shows and art hall exhibits are also free and Granpa Cratchet will perform teaching "Safety First" several times every day on the midway.

On Tuesday at 6 p.m. watch the Equestrian Ambassadors Contest held in the Horse arena and then catch the BLEND at 5 p.m. in the MEC Tent.
Wednesday has MIJA Hunter/Jumper Show at 8:30 a.m., Harness Racing at 1 p.m., the Talent Show at 5 p.m. and the BLEND at 8 p.m.
Thursday at 4 p.m. for a 25 cent entry fee you can enter the sunflower seed spitting contest then see the BLEND perform at 8 p.m.
Friday the 4-H Horse show will be at 9 a.m. in the Horse Arena.
Saturday is $1 entry fee for the bags tournament at 11 a.m. and also for the same entry fee is the kids and adult tractor pull at 1 p.m.
Sunday see the motorcycle race, the only entry fee to get into the grandstand that day is a canned good.

All this for a gate admission of $5.00 per person each day. Children ages 8 and under are always free. The thriftiest way to enjoy the fair is by purchasing a week's gate admissions fun pass for $22.00 if purchased before June 9th. Seniors 65 and older can purchase a fun pass for $15.00. These can all be purchased at the fair office by calling 309-937-3391 and at all Bank Orion locations.