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.        

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.

Free Midway Entertainment

There is great free entertainment on the midway! Both kids and the young at heart will adore the fast paced, slapstick comedy show of Granpa Cratchet. There is tons of audience participation and lots of hugs for the kids after the show in Granpa Cratchet's "puppetmobile."

Granpa Cratchet has toured all over North America and has appeared on CBS, NBC, FOX and numerous radio shows. He will appear all week and the exact performance times will be available shortly. Check out this video below of Granpa Cratchet interacting with an audience member!  

Another must see show is Southern Illinois Premiere Acappella group BLEND. It is back by popular demand June 24th, 25th and 26th at 8 p.m. in the MEC Tent singing music from the 50's and 60's with "a twist of fun." These guys are unbelievable. Be sure not to miss this show!