Jersey County Fair returns next month
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By Connor Ashlock
The Jersey County Fair will return July 12-17 in Jerseyville, with events occurring not only during fair week but the weekend prior.
The opening event will be the annual Jersey County Fair Barbecue Competition on Saturday, July 9, beginning at 4 p.m. centered around the pavilion located in front of the grandstand. With the purchase of an armband, visitors will be able to enjoy samples.
Sunday, July 10 will feature the annual Family Christian Music Night starting at 6 p.m. underneath the pavilion in front of the grandstand. This event is free.
Livestock shows will be occurring all week, with the sheep show taking place on July 12 at 8 a.m., beef show on July 13 at 8 a.m. and swine show July 16 at 8 a.m. Anyone desiring information for other shows can refer to the fair website or social media platforms.
The annual Jersey County Farmers and Merchants Day Parade will formally open the fair on Tuesday, July 12, beginning at 6 p.m.
Following the parade, the twenty-fifth Jersey County Fair Talent Competition will take place later that evening at 8:15 p.m. Entries are still being taken to compete in that event, with the rules being located on the fair’s website under the rules and forms tab. Calhoun County young people are encouraged to participate in this event and stand the chance to earn handsome award money.
The annual Miss Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant will be held on Wednesday, July 13, beginning in the grandstand at 7 p.m.
The rodeo, which continues to grow in popularity, will be held Thursday evening, and truck and tractor pulls will follow on Friday and Saturday.
The demolition derby will close out the grandstand lineup on Sunday evening, July 17, beginning at 6 p.m. The power wheels derby will take place on the track that same night at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in attending this event are highly encouraged to arrive early, as it is known to sell out.
Ticket prices are listed in the fair book which is posted online at the fair’s website as well as on its social media platforms.
Tinsley’s Amusements will return with its carnival midway, opening Tuesday and closing Sunday night at 10 p.m. Armbands are $20 on Tuesday and Sunday and $25 Wednesday through Saturday.
Calhoun County residents are encouraged to participate in the exhibition hall, known as the Green Building, where they can display garden produce, culinary products like honey, canned and baked items, antique and hobby pieces, photography, artwork, needlework, quilting and more. Those under the age of 18 will be able to compete in the Junior Department as well as the Open Department for no additional fee. The total cost to exhibit as much as one is able is a flat $5, payable in cash or check at the fair office, located next door to the exhibition hall.
The fair book will list all information on available classes and rules.
Premium award money has been increased in the six departments housed in the Green Building as well, so exhibitors will be able to collect $10 for every blue ribbon, $9 for every red ribbon and $8 for every white ribbon.
It is important to note that peach and apple classes at the Jersey County Fair are specifically listed as “early” classes, meaning that they are judged on the standard of maturity they should be at for mid-July.