150th Jasper County Fair Opens Sunday in Newton

The 150th Jasper County Fair begins Sunday and runs through the 26th in Newton. The fair begins with shows being held in the new Larry Casey Jr. Livestock Building. The building will also house FFA and 4-H exhibits.

The building will be dedicated to Larry Casey Sunday at 4:30 p.m. in the show ring of the new building. Area residents are encouraged to attend and see the new building, which was made possible by donations from local businesses, individuals, families, 4-H alumni, and 4-H members.

The building will be dedicated in honor of Larry Casey, former University of Illinois Extension Ag Advisor in Jasper County, and Crops Educator for a wide area before retiring. Larry loved working with youth throughout his career, and after he retired, he continued to provide guidance and support through judging local 4-H shows, always encouraging area youth. He also loved the Jasper County community and worked as Chamber director and volunteered on the local tourism council as well as the Jasper County Fair Board for several years.

Fair officials said, "Larry was always looking for ways to promote the community and encourage the local youth at every opportunity. The Larry Casey Jr. Livestock Building will continue to assist in developing and encouraging area youth to always 'make the best better' ”.

Fair highlights will include harness racing at noon on Sunday and Monday; a talent contest at 6pm Sunday; a concert by the Smith Kids Jr. Music Group at 7:30pm Sunday; a Queen, Junior Miss and Little Miss Pageant at 7:30pm Monday; tractor pull action on Tuesday and Wednesday; the 4-H Auction and flat drag racing on Thursday; the Whipporwill Rodeo Friday night; and a demo derby and fireworks on Saturday night, the 26th. 

There will be a carnival from Tuesday through Saturday; plenty of judging; and a farm machinery show from 10am to 2pm on Friday.