From the time volunteers arrived until the last minute when they were packing up, the Monticello Day at the Illinois State Fair had passersby interested in what was going on.  Maybe it was the large cattle trough full of ice-chilled “Monticello water” bottles.  Perhaps it was the ongoing entertainment at the stage next door.  Or could it have been Andy the Ambulance reminding fairgoers about bicycle safety, and showing them the “brain” on display in the tent.

Representatives from Monticello Model Masters/Eli Field, Monticello Chamber and Tourism, Viobin, Monticello Schools, Monticello Rotary and Kiwanis, Piatt County Museum, Monticello Railway Museum, Allerton Park, Monticello Area Arts Council, Monticello Main Street, Piatt County Farm Bureau, Piatt County Journal-Republican, Kirby Hospital and the City of Monticello were on display in the tent.  Monticello water was passed out for free to thirsty fairgoers, and visitors had the opportunity to register to win one of 4 weekend packages in Monticello. 

A crowd looks on as the MHS Madrigals perform

The neighboring stage also kept the Hometown Pride area hopping.  High Cotton started off the entertainment, and as the group strummed out bluegrass chords, more and more people came to the area to hear them.  Tabitha Dunn performed her rendition of several country music.  The Jones Institute of Karate followed with a presentation, complete with board-breaking and a special handicap defense cane routine by Kyoshi Gary Jones.  Steven Schroeder performed several songs on the acoustic guitar, including “Stairway to Heaven,” which the audience loved.  The Monticello High School Madrigals and 4-Wheel Drive, the official barbershop quartet of Monticello Rotary, drew the biggest crowd, and listeners tried to squeeze in under a nearby tent to avoid being in the hot sun.  Splintered Cross ripped chords that shook the fairgrounds, but the crowd loved it.  Jessica Vorreyer offered a soft alternative with her vocal/acoustic guitar performance, and the King Family Strings closed out the day with their gospel bluegrass performance.

Overall, both participants and visitors felt the event was a success.  If accepted, Monticello may be back at the state fair next year!  The City of Monticello would like to thank all who visited and participated in this event, and especially to the State Fair employees for being so helpful!