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2016 LOGAN COUNTY FAIR
LINCOLN DAILY NEWS July 29 - August 6, 2016 Page 5
The 4-H competitions are another popular part of the
fairs. University of Illinois Extension Advisor, John
Fulton, who is on the fair board of directors, says
4-H competitions have been part of the fair since
it began. Fulton says the number participating in
these competitions is higher than it is in many other
counties.
The 4-H competitions have long included rabbit,
poultry, beef, goat, sheep, and steer shows plus non-
visual and visual arts, flowers, and textile.
David Irwin, another fair board member, has worked
with the fair for the last twelve years. He said a family
member has been on the fair board almost since the
beginning, since his grandfather and uncle also served
as board members in years past.
Irwin said this year will be his eighth one for getting
sponsors lined up for concerts that bring in well-
known country artists. The first year of the concerts,
the fair board decided on a Thursday if they could get
$10,000 in sponsorships rounded up they would have a
concert; by Monday they had over $12,000.
Irwin said getting the concerts set up is a lot of work,
but it is a lot of fun seeing everyone enjoy the concert.
Seeing the people you do not see all the time is one of
Irwin’s favorite parts of the fair. He grew up showing
Holstein dairy cows and some of his family still shows
cows. Irwin also looks forward to watching the hog
shows.
Swine, sheep, and cattle shows have been part of
the fair since it began. As far back as 1856, an
agricultural fair with cattle shows was held on the east
side of Lincoln.
Over the years, the fair has had entertainment such as
daredevil car shows, concerts with Lawrence Welk
cast members Roy Clark, Marty Robbins, and Lee
Greenwood. The first year, a dog act provided the
entertainment.
Past fairs have also had ostrich and camel races and
elephant rides.
Amusement rides have been part of the fair since the
1950s. Ads from 1956 show the cost then was ten
cents per ride.
Memories of the fair
Several of those who grew up in Logan County and
attended many fairs shared their fond memories of the
events:
Former Lincolnite Jill Werkman says, “My favorite
memory is every year for 42 years my mom and I
would come and eat corn dogs and French fries and
then sit first row at the Demolition Derby with our
plastic tablecloth because if you can’t get covered in
mud what’s the point.”
Susan Pech Goergen, who grew up in Lincoln and
now lives in Groveland, has been to at least 20 fairs.
Goergen says, “The grandstand show was always a
big deal. Acts included country music stars, Lawrence
Welk performers, comedians and Daredevil acts. I will
always remember the wonderful trinkets and toys sold
behind the grandstand (a perfect marketing strategy). I
adored my hand painted silk parasol.”
Goergen says, “I believe it was 1962 or 63’ that they
had an amazing daredevil car show that included
driving through a ring of fire on two wheels!”
Barbara Dunn Raycraft’s dad was on the fair board at
one time. Raycraft says, “I have picture of him and
several others on an elephant [and] a clipping from the
paper naming him and other dignitaries as drivers in
ostrich and camel races!
Judy Pochel VanTieghem says she also remembers
riding an elephant at the fair in 1967.
Terri Tibbs recently moved back to the area and has
many fond memories of the fair. Tibbs’ sister, Allison,
showed cattle for many years and Tibbs once drove a
car in the Demolition Derby. Tibbs says, “Not only is
it the smells, the sounds and the excitement; it’s seeing
old friends and the nostalgia that only the Logan
County Fair can bring.”
Though the fair has undergone some changes over the
years, it is still a place for wholesome family fun and
catching up with friends.