2015 LOGAN COUNTY FAIR LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com August 2-9, 2015 page 15
As customary, the 79th Annual Logan
County Fair opened on Sunday
afternoon with recognition of all
military service veterans.
Enhancing the afternoon and
providing a greater appreciation for
those serving in our armed forces
was the performance of the 144th
Army Band, Illinois Army National
Guard. The band is stationed at Camp
Lincoln in Springfield and performs
at military and civilian events
throughout Illinois.
The Guard performed a wide selection
of great patriotic music such as,
“You’re a grand old flag.”
The Army Band was asked to join in
the all-service veteran photo.
For the second year, the 2015 Logan
County Fair that traditionally opens
on Tuesday, opened on Sunday with
harness racing. The Downstate
Classic “Pick a Winner” was
scheduled to begin 1:30 on Sunday,
Monday and Tuesday, but Sunday’s
races were delayed an hour when
a torrential rain shortly before race
time made the track too hazardous for
horses to run. Grading was conducted
until soil was more dried and firm.
In the Grandstand, audience members
were entertained by the Army Band
during the delay.
At various locations surrounding
the track, families and friend groups
could be seen partaking in an age-
old Fair tradition -- tailgating and
picnicking -- some on blankets, others
in lawn chairs, and several with their
own tents.
Heading around to the horse barns,
owners and jockeys, and other
support personnel were also enjoying
the summer and the start of “Pick a
winner.” In every race, somebody’s
going to win.
Some of the horses are from as near as
Springfield and many travel all over
the United States. A couple two-year
olds with promise were taking the
field on Sunday.
Army Band’s patriotic music and
salute to veterans opens 2015 Logan
County Fair and start of harness racing
Sunday, Aug. 2
Story and Photos by Jan Youngquist
