Ford County's time to shine

MELVIN – The hard work of many is on display this week at the Ford County Fair in Melvin.

Ford County 4-H program coordinator Jen Odle was busy cleaning up the 4-H building and preparing for judging on Monday afternoon. The building is filled with projects ranging from sewing to welding during this week’s fair.

“The kids have been working hard all year round,” Odle said.

The county has over 100 4-H members with six clubs. There are also several “cloverbuds” who are between the ages of five and seven.

“We are looking forward to them coming up into the ranks and joining the clubs as well,” Odle added.

The Ford-Iroquois Extension office is based in Onarga and can be reached at 815-268-4051.

Fair president Kirk Miller says a big fair draw includes the annual talent show, which typically sees one of the acts end up in the top five each winter at the state convention in Springfield. Friday night’s country show featuring superstar Travis Tritt and Saturday’s demolition derby are also expected to draw big crowds.

The Ford County Fair runs through Saturday. More information can be found at: www.fordcountyfair.org.