rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

 

Community supports Grandstand Project Fundraiser

Jan. 28, 2015

BELVIDERE-The Boone County Fair Association has raised nearly $50,000 so far in its fundraising campaign to refurbish the 50 year old grandstand at the fairgrounds, “The Boone County Fair Grandstand Rejuvenation Project” as its being called is looking to raise $125,000 to complete the project.

“The time has come to give some needed attention to this hard working grandstand. The 2,000 seat grandstand has held some great audiences over the years enjoying a wide variety of entertainment from Loretta Lynn twice to George Jones to Blake Shelton,” Lyle Lee, president of the Boone County Fair Association said. “Not to mention the tractor pulls, harness races, demo derbies and such.”

The Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization receiving no government funds from the city or county with limited funds from the state which go towards the premiums paid to the exhibitors. Any donations toward this project will be tax deductible.

“We continually work to keep the fairgrounds well maintained, but this grandstand project turned out to be larger than we planned on and something we needed to do this year , said Lee. “That’s why we’re asking the community to help keep the Boone County Fairgrounds one of the nicest fairgrounds in the state.”

“The outpouring of support for this project from the community has been very gratifying. We have a ways to go, but in the meantime we can’t thank everyone enough.” Lee added.

According to Lee, one hundred percent of the monies donated will go toward the rejuvenation of this icon of the fairgrounds. The project will include improving the entire structure with new aluminum kick boards, aluminum walking planks, a fresh paint job and some new fencing.

All donors will be acknowledged on a sign to be hung on the back of the grandstand. Donors giving $2,500 or more will have a larger listing on the sign but everyone who donates will be listed on the sign.

If you would like to contribute to the “BCF Grandstand Rejuvenation Project” call the Fair office at (815) 544-2900 any Monday or Wednesday from 8a.m. to 4 p.m. or mail your donation to BCF Assn., PO Box 456, Belvidere, Il 61008. Write “Grandstand Project” on the envelope.

“Our goal is to have the money raised and the project completed in time for the 2015 fair,” Lee said. “The fair association’s grounds crew has been busy preparing the structure so that painting can begin as soon as weather permits in the spring.”

The 2015 Boone County Fair starts Tuesday Aug. 11 and runs through Sunday Aug. 16. The entertainer for Aug. 15 has not yet been announced

rvpnews | Belvidere Daily Republican

FOUR HONORED WITH THE 2015 FRIEND OF ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR AWARD | Illinois Department of Agriculture

 

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) presented their coveted "Friend of Illinois County Fair" award to Ray and Janice Swyear of Swyear Amusements of New Athens; Robert "Bob" Scherer of Boone County Fair; Jerry Jacobs of Carroll County Fair.

Each year the IAAF recognizes individuals who are outstanding Illinois county fair supporters, volunteer workers, or innovators in the industry that are respected by their colleagues and peers at their 104^th annual convention in Springfield.

Ray and Janice Swyear

Swyear Amusements of New Athens, Illinois, is celebrating its 57^th year in the amusement industry, making it one of the oldest Illinois based traveling amusement companies and one of the longest serving associate members of the IAAF. Ray Swyear Rides was started in 1958 by Ray and Janice when Ray purchased a small kiddie train ride. With the birth of three sons and a strong work ethic, Ray, Janice, and the family built what is known today as Swyear Amusements Inc.

With the passing of Ray in 1997 and Janice's retirement in 2013, the second and third generations have taken the helm. The Swyear Carnival is now operated by Ray's oldest son, Terry and wife Kathy, their son Adam and Terry's brother Roger and his wife Teresa; who all work in the day to day operations of the company. There are currently 19 members of the Swyear Family.

With the grandchildren's involvement, there is hope that Ray and Janice Swyear's legacy will continue on in the years ahead. With new purchase every year and a love for the industry, the show has grown stronger than ever. New rides, games, and food

concessions are upgraded every season, keeping current with the growing trends of the carnival industry.  Swyear Amusements play over 10 percent of the Illinois County Fairs and numerous festivals, homecomings and community events each year. They strive to present an attractive, well maintained Midway with a clean, wholesome environment befitting their family and the families across Illinois whom they serve.

Robert "Bob" Scherer

Robert "Bob" Scherer, of Genoa, has served on the Boone County Fair Board for 18 years. He is in charge of the free entertainment building and secures the entertainment for the building.

In addition, Scherer was instrumental in securing aluminum benches for the building. He is also the superintendent of the truck and tractor pulls and puts in countless hours overseeing the organizational needs and track preparation.

Scherer is an active board member and assists the other departments of the fair including the maintenance department where he helps put up portable fencing, trimming trees, running for parts or any job that needs to be done. He is always there to lend a helping hand.

Jerry Jacobs

Jerry Jacobs is a 26 year board member of the Carroll County Fair Association in Milledgeville. He is an exemplary board member and individual. Jerry is the first to volunteer for any project. He is the person with a smile on his face from morning to night. After two major commercial buildings were devastated so Jacobs was there, diligently working with other board members. He also assists with the boat and camper storage.

Jacobs has always put the needs of the county fair before his own. He passes his contagious love for the fair to his wife, children and grandchildren. He is passionate about maintaining the rural appeal of the county fair and works hard to share that passion with whomever he comes into contact with. Jerry has innovative ideas and actively solicits other organizations in the county to become involved with the fair.

He works with other area county fairs and drives his 1949 International H tractor in parades advertising the Carroll County Fair. He is an avid member of the Whiteside County Rabbit Association, the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association. Jerry is also very active in his church and is a council member for the First Lutheran Church.

Over 3,500 county fair members and friends spent this past weekend selecting their entertainment and service needs for the 2015 county fair season. The 103 county fairs coordinate with the Illinois State Fair, August 13-23, 2015, and the Du Quoin State Fair, August 28^th through September 7th. Visit our website at www.illinoiscountyfairs.org.

###

The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs is a non-profit corporation formed in 1910.  It serves 103 Illinois County Fairs and Expositions.  Its purpose is to provide guidelines, inform, and monitor and /or initiate legislation that promotes and assist Illinois County Fairs.  The association is volunteer based and is dedicated to the promotion of agriculture, development of youth, and as a showplace of American agriculture's traditions and future agricultural innovations

FOUR HONORED WITH THE 2015 FRIEND OF ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR AWARD | Illinois Department of Agriculture

Boone County Fair Association to begin fundraising campaign - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

BELVIDERE — The Boone County Fair Association Board of Directors has announced the Boone County Fair Grandstand Rejuvenation Project to raise funds to refurbish the 50-year-old grandstand at the fairgrounds.

The fair association is looking to raise $114,000 to complete the project and will acknowledge donors with a sign to be hung on the back of the grandstand. To participate, donors should call the fair office at 815-544-2900 or can mail a donation to BCF Assn., PO Box 456, Belvidere, IL 61008. The association hopes to have the project completed in time for the 2015 fair.

For information: 815-544-2900.

Boone County Fair Association to begin fundraising campaign - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

See you at the Boone County Fair

Stop by the Democratic Tent—speak of your concerns,  fill out our survey or just talk.

Nearly 200k attended Boone County Fair | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by Bob Balgemann

 

Organizers of this year’s Boone County Fair said 195,121 people visited the 50^th event at the current location off Route 76, just north of Bypass 20. They credited the success to all that went on at the fairgrounds, plus a smile from Mother Nature who brought spring-like weather, mostly in the mid-to-upper 70s.

“It was a great fair this year,” said Lyle Lee, in his second yeas as president of the Boone County Fair Association. “We had an excellent turnout. All the shows were great and well attended.”

There was an especially big crowd on Aug. 8, when senior citizens were admitted free of charge. Last year it rained on that day, which kept quite a few people away, he said

Read the entire article by clicking on the following:  Nearly 200k attended Boone County Fair | Belvidere Daily Republican

Interesting Boone County Journal Articles from the August 16, 2013 paper

Go to: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-08-16-13.pdf#page=1 ---to read the article.

Page 1. Boone County Animal Services

Page 5 Boone County Veterans Assistance Commission requests $25,000 advance

Page 8.  Democratic Fair Questionnaire

Page 9.  Shooting in Poplar Grove

Page 10.  Police Reports are suspended

To read these and other interesting stories go to:  http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2013/Boone-County-News-08-16-13.pdf#page=1 

Fair Questionnaire Results

Boone County Democratic Party

Questionnaire for the 2013 Boone County Fair

Legend:

B100=District 100 Belvidere; Total #=62

NB200= District 200 North Boone; Total #=31 #=32 for county questions

AO= All others; Total #=29

BC= Boone County Resident; Total #= 94

1. How well does your school district prepare students for college and the work place? 

A. Does both jobs very well B100 23% NB200 13% AO 28%

B. Prepares students for college but not work place B100 25% NB200 26% AO 17%

C. Prepares students well for the work place but not for college. B100 7% NB200 6% AO 3%

D. Does not prepare students well for either college or work place B100 25% NB200 23% AO 24%

E. Does an excellent job only in some area such as___B100 2% NB200 0% AO 0%

No Opinion B100 18% NB200 32% AO 24%

2.  If you were going to convince someone to move to Boone County, which of the following reasons would you use?

Please number the reasons in order of importance:  1=most -9=least; using a “0” for reasons you would not use.

A. ______________Good Quality School System

B. #1 __              Rural Environment—Both NB200 and B100’s top choice. Second & Third all items very close with only “F” significantly lower choice.

C. _____________ Low Taxes

D. ______________ Proximity to Chicago and collar counties

E. ______________ Inexpensive Housing

F. ______________Job prospects in Boone-Winnebago Counties

G. ______________ Recreational Opportunities

H. AO: nearly evenly Friendly accepting neighborhoods

I. split H &I as #1 The County Fair and other local events

3. Do you think that the current county open burning ordinances are strict enough? Yes: BC 51% No: BC 21% No Opinion: BC 28%

4.  Does Boone County need a soup kitchen for the homeless?   Yes: B100 61% NB200 53% No: B100 24% NB200 9% Don’t have an opinion: B100 15% NB200 38%

If yes, in what community should it be located?   Belvidere 18; votes no other location more than one vote.

5. There currently is a county wide Public Safety Sales Tax of ½ cent. It is schedule to stop in 2018.  In the past several years this sales taxes paid not only for principle and interest on the Public Safety Building but for salaries and Jail expenses.

A. Do you favor a continuation of this tax after the building is paid off in 2018?  Yes: BC 41% No: BC 39% No Opinion: BC 20%

B. Would you support a referendum authorizing continuing this tax after 2018?  Yes: BC 38% No: BC 38% No Opinion: BC 24%

6. Under proper regulation would you be in favor of wind energy projects in Boone County? Yes: B100 69% NB200 53% No: B100 21% NB200 47% No Opinion: B100 10% NB200 0%

7. The Federal and State government should subsidize low cost pre-school learning programs.  Agree: B100 63% NB200 66% AO 60% Disagree: B100 26% NB200 28% AO 20%   No opinion: B100 11% NB200 6% AO 20%

8.  Ida Public Library is the only public library in the county.  Most county residents outside of Belvidere must pay a fee to have a library card.  Would you support a tax referendum to extend “feeless” library service to the rest of the county?      Yes: B100 58% NB200 53% No: B100 26% NB200 28%  No opinion: B100 26% NB200 19% I am a City of Belvidere resident? B100 45% stated they were.

9.   Most Boone County Sheriff’s deputies are provided a squad car to take home during their off time shift.  Do you agree with this policy?  Yes: B100 48% NB200 60%; No: B100 48% NB200 38% No Opinion B100 4% NB200 2%  If you believe the policy should be modified in some way, how?

10.  What do you believe is the most important issue facing Boone County? 

B100: Jobs#1, taxes and education lag behind with approximately half the number of responses for each. NB200: Wind Turbines#1 with jobs coming in next at about half the number. AO: Jobs #1 with crime as #2 with half the number of responses.

2013 BOONE COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE | Belvidere Daily Republican

Written by kbatzkall

 

August 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2013

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Merchant’s Day – Free With Merchant’s coupon until 4 pm – Without coupon $5 admission

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

Non-Livestock Bldg opened from 10a.m.-9:30p.m.

Skinners Amusements – Reduced Rides Noon to 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Senior Citizens Day

Non-Livestock Bldg open 10a.m. -9:30 p.m.

Skinners Amusements – Reduced Rides 11-5 pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Non-Livestock Bldg. open 10a.m. till 9:30 p.m

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Non-Livestock Bldg. open 10 a.m. till 9:30 p.m

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Non-Livestock Bldg. open 10a.m. till 4p.m.

 

Click on the following for daily schedule:  http://www.belvideredailyrepublican.net/news/2013-boone-county-fair-schedule/

Gardening Sale