Fair all about friendly competition

FAIRBURY – Imagine growing a flower, getting to bring it to the fair and receiving a ribbon.

That’s the type of fun competition awaiting participants in the Fairbury Fair each year. The fair is always a highlight of the summer for volunteers like Dede Traub, who serves a superintendent of the textile department.

“It’s just a fun, wholesome activity for kids and adults alike,” Traub said. “The fair is huge for us. It seems like I spend the whole week here along with many others.”

According to Traub, every entry category in Floral Hall is up this year as they have more vegetables, textiles, flowers, models and artwork. Anyone who makes something is encouraged to participate in the fair.

“If you do woodworking, we can find a place for you to enter or if you do art and sewing – there’ a place for almost anything you make or cook.”

Traub hopes everyone in the area comes out to the fair which runs through Sunday to see the animals, Floral Hall displays and rides on the midway. This year’s fair theme is “The Beat Goes On: Music Through the Ages.” Fairgoers will find an old fashioned radio on display along with a record player from the 1950s.

Brianna Hilleary of Odell was preparing to show chickens Wednesday morning.

“We have to get their feeders, bring them and we just have to put them in the cages,” she explained.

Hilleary also shows chickens at the Livingston County Fair and enters goats and vegetables.

More information on this week’s Fairbury Fair can be found at www.fairburyfair.com or by searching for the fair on Facebook.