By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

NEW BERLIN, Ill. — The Sangamon County Fair opened with the usual burst of summer heat and rain showers, but nothing seemed to daunt the joy of one of the first summer festivals of the season.
On June 17, a large crowd came out to hear headliner Lady Antebellum, which was preceded by local country band Still Kickin’.

Prior to attending the concert, fairgoers enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the grounds. Joe Maggio, a toy train enthusiast was on hand to share details about the Lionel train setup that is a permanent display at the fair. The display was quite extensive with a fair scene reminiscent of the Sangamon County Fair.

There was a mine scene with a coal loading and unloading station somewhat like the former Common Wealth Edison, which used coal from the now-closed Peabody No. 10 mine near Kincaid, Ill. There was also a grain elevator like most of the central Illinois towns in the area boast.

“They moved us to this building this year so the kids could see the display better,” Maggio explained.

While he agreed there was more traffic, he also added it was warmer than their previous location. With the temperature hovering around 90 degrees Farenheit. in the early evening hours of June 18, everyone was moving slowly and seeking shade where it was offered.

In the Senior Building, there were exhibits of those that entered quilts, clothing, collections, baked goods and other similar items. Among the clothing entries, a Big Bad Wolf costume, featuring a wolf head, captured a lot of attention.

Flowers were arranged in an array of decorations, and there was even a flower sculpture that will last long after the real flowers are nothing but dust.

For the child in everyone, the collections included a Hop-Along Cassidy display, a swine assortment and more. Some toys had been built, like the John Deere scooter and the John Deere wagon, that any child would have enjoyed riding.

The big tractors - both John Deere and Case tractors – were there to view, too.

For those seeking the exotic, there was an elephant show; and for $5 after the show, a visitor could ride an elephant. There was also a wild animal show.

Drawing laughs from the crowd, the trainer showed how a monkey enjoyed being groomed. “He likes to groom others as well,” he shared, waiting for the monkey to return the favor. Instead the monkey repeated movements to indicate that the trainer should resume scratching his back.

The trainer brought out a hyena after assembling a large wire fence.

“He can bit through steel,” the trainer shared. The crowd stayed back from the beautiful but dangerous animal.

Although a bit muggy, a breeze stirred up and kids riding the array of amusement choices didn’t seem to mind. Coney dogs, lemonade, pizza and the general fair food were seen in most hands as visitors strolled up and down the main drag.