Rain didn’t stop the annual Fairbury Fair talent show from taking place Saturday morning, although the planned Veterans activities were canceled.
Entries ranged from dancing and singing to gymnastics and a science experiment at the show held inside the fair beer tent since the grandstand area was too wet.
Addison Lewis of Hoopeston won first place in the senior division for a vocal solo of the song, “Homecoming Queen” and advances to represent Fairbury at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs convention in Springfield over the winter. Cora Morris of Fairbury received second in the senior division for her vocal solo of “Both Sides Now.”
In the junior 11-14 division, Chaylea Fisher of Colfax received first and was the overall junior winner advancing to Springfield for her vocal solo of “Before He Cheats.” Elite Energy of Watseka received second place for a jazz dance and Clara Flott of Dwight was third for a tumbing routine to “This Girl is on Fire.” For the 10 and under division, Leo Matthews of Fairbury was first for his dance to “Billie Jean,” followed by Evie Trachsel of Fairbury in second for gymnastics to music and Adelyn Daimid of Orland Park came in third for ribbon gymnastics.
First place teacher division winner was "Skoolio and Gang" followed by Kirsten Smith in second and Sarah Morris in third.
Show judges included Monica Markley, Dylan Webster and Kalli Verdun. Sponsors were Dr. Charlene and Doug Aaron and Shelley Schahrer was show coordinator.
Heavy rain showers moved in late Friday night lasting into the morning Saturday. Nearly two inches of rain was reported around Fairbury from the initial weather system which already forced the cancellation of Saturday night’s fair night stock car racing.
The Feudin’ Hillbillys and John Michael Montgomery concert was not impacted by weather Friday evening. Saturday morning’s fair 5K run still took place along with livestock shows even though several downpours impacted the area. The kids fun run did not happen afterward due to lightning.
The KCBS Barbeque Cookoff and kids barbeque contest was held and rides were open during the midday hours as the sun came out for a brief time, allowing visitors to stroll through the fairgrounds.
With severe storms and even tornadoes spotted around Eureka mid-afternoon, all rides and activities were suspended at the fair. The Fairbury Fair Facebook page later reported the carnival and all food vendors were canceled for Saturday night with rides and food stands scheduled to open at noon Sunday. The post indicated the fair was still working with all parties involved about the band at the beer stand (as of 5:20 p.m. Saturday).
