Despite the uncertainty of state funding, anticipation is high once again for the Monroe County Fair.

The annual event, which kicks off Sunday and runs through next Sunday, July 26, showcases the strong agricultural foundation upon which this county was built with full business and community support.

While other county fairs are either falling by the wayside or drastically eliminating activities, the Monroe County Fair continues to stay strong thanks to the support of volunteers, sponsors and community involvement.

County fairs in Illinois are designated by state statute and funded in part by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The state appropriates about $5.1 million for the fairs and related activities, which include programs like 4-H, FFA, non-agriculture fairs and county agriculture fairs.

These funds are primarily used for fair premiums — modest cash winnings given to those who place in their respective shows — and the upkeep or rehabilitation of grounds and facilities.

But with the ongoing state budget woes, fairs have had to get increasingly creative…>>>

Read the rest of this story in the July 15 issue of the Republic-Times. If you don’t already receive the paper, you can subscribe by calling 939-3814 or clicking here, or pick up a copy at any of these locations.