[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PERRY COUNTY FAIR

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Perry County Fair which 
is held each year in Pinckneyville, Illinois.
  While no records exist of the first fair in 1856, oral accounts 
passed down from those who attended describe the Pinckneyville town 
square decorated with tall corn stalks and the owners of the prize 
livestock showing them in the street. Although much has changed since 
that initial event 150 years ago, the Perry County Fair remains a 
premier venue of agricultural and horticultural exhibition, as well as 
a place where families come to be entertained and old friends renew 
acquaintances once a year.
  As the ``oldest consecutive running fair in Illinois,'' the Perry 
County Fair has seen much of our Nation's history. The Civil War, 
Prohibition, the Great Depression, both WorId Wars, the ushering in of 
two centuries and a millennium all occurred during the time that the 
Perry County Fair has been in operation.
  The Perry County Agricultural Society was established as the 
governing body of the fair and continues today as the organization 
entrusted with planning, funding and organizing the Perry County Fair. 
Early records note that a $1.00 contribution was good for family entry 
to the first fairs and that $10.00 provided for a lifetime family 
membership. As the fair has expanded through the years, the balance of 
providing a first class fair that is affordable to all families 
continues to be a struggle.
  Competition of livestock, produce and the tasty results of many 
closely-guarded family recipes have been a staple of the fair since its 
inception. Other attractions at the fair through the years have been 
horse racing, beauty pageants, musical entertainment, rides and, 
always, good food.
  Several generations have now enjoyed the Perry County Fair and it has 
become an event that not only draws families and friends together from 
Perry County but also attracts fairgoers from throughout Southern 
Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 150th 
anniversary of the Perry County Fair. May it continue to provide 
entertainment for Southern Illinois families well into the future.

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