By Dylan Clark
At this years Christian County Ag Fair, it was hard not to find something to enjoy. The beer tent hosted a great view of the track for Wednesday night’s stock car races and for Thursday’s tractor and truck pull. Aside from a great view of the track, the beer tent also hosted live music, and was where Thursday’s Community Ag Luncheon took place.
As engines roared, the crowd cheered for the stock car races that took place on day 2 of the fair.
Pictured below is one of the moments captured by Heart Media Journalist, Dylan Clark.
Although the roaring stock care engines reached quite a high volume, the loudest volume level was from the custom built tractors that competed at the tractor and truck pull on day 3 of the fair.
Pictured below is a photo of "Thermal Thunder" from the tractor and truck pull, courtesy of Dylan Clark.
This specific tractor used two Cobra helicopter engines for its main power.
Following the tractor and truck pull on Thursday, the beer tent featured live music from the Brandi Kristin Band, who sang cover songs from the mid 80’s all the way up to the early 2000’s. Their singer, was actually one of the original live music feat's lead vocalists from back when the band Antics used to perform there every year.
Below are some photos from the Brandi Kristin Band performance. Courtesy of Dylan Clark.
The Gary Allan concert, which left the grandstand completely sold out, took place on Friday night, with special opening act Mark Chestnut. Before the Show, Dylan Clark from Hart Media Group spoke onstage with Tuesday night’s Miss Christian County Pageant winners.
The peagant queens, and moments from Mark Chestnut and Gary Allan can be seen pictured below.
Peagant Queens being interviewed by Dylan Clark (Far left) who was currently speaking to Blakely Fisher, Little Miss Christian County, next to Junior Miss Christian County Jolie Cavatorta (Middle), and Miss Christian County Alivia Kent (Right). Photo Courtesy of Joseph Clark.
Mark Chestnut's Performance: Photo Courtesy of Dylan Clark.
Gary Allan's Performance: Photo Courtesy of Dylan Clark.
Throughout the week, the fair hosted other events as well, such as Community Day, which featured various job seekers and vendors from both local communities as well as all around Illinois. Some of the booths at the community day event, were even businesses that sponsored the fair. There was also the Kiddie Tot Rod, which was a tractor racing event for the youth of the community to race in.
More information on Community Day can be found by clicking here
The fair was a defined as a success by some organizers considering the fair only needed to cancel one event, the Saturday Car Cruise, due to potential weather.
Saturday night, however, featured a demolition derby before closing out for the weekend.
The Christian County Fair Board gave thanks to all of those who sponsored the fair this year, and another big thanks to all of the participants who made this year's Christian County Agricultural Fair a reality.
Christian County-based 4-H participants descended upon the county’s University of Illinois Extension office on Monday ahead of the fair. Participants who submitted projects had them judged by local professionals and university professors. Winners receive prizes and the opportunity to present their work at the state fair next month. Projects can also be put up for auction later in the week.
Deacon Shanks was among those who presented projects. His was a representation of the Betsy Ross flag from 1777 using metal, which he welded.
Shanks has been welding since the age of 10 and won an inspiration award at a previous state fair for a project he completed in memory of his late grandfather.
Ben Wamsley’s project was centered on video production, which he does for Western Illinois University and learned through TommyTV.
Layne Bliler brought a decorated cake for judging. She says seeing another member present a similar project in the past inspired her to take it up.
Colin May presented, among his projects, a model rocket, which was inspired by his family’s passion for the hobby.
More information on the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H involvements is available at 4h.extension.illinois.edu. The Christian County Fair’s schedule is available on their website, www.christiancountyfair.com.
Layne Bliler, Colin May, Deacon Shanks, and Ben Wamsley appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Extension’s Christian County office.
The Taylorville Greater Chamber of Commerce Hosted A Ribbon Cutting On Fair Opening Day
The greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting Tuesday at the Christian County Fairgrounds Office to mark the beginning of the 2026 Christian County Agricultural Fair. Miss Christian County cut the ribbon while accompanied by several key individuals from Christian County.
Those key individuals included Christian County Board President Bryan Sharp, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, Christian County States Attorney John McWard, and various members of supporting companies from throughout the community.
Supporting companies included Bob Riding’s of Taylorville, First National Bank of Taylorville, Taylorville Memorial Hospital, Springfield Clinic, and Grain and Protein Technology. Now that the ribbon is cut, the 2026 Christian County Agricultural Fair has officially began and will run until Saturday July 25th.
Those in attendance are pictured below. The ribbon was cut by Miss Christian County, Lydia Repscher.
Front Row (Left To Right)
Jim Micenheimer
Rhonda Wilson
Dr. Jennifer Delulk, Springfield Clinic
Dr. Lynn Kink, Springfield Clinic
Kristen Harrison
Hanna Houseman
Nora Sharp
Christian County Board President Bryan Sharp
Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp
Miss Christian County, Lydia Repscher
Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry
Bob Ridings, Owner of Bob Ridings car dealerships.
Susan Petty, Office of Mary Miller
Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Member April Wolfe
County Board Member Linda Curtain
Betty Asmussen
Cheralee Vohlken
Back Row (Right To Left)
Taylorville City Council Member Jim Olive
Derek Books, Grain and Protein Technology
Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Member Krystal Baker
Stephanie Longden, First National Bank in Taylorville
Jay Boulanger, Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Jodie Badman
Christian County Board Member Mike Specks
Christian County Board Member David Puckett
Vicki McMahon
Bailee Hinds
Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Member Lori Simmons
Morgan Winans
Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Member Mark Wolfe
Starting off with Little Miss Christian County, the winner for 2026 is Blakley Fisher. Fishers first and second runner up’s were Aryah Austin and Lainey Morris. The 2025 Little Miss Christian County winner who is passing the crown now to Fisher, is Avery Nation.
Pictured below is the line up of the 2025 Little Miss Christian County, accompanied by the 2026 winner and her two runner up’s. Photo courtesy of Teresa Nelson.
Left to Right: Front Row: 2025 Little Miss Christian County Avery Nation; 2nd Runner Up Aryah Austin; 2026 Little Miss Christian County Blakley Fisher; 1st Runner Up Lainey Morris
Back Row: 2025 Jr. Miss Christian County Jolie Cavatorta; 2025 Miss Christian County Lydia Repscher.
Next, the winner of Junior Miss Christian County was announced. The winner of the 2026 Junior Miss Christian County pageant is Thea Shanks with her first runner up, and Miss Congeniality, being Hollyn Becker, and her second runner up, Emma Grundy. The 2025 crown was passed on to Shanks by the 2025 Junior Miss Christian County, Jolie Cavatorta.
Pictured below is the lineup of the 2026 Junior Miss Christian County winner with her two runner ups along with the 2025 Junior Miss Christian County Winner. Photo courtesy of Teresa Nelson.
Left to Right: 2nd Runner Up Emma Grundy; 2025 Junior Miss Christian County Jolie Cavatorta; 2026 Junior Miss Christian County Thea Shanks; 1st Runner Up and Miss Congeniality, Hollyn Becker.
Finally, the announcement of the 2026 Miss Christian County winner, Alivia Kent. Kent’s first and second runner up were Miss Congeniality, Ella Reiss, with her 2nd runner up being Charlotte Stickel. The crown was passed off by 2025 Miss Christian County, Lydia Repscher. In this announcement, the winner of Miss Illinois County Fair Queen was also made. The Miss Illinois County Fair Queen for 2026 is Krista Phillips.
Pictured below is the lineup of the 2026 Miss Christian County winner, along with her two runner ups, the 2025 Miss Christian County winner, as well as the 2026 Miss Illinois winner. Photo courtesy of Teresa Nelson.
Left to Right: 2nd Runner Up Charlotte Stickel; 2025 Miss Christian County Lydia Repscher; 2026 Miss Christian County Alivia Kent; 2026 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips; 1st Runner Up and Miss Congeniality Ella Reiss.
There were just over 90 booths set up at yesterday's event. Among the 90 were informational booths where local companies and fair sponsors handed out trinkets such as stress balls, little canvas bags, can cozies, water bottles, hand fans, and pens. Some of the booths were selling award-winning produce or art projects.
The first interview during the live broadcast, heard on Groovy 97.3 WRAN, was with Angela Ohl-Marsters. Ohl-Marsters was the organizer of Community Day. During her interview, she mentioned that she was proud to see the outcome. With there being over 90 individual booths, and a healthy-sized crowd perusing through the County Fair’s Expo Building. Ohl-Marsters also stated that it was hard work, but worth the effort and time, especially considering how successful the event was.
Pictured below is Angel Ohl-Marsters at the entrance to the vendor fair.
The second interviewee was Tammy Middlestadt, owner of Five Star Bath Solutions.
Middlestadt was there representing her company, and even doing a drawing to win a free shower door installation, as well as a drawing to win gift cards for Amazon. In her interviews, Middlestadt spoke about what her company does. As Middlestadt says, Five Star Bath Solutions is one of the top bathroom remodeling companies in Illinois. Five Star Bath Solutions offers free in-home estimates and will give you a price on the spot for your new bathtub or shower remodel. For more information, go to fivestarbathsolutions.com.
Pictured below is Tammy Middlestadt with her booth.
The third individual to be interviewed was Jay Boulanger, the Community Health Coordinator for Taylorville Memorial Hospital. During the interview, Boulanger spoke about what they were offering at their booth, which was free blood pressure and bone density checks. Boulanger also mentioned some of their upcoming events. There is an upcoming back-to-school prep event that offers free school supplies, haircuts, vision and hearing checks, and more. For more information on upcoming events through Taylorville Memorial Hospital, visit memorial.health/about-us/events.
Pictured below is Jay Boulanger (back middle) accompanied by his booth mates.
The next to be interviewed was Brenda Herman – a Family Nurse Practitioner for Springfield Clinic. During her interview, she explained what she was doing with her booth. Aside from gifting pens and stress balls, Herman’s booth was there to inform people about some of the things that Springfield Clinic can take care of and to explain the “Emerald Laser” system they have now.
Pictured below is Brenda Herman with her booth.
Finally, the last interview was with one of the marketing team members from Brandt, Lance Wells. Wells is in charge of the show car that is sponsored by Brandt. This show car is a NASCAR-worthy Chevy Camaro that at one time did actually see track time. Wells was very friendly and explained some details about the car. Yes, it drives. It still has all of the equipment found in a NASCAR Stock Car. The car can top out at around 190 MPH and has upwards of 650 horsepower.
Pictured below is Lance Wells next to the Number 7 show car.
Following Community Day were stock car races. A group of custom stock racing cars roared around the track for several hours at high speeds. Like most stock car races, there were crashes, spin-outs, and dirt-flinging, high-speed turns.
Pictured below are photos from the stock car races that took place Wednesday evening. To watch a video snippet from the races, CLICK HERE.
Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com for updates from the Christian County Agricultural Fair.
To see the flyer for the Ag Group Luncheon Click Here.
Rabbit Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Rabbit Show on Monday, July 20. The show was judged by Lucianna Reese of Medora, IL. 4-H members who participated in the Rabbit Show include: Ben Rincker, James Motayne, Liam Motayne, and Claire McWard.
Top Awards: Grand Champion – James Motayne Res. Grand Champion – James Motayne
Champion Junior Showmanship – James Motayne
Poultry Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Poultry Show on Monday, July 20. The show was judged by Lucianna Reese of Medora, IL. 4-H members who participated in the Poultry Show include: Hunter Mahan and Emme Lilly.
Top Awards: Grand Champion Poultry – Hunter Mahan Champion Market Eggs – Emme Lilly
Champion Senior Showmanship – Hunter Mahan Champion Junior Showmanship – Emme Lilly
Swine Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Swine Show on Wednesday, July 22. The show was judged by Gabe Barrett of Indiana. 4-H members who participated in the Swine Show included: Carsen Corzine, Raylen Corzine, Nash Waterman, Carsyn Bertolino, Kaitlyn Wemple, Mason Wemple, Gentry Dunkirk, Isabel Pistorius, Olivia Pistorius, William Pistorius, Bode Niemeier, Brant Hedden, James Motayne, Liam Motayne, Levi Paulek, Ben Rincker, Chance Rincker, Chase Rincker, Haley Hanson, Kate Waterman, Layla Waterman, Boyd Dammerman, Fisher Dammerman, and Colbie Stremsterfer.
Top Awards: Grand Champion Gilt – Levi Paulek Reserve Grand Champion Gilt – Colbie Stremsterfer Champion Berkshire Gilt – Chase Rincker Champion Chester Gilt – Olivia Pistorius Champion Duroc Gilt – Chase Rincker Champion Hampshire Gilt – Colbie
Stremsterfer Champion Herford Gilt – Kaitlyn Wemple Champion Spot Gilt – Liam Motayne Champion Tamworth Gilt – Mason Wemple Champion Yorkshire Gilt – Kate Waterman Champion Light Crossbred Gilt – Chance Rincker Champion Dark Crossbred Gilt – Levi Paulek
Grand Champion Barrow – Brant Hedden Reserve Grand Champion Barrow – Colbie Stremsterfer Champion Berkshire Barrow – Chase Rincker Champion Chester White Barrow – Brant Hedden Champion Duroc Barrow – Carsen Corzine Champion
Hampshire Barrow – Colbie Stremsterfer Champion Hereford Barrow – Kaitlyn Wemple Champion Poland China Barrow – Brant Hedden Champion Spot Barrow – Brant Hedden Champion Tamworth Barrow – Gentry Dunkirk Champion Yorkshire Barrow –
Raylen Corzine Champion Light Crossbred Barrow – Levi Paulek Champion Dark Crossbred Barrow – Brant Hedden
Champion Senior Showmanship – Colbie Stremsterfer Res. Champion Senior Showmanship – Haley Hanson Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Kaitlyn Wemple Res. Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Liam Motayne
Champion Junior Showmanship – James Motayne Res. Champion Junior Showmanship – Ben Rincker
Sheep Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Sheep Show on Wednesday, July 22. The show was judged by Thomas Crome of Iowa. 4-H members who participated in the Sheep Show included: Oakley Ryan, Olive Ryan, Opal Ryan, Dalton Cruit, Jade Cruit, Calum Shanks, Deacon Shanks, Judson Shanks, Ben Wamsley, Abby Wamsley, Adelaide Dunkirk, Rigby Dunkirk, Maleah Repscher, Maybel Repscher, Myla Repscher, Bode Niemeier, Byrce Niemeier, Charlee Ryan, Harper Ryan, Hayden Funderburk, Regan Funderburk, Ryker Beckmier, Layne Bliler, and Henley Bliler.
Top Awards: Grand Champion Ewe – Ryker Beckmier Reserve Grand Champion Ewe – Charlee Ryan Champion Border Leicester Ewe – Ben Wamsley Champion Cheviot Ewe – Calum Shanks Champion Dorper Ewe – Maleah Repscher Champion Hampshire Ewe – Ryker Beckmier Champion Oxford Ewe – Bode Niemeier Champion Southdown Ewe – Charlee Ryan Champion Suffolk Ewe – Deacon Shanks
Grand Champion Ram Lamb – Charlee Ryan Reserve Grand Champion Ram Lamb – Deacon Shanks Champion Border Leicester Ram Lamb – Abby Wamsley Champion Cheviot Ram Lamb – Deacon Shanks Champion Southdown Ram Lamb – Charlee Ryan
Champion Suffolk Ram Lamb – Deacon Shanks Champion AOB Ram Lamb – Deacon Shanks Grand Champion Market Lamb – Dalton Cruit Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb – Ryker Beckmier Champion Dorset Market Lamb – Hayden Funderburk
Champion Hampshire Market Lamb – Ryker Beckmier Champion Natural Colored Market Lamb – Regan Funderburk Champion Oxford Market Lamb – Opal Ryan Champion Shropshire Market Lamb – Adelaide Dunkirk Champion Southdown Market Lamb – Jade Cruit Champion Suffolk Market Lamb – Rigby Dunkirk Champion White Face Cross Market Lamb – Rigby Dunkirk Champion Black Face Cross Market Lamb – Dalton Cruit
Champion Senior Showmanship – Charlee Ryan Res. Champion Senior Showmanship – Olive Ryan
Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Opal Ryan Res. Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Hayden Funderburk Champion Junior Showmanship – Bode Niemeier Res. Champion Junior Showmanship – Myla Repscher
Goat Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Goat Show on Wednesday, July 22. The show was judged by Gabe Barrett of Indiana. 4-H members who participated in the Goat Show included: Deacon Shanks, Judson Shanks, Elayna Harker, and Levi Paulek.
Top Awards: Grand Champion Doe – Levi Paulek Reserve Grand Champion Doe – Elayna Harker Grand Champion Buck – Levi Paulek Reserve Grand Champion Buck – Elayna Harker Grand Champion Wether – Levi Paulek Reserve Grand Champion Wether – Judson Shanks
Champion Senior Showmanship – Elayna Harker Res. Champion Senior Showmanship – Deacon Shanks Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Judson Shanks
Beef Show
Christian County 4-H members exhibited at the Beef Show on Wednesday, July 22. The show was judged by Thomas Crome of Iowa. 4-H members who participated in the Beef Show included: Payton May, Colin May, Raegan Head, Luke Short, Adelaide Dunkirk, Nora Curtin, Will Curtin, Olivia Mizeur, Layla Waterman, Levi Paulek, Layne Bliler, Corbin Bliler, and Colbie Stremsterfer.
Top Awards: Grand Champion Heifer – Colbie Stremsterfer Reserve Grand Champion Heifer – Colin May
Champion Angus Heifer – Colbie Stremsterfer Champion AOB Heifer – Luke Short Champion Crossbred Heifer – Luke Short Champion Hereford/Polled Herford Heifer – Corbin Bliler Champion Maine Heifer – Raegan Head Champion Shorthorn Heifer – Olivia Mizeur Champion Simmental Heifer – Colin May
Grand Champion Steer – Raegan Head Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Levi Paulek Champion AOB Steer – Levi
Paulek
Champion Shorthorn Steer – Levi Paulek Champion Crossbred Steer – Raegan Head Champion Senior Showmanship – Olivia Mizeur Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship – Layne Bliler
Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Payton May Reserve Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Colin May
Champion Junior Showmanship – Raegan Head Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship – Layla Waterman
