Springfield, IL-The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) presented their coveted "Friend of Illinois County Fair" award to John Telford from the Livingston County 4-H Fair, Mary and Eldon Julius of the Stephenson County Fair, Alvin "Al" Henninger from the Boone County Fair and Newt Lundquist of LaMoille.  Last weekend the IAAF recognized individuals who are outstanding Illinois county fair supporters, volunteer workers or innovators during their annual meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. 

John Telford from Pontiac

After 46 years showing and volunteering, Telford is known by all the Livingston County fairgoers in Pontiac. In the mid 60's as a 4-Her he showed Angus cattle and played softball.  He enjoyed the fair and wanted to give back to others, so in1985 he became a member of the Fair board and continues on as Swine Superintendent.  He has held various offices during his tenure including serving as co-President.

Telford's many accomplishments include improvements to the swine and show barns, a new barn, and building.  The welding of new panels for pens and gates.  He spearheaded his crew of volunteers making improvements for exhibitors and fair guests. You find him in boots leveling off the new concrete for the new playground area to painting the buildings.   He donates his time, talent, farm shop and farm equipment where and when it is needed.

His love and devotion to the Livingston County Fair was shared by his wife Susan and their five children.  She assisted with the Queen pageant and used her green thumb to the landscaping and planting of flowers to beautify the fairgrounds.  Unfortunately, John's best friend, farming partner, high school sweetheart and wife, Susan, lost a battle with cancer two years ago this coming May.  Their children, including a set of triplets and their extended families are active in 4-H and the fair.  The Telford family has contributed a memorial for Susan toward the furnishings of the new fair office building.

Telford is dedicated to his family, his church and the County fair. Another fair volunteer said, "If every fair board had a few more John Telford's on it, things would run smoother.  Not only is John good with the physical operations of our fair; but, when a situation occurs he does a great job evaluating it before making a decision".

Mary and Eldon Julius

For Mary and Eldon Julius, the Stephenson County Fair is a family affair.  Mary is the Secretary of the Fair, Eldon is the accountant and handyman and daughters Beth and Melanie are Superintendents in the Antiques Department.  The Julius's have volunteered over forty years of time, effort, resources, and service to the fair. 

Mary's mother-in-law, Katie Julius got her involved in the early 70's.  An avid sewer, Mary became assistant superintendent of the sewing department.  In time, she moved up to the superintendent of the sewing department and then the whole Home Ec Building.  There she expanded and improved entries and displays.   Another popular event is the cake walk which she organizes.  Retiring from her full time job she became a fair board member and treasurer for the past three years.

Eldon showed dairy cattle as a youth. He became the Home Ec building's all around handyman - organizing the annual building cleaning, nightly sweeping,  repairs,  gate set-up, etc.  He also played a big role in updating, rearranging displays and enhanced entry displays with glass cases. When he retired from Honeywell as an accountant, he took over the fair bookkeeping. He has helped the board understand the various costs/revenues associated with the fair and looked for efficiencies.  He has lowered the fairs electric bill, insurance premiums and phone bill.

 Mary and Eldon raised their family by the example of actively supporting the fair activities throughout the year.  It is hard to highlight Mary and Eldon Julius's forty plus years of philanthropy for the Stephenson Count y Fair.  They were overcome with emotion when presented with the 2012 Friend of Illinois County Fairs Award.

Alvin "Al" Henninger of Lima

Alvin Henninger was one of the original Directors of the Grange in 1957, when the County Grange took over ownership and operation of the Boone County Fair.  In 1963, while President of the Grange; they purchased the original 84 acres of land.  Henninger retired in 2010 and was made an honorary member with voting rights on the Boone County Fair Board.

 Under Henninger's leadership the fair grew because the focus was working together for the good of the fair.  During his tenure, they purchased 17 acres in 1991, built 2 new pony barns, a Grange Hall was relocated to the fairgrounds, another 52 acres was purchased in 1994, and a new goat and poultry barns were erected.  Other additions were made to the dairy, beef and sheep barns, roads were improved and camp grounds upgraded, new restrooms and facilities for dressing rooms were erected.  Today the Boone county Fair ranks second in the state for attendance and the number of exhibits on their 152 acre fairgrounds.

Gene Shepherd said, "Al's accomplishments as a fair director and as the fair president for 21 years are legendary.  Al is an honest, forthright, fair, and practical person.  He is able to delegate to others and get them involved.  He is able to listen and make a decision.  He has vision and hope for the future of the fair.  He was instrumental in moving the fair to its present site.  He understands the problems associated with running a fair and can solve problems.  He works tirelessly.  He works to make the fair a success.  He can bring people together to work together.  He holds no grudges and is an easy person to know, like and to work with."

Henninger started the first queen pageant.  He organizes the 4-H auction and has chanted this event for the past 54 years.  From 1957-1992 he announced the tractor pull. He still volunteers his auctioneering skills for the Illinois Association of Agricultural County Fairs.

He and his wife Darlene had two sons.   Their family is devoted to volunteering.  Because of his active participation with the State Association concerning funding issues Henninger was presented with the 2012 "Friend of Illinois County Fairs" Award

Newt Lundquist, "Buttons the Clown", of Buffalo Run Enterprises

Lundquist is a licensed funeral director and partner in the Lundquist-Merritt Funeral Home in LaMoille, Illinois. Currently he is a life member of the Bureau County Fair.  To most fairgoers he is "Buttons the Clown" who makes them smile, laugh and have fun!

 He was a fireman and ambulance crew member for many years. While serving as a co-founder of LaMoille's Buffalo Days, he was inspired to attend Clown Camp.  His love of children and deep caring personality radiates as "Buttons the Clown".  He started his company Buffalo Run Enterprises in the early 70's. 

The Illinois State Fair, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and the Carolina State Fairs have all been entertained by Buttons.  He also has done events in Wyoming, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana and the Central Canadian Exposition in Ottawa Canada.  "Buttons the Clown's" repeat appearances at the Illinois State Fair and many other locations have proven he is a crowd pleaser.  He credits his work in the Camen Islands to Jeff Blomsness of North American Midways.  

For 40 plus years Lundquist has been active in the Midwest and World Clown Association.  He has always been active in his church and community.  A former Eagle Scout, he later became the Scout Master of Troop 68 in Princeton.  By his example many Eagle scouts were produced.  In 1972 alone, thirteen Scouts achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

Newt's wife, Mary, is his partner in Buffalo Run Enterprises.  They have four grown children, Troy, Todd, Teri and Ted plus seven grandchildren. 

His family delights in watching Buttons the Clown tooling the fairgrounds in his bright red 1932 Ford Roadster.  He brings joy and laughter to the young and old and those with special needs.

 Buttons loves to make people happy.  He is compassionate, caring, gentle and sensitive.   His attributes as a fair greeter are fondly remembered by those countless lives he has touched from fair boards, committee members and fairgoers.  He is always there to lead the association in prayer and brighten fairgoers day.  He is truly a worthy recipient of the Friend of Illinois County Fair award".

The IAAF "Friend of Illinois County Fair Award" is sponsored by Jeff Blomsness of North American Midway entertainment from South Barrington. IAAF president, Tom Moore says, "It takes dedicated people like John Telford, Mary and Eldon Julius Al Henninger and Newt Lundquist to keep county fairs for future generations.  They're always there to lead and work and keep county fairs a gathering place to neighbor at each year.  They are all truly worthy recipients of the Friend of Illinois County Fair award".  

The 2012 Illinois State Fair runs August 9-19, 2012 in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair August 24- September 3, 2012.  Visit the ISF website at http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/ or www.illinoiscountyfairs.org.

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