UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit

ImAGination Acres Draws Young People to M-P Fair

The young and young at heart found plenty to do at ImAGination Acres during the Marshall Putnam Fair. Celebrating M-P Farm Bureau's 100th year, the Acres took on the theme of Westward Bound and offered activities that went back in time. New this year was the wagon trail. Children could ride in a "pint sized" covered wagon, pick up supplies at the General Store, and head along the trail past prairie dogs, hawks, foxes and howling coyotes. They could stop for a spell at the lake and fish before cooking their catch over the campfire. Other attractions under the big tent included an All Seasons Globe that rotated daily through the seasons. Traditional favorites such as Dr. Spager's Vet Clinic, Pagano's Pizzeria, the Grain Wagon and Mini Acres Farm were busy with imaginative youngsters. Many a game of checkers were played between children and parents. On Saturday, Barry Cloyd, folk singer accompanied by Sarah Arter, fiddler entertained with historical songs and stories about Illinois History. COUNTRY Financial agent, Steve Vogel and his assistant, Paula Helle served molasses and sugar cookies and switchel (haymakers punch) for a taste of yesteryear treats. Miniature fairy gardens was the craft of the day provided by Marshall-Putnam Extension Ag in the Classroom. These daily Ag Fun Things to Do were sponsored by First State Bank of McNabb. Each year many people contribute to making ImAGination Acres a part of the fair. Thanks go America's Farmers Grow Communities Fund, COUNTRY Financial – Steve Vogel, Henry, Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Foundation, First State Bank of McNabb, J & S Durst Trucking, Salisbury Farms - Sparland, Ed Hartwig Trucking and Excavating, Ozinga Materials, Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Board and Staff, Marshall-Putnam Extension Staff, Henry Hometown Hardware – Jeff Maupin, Monier Seed & Service, Hartman Statewide Construction, Thomas and James Downey, MacKenzie and Jake Durst, Greg Kroeschen, Austin Mannon, Larry Gerjets, Jay and Denise Salisbury, Chuck Holz, Deanna Fecht, Harvey Holocker, Erin Hufnagel, Jean Fulks, Mary Ann Magnuson, Bob Read, Ed Stunkel, Peggy Smith, Megan Wink, Shelby Neuhalfen, Aaron Moodie, Marsha Ahlstrom, Sara Knapp, Barby Stutzman. Becky and Kyle Hanks, Abe Holler, Paula and Jeff Helle, Gordy Crank, and anyone one else who was unintentionally omitted! For more information call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 309-364-2356. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus. The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/ -End-