JERSEYVILLE, Ill. – The Jersey County Fair Association has been named the 2025 Community Partner Award winner by University of Illinois Extension in Jersey County. This award celebrates their long-standing and successful partnership with Jersey County 4-H, which has provided invaluable opportunities for local youth. For years, the Fair Association has been an incredible supporter of Jersey County 4-H, providing instrumental resources for 4-H shows and workshops, and serving as a key partner in the annual Jersey County 4-H Foundation Auction.
The collaboration recently expanded with the launch of the Ag Education Booth at the Jersey County Fair. This initiative serves as a platform to promote the many resources offered by University of Illinois Extension, showcasing programs in 4-H, Horticulture, Community & Economic Development, and Nutrition & Wellness. “Our partnership with the Jersey County Fair Association is about more than just the annual event. It's a long-term investment in our community, providing the public with resources and opportunities to learn and grow, all while helping us promote our vital Extension programs,” said Jessica Jaffry, 4-H youth development educator.
University of Illinois Extension serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties is exceptionally proud to provide this award to Fair Board President Phil Ringhausen, Fair Board Treasurer Tom Moore, Fair Board Director Connor Ashlock, and the rest of the fair board in recognition and gratitude for their service to Extension. “Illinois Extension relies on strong community partnerships in all aspects of our work. From providing facilities or volunteers that assist with programming to offering financial support or exposure to new audiences, Extension staff and volunteers are grateful and appreciative of each of our community partners and the support they provide,” said Sara Marten, Extension county director.
This award is sponsored by the Extension Council of University of Illinois Extension, serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties. The council recognizes a community partner throughout our four counties each year. Extension Council is a volunteer board that serves in an advisory role cooperating with Extension staff in planning, promoting, developing, implementing, evaluating, and financing an Extension program designed to meet the needs, interests, and resources of the local communities.
Photo Caption: University of Illinois Extension staff presenting the 2025 Community Partner Award to Jersey County Fair Association; (left to right) Phil Ringhausen, Connor Ashlock, Tom Moore, Jessica Jaffry, Beth Steckel, and Sara Marten.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.