News Release
Release: Immediately
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Contact: Marla Behrends, (309) 825.2196
January 17, 2015
FourHonored with the 2015 Friend of Illinois County Fair Award
Springfield, IL—The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) presented their coveted “Friend of Illinois County Fair” award to Ray and Janice Swyear of Swyear Amusements of New Athens; Robert “Bob” Scherer of Boone County Fair; Jerry Jacobs of Carroll County Fair.
Each year the IAAF recognizes individuals who are outstanding Illinois county fair supporters, volunteer workers, or innovators in the industry that are respected by their colleagues and peers at their104thannual convention in Springfield.
Ray and Janice Swyear
Swyear Amusements of New Athens, Illinois, is celebrating its 57th year in the amusement industry, making it one of the oldest Illinois based traveling amusement companies and one of the longest serving associate members of the IAAF. Ray Swyear Rides was started in 1958 by Ray and Janice when Ray purchased a small kiddie train ride. With the birth of three sons and a strong work ethic, Ray, Janice, and the family built what is known today as Swyear Amusements Inc.
With the passing of Ray in 1997 and Janice’s retirement in 2013, the second and third generations have taken the helm. The Swyear Carnival is now operated by Ray’s oldest son, Terry and wife Kathy, their son Adam and Terry’s brother Roger and his wife Teresa; who all work in the day to day operations of the company. There are currently 19 members of the Swyear Family.
With the grandchildren’s involvement, there is hope that Ray and Janice Swyear’s legacy will continue on in the years ahead. With new purchase every year and a love for the industry, the show has grown stronger than ever. New rides, games, and food
concessions are upgraded every season, keeping current with the growing trends of the carnival industry. Swyear Amusements play over 10 percent of the Illinois County Fairs and numerous festivals, homecomings and community events each year. They strive to present an attractive, well maintained Midway with a clean, wholesome environment befitting their family and the families across Illinois whom they serve.
Robert “Bob” Scherer
Robert “Bob” Scherer, of Genoa, has served on the Boone County Fair Board for 18 years. He is in charge of the free entertainment building and secures the entertainment for the building.
In addition, Scherer was instrumental in securing aluminum benches for the building. He is also the superintendent of the truck and tractor pulls and puts in countless hours overseeing the organizational needs and track preparation.
Scherer is an active board member and assists the other departments of the fair including the maintenance department where he helps put up portable fencing, trimming trees, running for parts or any job that needs to be done. He is always there to lend a helping hand.
Jerry Jacobs
Jerry Jacobs is a 26 year board member of the Carroll County Fair Association in Milledgeville. He is an exemplary board member and individual. Jerry is the first to volunteer for any project. He is the person with a smile on his face from morning to night. After two major commercial buildings were devastated so Jacobs was there, diligently working with other board members. He also assists with the boat and camper storage.
Jacobs has always put the needs of the county fair before his own. He passes his contagious love for the fair to his wife, children and grandchildren. He is passionate about maintaining the rural appeal of the county fair and works hard to share that passion with whomever he comes into contact with. Jerry has innovative ideas and actively solicits other organizations in the county to become involved with the fair.
He works with other area county fairs and drives his 1949 International H tractor in parades advertising the Carroll County Fair. He is an avid member of the Whiteside County Rabbit Association, the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association. Jerry is also very active in his church and is a council member for the First Lutheran Church.
Over 3,500 county fair members and friends spent this past weekend selecting their entertainment and service needs for the 2015 county fair season. The 103 county fairs coordinate with the Illinois State Fair, August 13-23, 2015, and the DuQuoin State Fair, August 28ththrough September 7th. Visit our website at
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The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs is a non-profit corporation formed in 1910. It serves 103 Illinois County Fairs and Expositions. Its purpose is to provide guidelines, inform, and monitor and /or initiate legislation that promotes and assist Illinois County Fairs. The association is volunteer based and is dedicated to the promotion of agriculture, development of youth, and as a showplace of American agriculture’s traditions and future agricultural innovations
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