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Pag• 48--Shaw Mtdla Group 1901 Fair Guide People and projects a veteran of the hustle and bustle WOODSTOCK -- "Yes, the fair is a year-around activity," Mrs. Winnie Cassiani said laughingly from her position in the fair offidfcr asrfull-time secretary, where the pace is nearing a climax because of the impending five- day run of the McHenry County Fair. While this is the most frantic time of the year for volunteers, exhibitors, and those making final plans for the fair, months ago arrangements were being made to assure a successful fair Aug. 5- 9. The fair board meets monthly, and last fall contracts for entertainment were approved and a review of needed repairs and improvements were discussed. In the spring committees began to function, preparing to rent both inside and outside exhibit space. The growth of the fair through the years has prompted development of several exhibit buildings in addition to the more than 50 outside exhibit locations. "In January, committees seek in­ formation for the premium book, the 'bible' of the fair with its listing of events, premiums, classes, department officials, and health rules," said Cassiani. Cassiani has become a veteran of the hustle and bustle that increases as fair time nears. She's worked at the office since 1969, and this year she is assisted by Margaret Szlachta and Diane Heinrich. Those three are staffing the office full-time now, first to accept entries in open class and to assist committee chairmen with the commercial exhibitors' scheduling. In the late spring they help order ribbons, plaques and other supplies, such as ring books, covers, extra pages and checks. "We write over 1,200 checks to pay out premium money to open class exhibitors," she said appreciatively, "and we do all the check writing before the close of the final day so that these exhibitors can pick up their premiums the final day." Dorothy Schultz, secretary of the fair board, provides yeoman service in helping with the solicitation of donors for plaques, figuring out ribbon requirements and processing results when they trickle in during the fair. The entries must first be arranged in alphabetical order by the name of the exhibitor. Then the entries must be entered in the respective ring books, such as for open class sheep, flowers, foods, or swine -- each entry must be logged carefully so the department clerk can verify the entry at the time of judging. Then the results must be posted by the clerk so the people in the office can verify awards and prepare checks, Cassiani explained. "The fair office is the information headquarters for a month before the fair and during the fair," said Cassiani. "We are pleased to be the coordinator of so much activity, the hub of the fair for so many people. The fair is so successful because a great many people provide their services as volunteers and assume a great amount of responsibility. 'Most frequent questions concern entry deadlines, the amount of entry fees, and the cost of the admission to the grounds. Many people are surprised to learn the grandstand is free after payment of the admission fee, and the other thing that surprises many callers is that we have free parking on the fairgrounds." During the fair, it seems we ought to have a sign that s a y s ' w e n e v e r close' but when we are so busy doing the many f things that time seems to fly by during those five days. -- Mrs. Winnie Cassiani The 4-H program is handled by the extension office, including the recor­ ding of entries and payment of premiums. However, many calls and many questions to the fair office con­ cern 4-H so Cassiani and her staff members maintain a close liaison with the 4-H Extension Service office. The fair office is located in the Exhibit Hall called Building D, the hall on Country Club Road which has a big sign that proclaims "Home of the McHenry County Fair." Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until the fair.' ^ "During the fair, it seems we ought to , have a sign that says 'we never close' but when we §u*e so busy doing the many things that time seems to fly by during those five days," Cassiani concluded with a smile. EAST HNCINILM BMW I B Jmm ON CORNER OF RT. 120 RIVERSIDE DRIVE IN McHENRY 344-3900 3m WEST ONE MILE NORTH OF RTE. 120 jj ON RTE. 47 IN WOODSTOCK 338-7779 WfiiiTiCIl ON YOUR WAY TO OR FROM THE McHENRY COUNTY FAIR , ENJOY... North Italian Cuisine G Homemade Deep Dish Pizza LUNCHEONS: MONDAY - FRIDAY DINNERS: TUESDAY - SUNDAY Mrs. Winnie Cassiani