There is a new landmark recognizing longtime family farms in Adams County.
Local volunteers with the Adams County Fair board, Ursa Farmers Co-op, Adams County Farm Bureau, and local farmers joined up with local construction workers for an old fashioned barn raising…to erect the Heritage Farms Pavilion.

The Pavilion is a new permanent landmark inside the Adams County Fairgrounds sponsored by 18 local farms and businesses.
It’s a part of the Adams County Bicentennial celebration, designed to honor the generations of farm families who helped shaped the region’s history and economy. 
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The Adams County Bicentennial Celebration also plans a major celebration for the area on September 6th…featuring exhibits, family fun and concerts including The Beach Boys.

Find more information on the Adams County Bicentennial at www.adamsco200.org
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New 'Heritage Farms Pavilion' to honor longtime family farms 

Adams County, IL — Adams County is proud to announce the creation of the Heritage Farm Pavilion, a legacy project commemorating the county’s Bicentennial in 2025. This new pavilion will be located at the Adams County Fairgrounds (2010 East 1250th Street, Mendon) and will serve as a lasting tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage while providing a space for community events.

A public presentation unveiled the plans for the Heritage Farm Pavilion.

The Heritage Farm Pavilion will feature a section honoring heritage farms—those that have been owned and operated by the same family for 150 years or more.

Bicentennial Commissioner Mark Peter shared the vision behind this initiative, stating, “This legacy project will be a permanent home for the heritage farms monument recognizing farms that have been in the same family for 150 years or more. It will also serve the citizens of Adams County as a place to hold family events at the Fairgrounds.”

The Bicentennial Commission gives special thanks to those businesses that have helped financially support this historic endeavor which include: Adams County Fair Association, Adams County Farm Bureau, Buss Ag Services, Country Financial Agents, Dearwester Grain Services Inc., Farm & Home Supply, Lewis Seed Farms, Sharkey Transportation Inc., and Ursa Farmers Cooperative.

As Adams County approaches its Bicentennial, this project reflects the community’s deep appreciation for its history, particularly its rich agricultural traditions. The pavilion will not only celebrate the past but also provide a space for future generations to gather and create lasting memories.

The pavilion will be used during fair time to host the Junior Miss and Teen Pageants, Baby Contest, church services and Karaoke Contests.  It will also host the annual Kids' Games at the fair.

"The project meshes the county's history and agricultural beginnings with modern traditions we celebrate at the Adams County Fair," said Melissa Shriver-Hackamack, A Fair Board Director. "We are excited to see this facility added to the fairgrounds, where it will detail and honor the efforts of Adams County Farm families for generations to come."
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About Adams County Bicentennial: The Adams County Bicentennial celebrates 200 years of history, resilience, and community spirit in Adams County, Illinois. Through a diverse range of events and initiatives, the Bicentennial aims to honor the county’s heritage and engage residents and visitors alike in celebrating its contributions to the region.
For more information about the Heritage Farm Pavilion, the Adams County Bicentennial, or to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit Adams County Bicentennial Website at adamsco200.org. You may also contact the Adams County Bicentennial Committee at [email protected].