By Martha Vaché
Everyone is welcome to attend two special presentations at the Morgan County Fair on Wednesday, July 6, in the Adult Exhibit Building. The Adult Building is located in the southeast corner of the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
The afternoon will begin at 1:30 p.m., with a presentation about “The Underground Railroad in Morgan County” by Benjamin Belzer. Belzer is an Illinois College history graduate, Collections Manager for the Illinois Supreme Court Historical Preservation Commission, and a tour guide at Woodland Farm Tour Guide. In his presentation, Belzer will answer questions such as: What was the Underground Railroad? Why was Morgan County an “anti-slavery boiling pot?” Why was it important in Jacksonville’s history?
At 2:30 p.m., Anita Moody and Stacy McQueen will discuss “Monarch Way Stations.” Moody is a Master Gardener who has been planting habitat for monarchs for years. McQueen, an elementary teacher, has been raising Monarch’s in her classroom for over 20 years. McQueen recently visited sites in California where the Monarchs spend the winter. Learn about the life cycle of Monarchs and what plants local gardeners can plant to help the Monarch population.
These programs, which are planned by the Morgan County Fair Auxiliary, are free and open to the public. More information is available in the fair program, at www.themorgancountyfair.com or from the fair office at 217-245-6800.
