Executive Director of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Storey, joins Big Jake for a chat about this weekend's 11th Annual Home & Outdoor Expo in Mt. Vernon at the Times Square Mall. Get a head start on those home improvement projects by coming to the Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon on Friday, February 23rd (5-8p) and Saturday, the 24th (9a-5p) for incredible, first-hand access to industry experts. Over 50 vendors will be showcasing all things home and outdoor! Real Estate & Financing, Insurance, Recreation, plus a new area this year showcasing young entrepreneurs and their unique businesses. Whether you're remodeling, under construction, looking for better pest control, need new furniture, some outdoor maintenance or new gardening and landscaping. Visit southernillinois.com for more info. See you at the Expo!

 

Tricia Higgins, Marketing Director with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, stops by to discuss how they've started their annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. Not only is the Cookie Program the largest girl led entrepreneurial program in the world, it is also a catalyst to fueling all of the adventures of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Customers aren’t simply purchasing cookies – they are empowering girls. Every purchase stays local and provides girls opportunities like camping, travel, robotics, and so much more. gsofsi.org/findcookies to search out a cookie booth nearest you!

 
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Drew Baldridge joins Big Jake while his hit song "She's Somebody's Daughter" is sitting at #3 on the Top 40 Hot Country Songs Chart. Drew tells the story of his career path leading up to 2019, COVID hitting and shutting down Nashville-his record label-and nearly his career. But out of the darkest of times, social media and the power of perseverance by Drew, the light is at the end of the tunnel and his career is back on track with now even more potential for success than when he first started. What a story...we can't wait to see what's next!

 
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Jo Dee joins Big Jake for a second interview ahead of her show in Nashville at the Washington County Fair. This time around, Jake and Jo Dee talk her faith and it's importance alongside her career choice. Would she ever do a collaborative album featuring her hits sung alongside newer country artists. Were there ever any songs that she passed on that would go on to become huge hits, you'll be shocked at the big one she passed up. And so much more!

After a widely successful 2023 concert, The Washington County Fair is proud to announce that headlining the fair concert on July 10th, is Jo Dee Messina, a country artist who has posted nine No. 1 hits, sixteen Top 40 songs, sold over five million albums worldwide, and has been honored by the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and Grammy Awards.

Opening for Messina is Walker Montgomery, who has been chosen as an Artist to Watch by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, and The Boot. The Country Next pick by Country Now is a rising singer/songwriter who knows a thing or two about family tradition, but he’s an artist making his own legacy. The 21-year-old son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery pedigree is matched only by his country passion.

The concert will take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Nashville, Illinois. Gates will open at 6 PM, and the show will begin at 7 PM. Tickets (if available) and show information can be found at thewashingtoncountyfair.com!

 
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