Event Organizer Chris Bernard joins the show to discuss the rising popularity of Sports Collectables and of course their big event on 2/23/25 at The Double Tree By Hilton in Mt. Vernon.

 

United We Stand: A Weekend of Unity, Culture, and Community Connection

Mark your calendars for August 8th and 9th as United Way of South Central Illinois proudly presents United We Stand, a two-day celebration dedicated to embracing diversity, building bridges of understanding, and strengthening the bonds that tie our community together.

Friday, August 8 – United We Stand

A Meal with Meaning

(Centralia)

Begin the weekend with a moving community gathering at the United We Stand Dinner in Centralia.

 Featured Speakers:

  • Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivors Mickey and Eva Kor, will share his family’s powerful story and speak about compassion, remembrance, and the importance of standing united in the face of injustice.
  • Dr. Linda & Carl Flowers, respected community leaders and educators, will offer insight on the importance of connection, understanding, and resilience in building a stronger Southern Illinois.

 Dinner Provided By:

Chammies Food for the Soul — enjoy a delicious soul-filled meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

 This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited - ticket required - click here for ticket.

Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon)

The celebration continues Saturday at the brand-new Commons Park in Mt. Vernon with a full day of global flavors, local artists, music, and cultural exploration.

 Speaker: Alex Kor

Alex will speak with a heartfelt message about healing, resilience, and the power of shared history.

 Featured Artists:

  • Brandy Mount
  • Cortez Hodges
  • Robbie Edwards
  • Janis Steury
  • Vanessa Thomas

 Live Entertainment:

  • Performances by Center Stage
  • Local talents throughout the day.

 Food Vendors:

  • Chammies Food for The Soul – Southern cuisine
  • Joe's Pizza – Local favorite
  • Jee Family – Representing Canada
  • Papa Knocks – Comfort food & soul favorites
  • Crazy Asian Eats – Asian fusion flavors

吝 Family Fun:

A fun and educational way to explore the world!

 Free and open to the public — bring the whole family!

Why It Matters

In a time when connection matters more than ever, United We Stand is an opportunity to share stories, build bridges, and create lasting memories with neighbors near and far. Let’s come together to celebrate who we are — and who we can become — side by side.

 Save the Dates:

  • Friday, August 8 – United We Stand Dinner (Centralia)
  • Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon Commons)

 
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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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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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