Ryan Campbell invites you to the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Home & Outdoor Expo to support the YMCA of Jefferson County on February 22nd from 8am to 11am! Tickets on sale now at the Y for $10. Day of tickets purchases will be $12. Thank you so much to Royal Wholesale in Mt. Vernon for their generous donation to help us prepare this breakfast

At the Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon.

 

Executive Director Nat Shook joins Big Jake's show to discuss a new initiative by United Way of South Central Illinois designed to support teachers in enhancing or building their classroom libraries. Teachers can now request specific books they need for their students, ensuring every child has access to the educational resources necessary for a successful learning experience.

This program was inspired by our joint venture with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, where we discovered the significant need for books in classroom libraries. United Way Reads aims to fill this gap by providing essential educational materials to teachers.

How You Can Help:

Book Donations: Check our website and Facebook page for a list of requested books. If you have any of the listed books and wish to donate, please drop them off at:

📍 123 S 10th St., Suite 202, Mt. Vernon, IL.

Amazon Wish List: Prefer to purchase books online? Visit our Amazon Wish List for a complete list of requested books. Your purchase will be sent directly to our office, ready to be distributed to teachers in need.

Teachers: You can apply for books directly on our website or by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/mmNb3inTWR2RPFaZ8.

By supporting United Way Reads, you are directly contributing to the educational success and future of our community’s youth. Together, we can ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!

 
...

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!

 
...

The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly presents McCoy Rodeo’s Extreme Bull Bash and country concerts, Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th at the Southern Illinois Center, located within the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Cord joins Big Jake's show to get you ready for the adrenaline pumping, bull riding action!

 

 Prepare for the heart-pounding thrill of the 8-second ride as cowboys strive to conquer the bulls for points and prizes.

 On Friday,  March 28th, Drew Baldridge will be the music headliner. A Southern Illinois native currently making waves in the Tennessee music scene, Baldridge will captivate the audience with his new single, "Tough People," alongside his recently acclaimed viral hit, "She's Somebody's Daughter," which achieved number one status.

On Saturday, March 29, country music superstar Trace Adkins will be performing! Adkins, who has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, and earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, has garnered over two billion streams. Adkins, originally scheduled to perform at the 2024 Du Quoin Rodeo, had to cancel due to a leg injury.

 All rodeo tickets, including VIP tickets, grant entry to the concert, and concert-only tickets are also available. Please note that rodeo-only tickets are not offered, making this a truly unique and exclusive experience.

 VIP tickets include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food and drink until the concert begins.

 Doors for the rodeo will open at 5 PM each night, with the rodeo starting at 6:30 PM. For concert-only attendees, doors will open at 8 PM, and the concert will begin at 9 PM.

Tickets and show information will be available at wolfecattlecompany.com.

 
...