Courtney Beal with the U of I Extension (Bond-Clinton-Jefferson-Marion-and Washington Counties) sits down with Big Jake to discuss their current canned food drive going on that will see a big push during the Mt. Vernon Rams game on Saturday, 2/8.

 

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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The Painted Cowgirl Market on N. Old Salem Road in Mt. Vernon is hosting a Harvest Festival & Veterans Salute this weekend, Saturday & Sunday from 9a-3p both days. The Festival will feature over 60 vendors, antique tractors, food trucks, and a blacksmith demonstration. Gwen Hails is the owner of The Painted Cowgirl Market. She says while this weekend is for her business and area vendors to come together to provide a kickoff to some great holiday shopping for the community; she says it's also about honoring those that made weekends like this possible. Cowboy Church will take place on Sunday morning at 10am on the grounds of The Painted Cowgirl Market. This is a rain or shine event.

 
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Valerie Densler & Brittany Fuqua with Special Olympics of Southern Illinois join Big Jake to talk about this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge. plungeillinois.com for more details! Join the fun at Touch of Nature in Carbondale on 2/24 or Rend Lake's South Sandusky Beach on 3/2.

 
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