(Painted
Pumpkins by Ted Baer)
JEEP
JAMBOREE & ILLINOIS CHALLENGE TRAILRIDE
The hill country in Pike
County is perfect for four wheel drive trail riding.
Talk about communing with nature; this is a great
way to do it. With the cooperation of landowners,
these two organized trail rides take place each
year. This year's event was held May 19-21.These
events are environment-friendly with a great respect
for land.
WESTERN
ILLINOIS & PIKE COUNTY FAIRS
(Horse Racing,
Western Illinois Fair, by Don Kirk)
The Western Illinois Fair in Griggsville dates
back to 1888. There is horse racing on the half
mile track. Other events seen from the grandstand
are queen contest, big name musical entertainment
and demolition derby. There are carnival rides
and 4-H livestock competitions. Check out the
Arts and Crafts building for displays of crafts,
needlework and food items and see the blue ribbon
winners.
The Pike County Fair in Pleasant Hill Features
a talent show and a queen contest. There is a
top rated society horse show and you can see mud
sling, tractor pulls and demolition derbys. Of
course there are carnival games and plenty of
food.
PIG DAYS
(Kissing Pig. Photo courtesy Pike Press)
For more than 25 years Pittsfield has celebrated
Pike's large pork industry with their annual Pig
Days festival. In honor of the pig there are activities
such as longest pig tail contest and hog calling
contests. There are arts and crafts with many
of them reflecting the honored pig. As you would
expect, food stands offer some tasty pork specialties.
DEER CAMP
(Deer Camp. Photo courtesy Craig & Bonnie
Jo Fee)
Hunters will enjoy this weekend and wildlife
expo. Trophy bucks from Pike County, other Illinois
counties and other states will be on display.
There are also turkey, sheds and taxidermy divisions.
You can listen to renowned seminar speakers and
watch demonstrations. Vendors offer wildlife and
hunting related items. This event is produced
by natives Craig and Bonnie Jo Fee in cooperation
with West Pike High School and Illinois Department
of Conservation. There is an entry fee. .
MASTERS
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & U.S. PRACTICAL
SHOOTING ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Former Gov. Edgar at event. Photo courtesy
Pike Press)
The Pike-Adams Sportman's Alliance Range at
Barry is the site of two major shooting events.
The Masters International Shooting Championships
in August attract sports shooters from around
the world to compete in handgun contests in Precision
Action and Long Range events.
(Masters Event. Photo courtesy Pike Press)
In September the United States Practical Shooting
Association National Championships are held. Sports
shooters from across the country compete for national
title. Spectators are welcome to enjoy these events.
CIVIL
WAR REENACTMENT
Every second year Civil War re-enactors converge
on Pike County to demonstrate a bit of history.
They set up an authentic camp site by Lake Pittsfield,
a wonderful natural sefflng. There are all sorts
of 1860's activides in addition to furious battles
between the Blue and Gray.
