Over 3,000 visitors to this year’s McLean County Fair were in for a magical experience at the Food and Farm Fun Zone, a “Wicked” inspired themed exhibit, showcasing where their food comes from.

The exhibit transformed the often-misunderstood journey of food production into an interactive experience. From planting seeds to harvesting crops, raising livestock, and preparing meals, attendees learned how food goes from field to fork.  Visitors could pick beans in the combine simulator, explore a model grocery store, milk Bessy, the mechanical cow, and discover the variety of local farmers featured on banners.

One of the most popular features was the chance to talk directly with farmers. These one-on-one conversations allowed fairgoers to ask questions and hear firsthand what it’s like to care for animals and manage crops.

Local farmers volunteered during the week, including at the combine station, where visitors climbed into the cab. Many questions followed about how it fits on the road, its speed, cost, and productivity. The exhibit also featured a couple of lambs, goats, and piglets.  Texan farmers, Jeannene and Pete, with Moo U Tours, focused on conversations about consumers’ perception of livestock and the extensive purpose livestock have in our daily lives.

“Agriculture touches everyone’s life, but most people never see it up close – many had never seen a soybean,” said Carly Rickard, Ag Education Committee Co-Chair. “We wanted to pull back the curtain in a fun way and show that there’s no magic, just hardworking people behind the scenes.”

The Food and Farm Fun Zone is an annual event that strives to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Visitors left with new knowledge, a cinch bag, and a Grilled to Perfection card for pork and beef, provided in part by Consumer Engagement Grant funds from Illinois Farm Bureau.

The McLean County Fair Ag Education Committee would like to thank all the event sponsors for their support and the 115 volunteers who worked at the exhibit. The Food and Farm Fun Zone is a collaboration with McLean County Farm Bureau and support from the McLean County Farm Bureau Foundation.