After a widely successful 2023 concert, The Washington County Fair is proud to announce the concert lineup for the 2024 fair! Headlining the fair concert on July 10, 2024, 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 will go on sale on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 8 AM. Tickets and show information can be found at www.thewashingtoncountyfair.com!

The Mt. Vernon Township High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) stopped by Big Jake's show this morning to chat about their 16th Annual Blackout Game Fundraiser. The event takes place at MVTHS during the Rams game on 2/11 vs. Marion. This fundraiser helps offset the costs for FBLA to attend the State Conference in March. There are business sponsorships available for space on the shirts and there will be shirts available for sale to the general public. More information, sponsorship options, or to order a shirt, contact FBLA's Adviser Julie Hayes at jhayes@mvths.org or by calling 618-246-1828.