Adams County Bicentennial to honor century-old businesses and churches at county fair

MENDON, Ill. — The Adams County Bicentennial Commission will host two special ceremonies during the 2025 Adams County Fair to honor local businesses and churches for their longstanding service to the community. Being honored at the fair will be businesses that have operated in Adams County for 100–149 years and churches that have served Adams County communities for 150 years or more. Businesses and organizations with 150+ years of service were previously recognized on Memorial Day.

Both ceremonies will take place in the newly constructed Heritage Farm Pavilion at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Notification letters have been sent to the 27 businesses and 36 churches currently identified. If your business or church meets the criteria, and you do not receive a letter by July 5, email leonwood@verizon.net no later than July 13 to be included in the formal recognition. You can also check the adamsco200.org website listing.

The 2025 Adams County Fair will be held from Wednesday, July 23 through Tuesday, July 29, at the Adams County Fairgrounds located on Highway 336 between Mendon and Quincy.

Presentation of commemorative certificates to businesses will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and the presentation certificates and signs to churches at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.

The public is invited to attend and celebrate the lasting legacy of these institutions that have helped shape Adams County for more than a century.