Prime Beef Fest Returns

Each year, with the exception of last year, the annual Prime Beef Festival is held at the Monmouth Park the week following Labor Day. The parade kicks off the week on Wednesday afternoon and the fair comes to a close on Saturday evening. The parade begins at West Park and makes its way through the square and past the college. This year, in the parade, the college was represented by the marching band, President Wyatt and the bagpipers. At Monmouth Park you could find the highly talked about apple cider slushies, corndogs, fries, funnel cakes and all of the other staple fair food. “The funnel cakes were good, 10/10 recommend. It’s a good way to hang out with friends,” said Bailey Shimmin, a junior. At the park you could find the usual amusement rides that you would at any fair. On Friday evening, kids from the area gather for a “chicken scramble” and “calf tagging”. Some other events that happen during the week include a car show, a vendor show and “Very Special Person’s Day”; an event where the fair partners with Swyear Amusements which allows a group of locals to enjoy rides free of charge. Across the street, you can pay to get into events such as the demolition derby and figure eight races. Some may wonder “why the name of Prime Beef?!” According to warrencountyprimebeef.com, in 1948 there was more beef being sent to Chicago from Warren County, than from anywhere else. This is where the slogan, “Prime Beef Center of the World”  became adopted for the area. From 1940 to 1945, farmers from the Monmouth area had been increasing their cattle production, from 34,000 to 43,000. While traditions have changed since 1948, it is still a festival that everyone should get out to enjoy!

Alison Barrington - Staff Writer