Knox County Chamber of Commerce celebrated local youth at its annual Junior Fair Breakfast, raising more than $2,100 to support the Junior Fair Board.
The breakfast was held Thursday, July 9, at the Ramser 4‑H Activity Center on the Knox County Fairgrounds. The Chamber partnered with CES Credit Union as the corporate sponsor, continuing a tradition that brings together community members to recognize the dedication of Junior Fair participants.
The event underscored why the Junior Fair matters: it provides young people from 4‑H, FFA, Grange, Scouts, and Cloverbuds with opportunities to build leadership, confidence, and discipline.
“The Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this annual event and partner with CES Credit Union as our corporate sponsor,” Jill McCartney, Chamber Executive Director, stated in a press release. “Both our organizations recognize the many benefits Junior Fair participants gain through their program—from enhancing their leadership skills to gaining confidence, discipline, and so much more.”
McCartney emphasized that the breakfast is not only a fundraiser but also a celebration of youth achievement.
“The Chamber, CES Credit Union, and our members are glad to contribute to this awards program,” she said.
James McLaughlin, Marketing Director of CES Credit Union, highlighted the long‑term impact of the Junior Fair.
“We know the young women and men in these programs put in a lot of hard work and learn new skills, like public speaking and showmanship,” McLaughlin said, according to a press release. “History shows these programs produce some of the best future citizens, business owners, employees and leaders in our county.”
This year’s breakfast ultimately raised $2,110, though the check presented at the event was written for $1,440, with additional donations arriving afterward, according to the chamber. The funds will go directly to the Knox County Junior Fair Board to support awards recognizing the hard work of exhibitors.
Community leaders echoed the sentiment.
“What a great breakfast for a great cause! Best of luck to all of the exhibitors at this year's upcoming fair,” the city of Mount Vernon wrote on Facebook
The Chamber also shared its gratitude online, thanking attendees and CES Credit Union for making the event possible.
The Junior Fair Breakfast remains a cornerstone of the county’s fair season, blending fellowship, philanthropy, and pride in the next generation of leaders.
