News Progress

•June 17, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 13th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society (IAHC) held its “All About Horses” event, and both horse-lovers as well as those newly introduced were in for a treat. People came from near and far, with some traveling in their motor homes and others carpooling to attend the event from surrounding communities, as well as upstate and out of state. Many had questions which were happily answered with a tinge of good-natured country humor, and most importantly, everyone left with newly acquired knowledge and having been entertained in the process. From shoeing horses with farrier craft, adorable puppies to fawn over (as many did, with one young girl asking her mom why puppy breath was the ‘best smell ever’), to an equine therapy and horsemanship demonstration, the IAHC was bustling with activity and craftsmanship, all deeply steeped in their own distinctive histories.

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 13th, from the parking lot of the Sullivan American Legion to the far end of Wyman Park, one could find something in motion: from the early 5k run, raffles, bake sales, car show, to the Kids Korner (with some impressive, well-used, and appreciated bounce houses), kids pedal pulls, food on offer from vendors, live music and the new dunk tank, there was not a dull corner to be found. When the dunk tank opened to a line of waiting kiddos, Mrs. Becker got in, ready to be dunked for a good cause. The first ball thrown was by Jasper Rhodes, 6, who hit the mark and dunked Mrs. Becker right at the start, and then two more times before throwing all six. This set the tone moving forward, with a surprising number of hits/dunks from the youngsters, and a good-natured Mrs. Becker laughingly said, “It’s all for a good cause!” All proceeds raised at the 2-day event will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, $32,338 was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Photos by DM Williamee