REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI) together with St. Clair County Historical Society recently held Fair St. Clair 200 as part of their bicentennial legacy project.  The community event featured over 20 different exhibitors showcasing local history and special toast to Illinois’ 200th birthday by O’Fallon Major Herb Roach and U.S. Congressman Mike Bost (12th District).  

While taking a trip through local history, fairgoers also enjoyed live music, hands on activities, a rifle demonstration, and even a vintage baseball game between the Belleville Stags Vintage Base Ball Club and Springfield Long Nine Vintage Base Ball Club.  

“The event had a great turnout of community leaders and members of the public. All the exhibitors were very interesting and full of historical pride, leaving an impression on every person they encountered,” says Deb Frazier, RASI CEO. “Local REALTORS® were eager to assist with this historical event because they don’t just work here, they choose to raise their families here and take pride in their community.” 

Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200
Fair St. Clair 200

For over a century the St. Clair County Historical Society has been dedicated to education, history, artifact preservation, and community. Over a hundred years later, the original mission of the society is still alive, and the society uses its collections, museums, and community members to help tell the story of St. Clair County. Today, the society operates several historic sites in Belleville including the Victorian Home Museum, the Emma Kunz house, and the Messinger Cemetery and Schoolhouse. 

REALTORS® across the state are working with heart in their communities to complete projects like this to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois’ project is one of more than 30 legacy projects supported by our local REALTOR® associations. 

Projects have included fundraising for local historic home improvements and community murals or promoting local historical properties and societies. Illinois REALTORS® donated land in downtown Springfield next to its headquarters and built Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership, which is a signature project of the state bicentennial celebrations. 

The association is an official endorsed partner with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, which oversees the state’s plans for the milestone birthday. 

(This blog post is part of a series over the next several months covering Illinois REALTORS® local associations legacy projects leading up to the state of Illinois 200th Birthday. Learn more.)