On Wednesday, August 4, the Kankakee County Fair hosted its annual Kankakee County Fair bus races. To prepare for the event, Midwest Transit Equipment donated buses to be demoed. But before the buses could be raced and subsequently demoed, the buses had to be painted. Various local businesses and organizations stepped up to the plate, and each painted a bus to be represented in the races.

2010's participants included:

Kankakee County Fair (Driver: Debbie Marcotte; Grant Park, IL) – Theme: It’s Christmas in August! The county Fair would like to say thank you to all the groups that painted a bus and to all who are coming out to support the fair.

All Around Kids 4-H Club (Driver: Paul Jaurez; Momence, IL) – Aroma Park and St. Anne area 4-H Club would like encourage all youth to join their local 4-H club and wish all 4-H members good luck at the fair.

Wal-mart (Driver: Michael Perry; Frankfort, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – The local Wal-Mart painted a bus for the second time this year. This year’s theme is world-wide as they serve many countries around the globe.

Limestone Leaders (Driver: Kenny Dato; Limestone, IL) – Limestone Leaders is a local 4-H group. You can check out the kids’ exhibits throughout the fair. Make note of their sponsors that they listed on the side of the bus.

Rated PG (Driver: Tony Barker; Hoopeston, IL) – Rated PG Demolition Derby of Hoopeston wants to join in on the show. Be sure to come as they put on the car and truck derby. This will be an event you won’t want to miss.

Ink In and Ink Out (Driver: Derrick Berlin; Romeoville, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – This new business in the Kankakee Area wishes all fair-goers luck and hopes they have a great day at the Kankakee County Fair.

Central New Impressions (Driver: Jerome Warner; Kankakee, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – Central new Impressions is a show choir that went to four performances this past year. Their main event is the annual Night on the Town that is held at the Central High School Auditorium. They will shock you with their performances. They hope to win this contest with the intimidation factor of white lightening.

Drill Team (Driver: Matt Witveot; Irwin, IL) – Will County 4-H Sizzlin Hot Equestrian Drill Team was formed in 2004. It is compromised of 4-H youth from various Will County 4-H clubs, ages ranging from 10 to 19 and alumni. They will be performing at the Fair’s IPRA Rodeo. They show their patriotism with their all American bus.

Boy Scouts (Driver: Norman Kleinert; Bonfield, IL) – Boy Scout Troop 361’s upside-down bus is ready just in case of a flipped bus accident. With an extra set of wheels on top, they are ready to go head over wheels for this race.

Herscher FFA (Driver: Chris Ohrt; Limestone, IL) – The FFA organization works with students and the community to promote agriculture. Many of the FFA students will be showing at this fair and hope to see their bus run over the competition.

Kids with Kids 4-H Club (Driver: Kevin Neafie; Michigan City, IN) – Kids with Kids is a Kankakee County 4-H club run by Julie and Rick Radtke. The kids in this club all raise and show goats. Their bus gives a shout-out to all their sponsors that help them throughout the year.

River Valley FFA (Driver: Jimmy Witveot; St. Anne, IL) – The River Valley FFA’s bus is promoting agriculture by using the phrase “All roads lead to Ag.” One side demonstrates city life while the other demonstrates life on the farm – all of which relies upon agriculture to survive. This FFA chapter includes the schools of Momence, St. Anne and Grant Park.

Central FFA (Driver: James Witveot; Momence, IL) – The Central FFA is looking to grow another fun and exciting year. The students are planting the seeds for many more great achievements and awards. The FFA organization helps youth grow in leadership skills and responsibility.

Sam Spence’s “Love Bus” (Driver: Brett Kleinert; Watseka, IL) – Taking it back to the 1960’s with the love bus. They hope to win this contest with peace, love and tie dye.

It is said that Norman Kleinert, driver of the Boy Scouts bus, is favored to win. When asked why, I was simply told, “Stormin’ Norman’s already won twice in the past.”

Check back in September for the race results!

For additional photos of painted buses, find us on Facebook!

There are 1001 uses for a used bus. E-mail us your ideas and pictures at info@midwesttransit.com, and each month we will showcase the most innovative use for a used bus on our website.