Faith, history and vision celebrated at dedication of new 618 Event Center

Bishop Godfrey Mullen blesses the new 618 Event Center with holy water.    The Clinton County Fair officially dedicated its new 618 Event Center on Sunday, July 12, with a blessing led by Bishop Godfrey Mullen, marking a historic milestone as the fair celebrates its 75th anniversary.
    The ceremony began with a flag-raising by Beckemeyer American Legion, followed by the "National Anthem" performed by 2024 Miss Clinton County Fair Shelby Peters.
    "Congratulations on the beautiful work that has been done. God bless you all," Bishop Mullen told those gathered.
    Bishop Godfrey Mullen dedicated and blessed the new 618 Event Center at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Carlyle Sunday afternoon.Mullen, who was appointed the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Belleville earlier this year by Pope Leo XIV, reflected on his familiarity with the area.
    "Carlyle was always on the way to Salem to see my grandparents, so it's so nice to see something south of (Route) 50," he joked.
    Following his remarks, Bishop Mullen blessed the new building with holy water and introduced the Rev. Deva Ubbarapu, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Carlyle and St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Marydale.
    Mark Litteken, president of the Clinton County Fair Bureau and a committee member of the Clinton County Fair Board, then shared the history and vision behind the new facility.
    He noted that the Clinton County Fairgrounds were established in 1951 when a group of community leaders envisioned a place to showcase agriculture and bring the county together.
    "Some thought they may be crazy or a little overambitious, but they had a vision for community and the future, showcasing what life in Clinton County was about," Litteken said.
    He said those founders likely never imagined the fairgrounds would still be thriving 75 years later.
    "About eight years ago, another group on the Fair Board got together and started talking about the future of these grounds and what our future looked like out here," Litteken said. "It's only fitting that we build upon what those visionaries in 1951 did for us so that we can move another 75 years into the future."
    He said the new facility represents more than agriculture, serving as a reflection of the many opportunities and strengths found throughout Clinton County.
    Clinton County Fair Board committee member Mark Litteken shares the history and vision behind the 618 Event Center."How fitting to have our 75th birthday on these fairgrounds with a brand-new building with a vision of the future in the same year as the 250th birthday of the United States!" he said.
    Litteken thanked the community, donors and volunteers whose support made the project possible.
    "I especially want to thank our board for having the guts, the ambition, the dedication and the vision to build a strong future for generations to come and to take that big leap of faith that was just as challenging, if not more, than the first time our founders brought the fair to reality," he said.
    Addressing those in attendance, Litteken reminded them they were witnessing history.
    "To everyone here today, just know that you are part of history — as the first exhibitors, the first guests, the first visitors — to be in this new facility," he said. "It's humbling. It's fitting to be called the 618 Event Center because it is one of a kind for southern Illinois and represents our commitment to our community."
    Before concluding, Litteken asked for a moment of silence in memory of Kevin Kamp-werth, a past Clinton County Fair Board president who died in 2024 and was instrumental in the vision for the 618 Event Center.
    "He is seeing this from a different angle today and has one of the best seats in the house," Litteken said. "He donated much of his life to the Clinton County Fair organization."
    "We did it," Litteken concluded. "This building is complete. I look forward to seeing everybody at the fair this week. It's a step in a new direction."