Agriculture is at the forefront of the 2017 Assumption Fest, the annual small town festival hosted by the Assumption Fest committee that grows bigger and better every year. One new feature at this year’s Fest is the Farm Extravaganza, which showcases agricultural-related machinery and educational and informational displays created by the farming community along with children’s activities, the Illinois Products Area and more. WAND agribusiness reporter David Brown will kick off the festival, which oficially opens its gates at 3 p.m. on Friday, with a 30-minute talk titled “Agribusiness Today.” Other Assumption Fest highlights include a hog roast from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, the annual parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, plus a pet pageant and car show, as well as an ongoing petting zoo, carnival, extreme zone BMX races, tractor pulls, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, plus live music from the 144 th Military Band, Slant 6, Fest headliners Brushville from 9 p.m.-12 a.m., and more. Parking and attendance for Assumption Fest are always free. For the best value in entertainment, bring the family to Thursday’s preview night and enjoy pageants, the annual pet show, plus unlimited carnival rides for $20 per person. Questions about Assumption Fest can be directed to festival director Angela Ohl-Marsters at 820-1690.