About our Speakers - 2025 SHOW 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Steve and Regina Garr, Birds-I-View - have spent decades presenting programs on attracting desirable wildlife to almost any setting. They are co-founders of two state Bluebird societies and Steve is a past president of the North America Bluebird Society. From Hummingbird Research to leading "Owl Prowls", Steve and Regina try to stay involved in all aspects of enjoying wild birds!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER -Chef Jeff Fairbanks  - Chef Fairbanks is a Southern Illinois native who enjoys Cooking and Gardening.  Jeff is the culinary instructor for Rend Lake College with 14+ years' experience. He is 60 years old and lives in Christopher, Illinois with his wife.  Jeff has 2 grown children. 

Bronwyn Aly - is a Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator for the University of Illinois Extension. She has more than 20 years of experience in the fruit and vegetable industry, working with small fruit, vegetable, and tree fruit growers across the state. As a part of her extension programming efforts, Bronwyn conducts applied research on fruit and vegetable crops at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center and hosts hands-on workshops covering a wide range of production topics.

Shawn Gossman - (aka: Hiking with Shawn) is an outdoor enthusiast on a mission to promote Southern Illinois through outdoor recreational activities like hiking, cycling, camping, kayaking, and more. Hiking with Shawn features daily hiking videos, extensive hiking guides, and hiking engagement on most of your favorite social media platforms. Just look for “Hiking with Shawn,” and you’ll find local Southern Illinois hiking and outdoor adventures.

Christine Lueking, Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Educator specializing in Horticulture serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties.  Chris is responsible for horticulture programming, emphasizing the home gardener, culinary herb production, cut flower production in high tunnel and field conditions, and community garden establishment. Additional responsibilities include providing training opportunities, continuing education, advanced training, seasonal events, and organizing community outreach programs for horticulture and conservation assistance/education for the volunteers involved in the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. 

LaRita Nance - LaRita is a award-winning wildlife photographer whose signature style, composition, and unique attention to detail has won her the praise of her peers.  She recently instructed a John A Logan College "Photography, Outdoor, Wildlife, and Birding" class which focused on technique and ethics.  Her photos grace the pages of the recently published book "Bubbles of Emotion" by Idella Pearl Edwards.  LaRita's work has been commissioned by the River to River Credit Union and can be seen at the Brick House in Anna, IL.  Her work can also be found in offices at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Mermet Lake.  As an outdoor visual communicator and lifelong learner, she has enjoyed the give and take as a presenter at several photo clubs over the last few years.  LaRita resides in Johnson County Illinois with her husband Max, dog Mia and Bently the cat.

Brooke Anderson, Windy Wild Onion Acres, LLC - Hi! I’m Brooke, a small homesteader here in Southern IL. I’m a wife, mom of 2, and I homeschool my kiddos. I got my very first dairy goat in 2022 and jumped right into everything goat milk. I have a herd of Nigerian Dwarves and Mini Lamanchas that when in milk, I milk twice a day every day for usually 8-9 months. My own family has been using my skincare for almost 3 years now and I’ve been selling it to the public for over a year. I’ve helped so many clear skin alignments and had so many parents tell me their kids were able to clear up their eczema even after steroid shots stopped working. I love being able to offer these organic items and love answering any questions anyone has.

Paul Sr. and Karen Wilson, Wilson Gourds – Paul and Karen been growing and working with gourds since 2002 in Kell, IL. They like the hard-shell variety best for artwork but have used some ornamental varieties.  Karen does a lot of the painting and talking about gourds. Paul does most of the growing.  He also prepares the gourds for artwork, the finishing on all the gourds, plus some artwork. The Wilsons have been selling at various farm markets, fairs, have been accepted in some jury shows, etc. mostly in IL since 2003 and have been long time members of The American Gourd Society also. 

Mike King, Mari-Mann Herbs - Owner and president of Mari-Mann Herbs.  Mike is a educator and chemist.  Your body is designed to heal itself when given proper care.  Mike will educate you with his knowledge of herbs and make sure customers get the latest information.