BLOOMINGTON - Phil Dolci is living his dream, traveling the country in a recreational vehicle in the company of monkeys and dogs. According to the 45-year-old, it's a good life, even for a lawyer. | 4-H Royalty | Photo gallery | Fair results | Food with international flair

Dolci, who puts on the Banana Derby monkey races which played Wednesday at the McLean County Fair, nowadays sees children and their parents at their best. That seldom happened for Dolci when he was a prosecutor in DuPage County and an attorney in private practice. | Family brings antique tractors to Logan County fair

At the fair, however, juvenile court was far from his mind. "Every kid and parent here is smiling," said Dolci, who had childhood dreams of running a circus.

Dolci was among many in a good mood on the opening day of the fair at the Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington.

It was a day when the weather cooperated fully. Temperatures were in the mid-70s earlier in the day and the low 80s later.

"The bad weather went south of us," said fair manager Mike Swartz, referring to Wednesday's storms.

The only indication of the storm that felled tents at the fair site Tuesday evening was a few puddles, and those were covered with wood shavings.

Among those enjoying opening-day activities was 11-year-old Jacob Kimball, who was standing in line to get a cheeseburger.

Jacob was fresh from earning four blue and two red ribbons for his 4-H projects and was planning to hit the carnival rides after eating.

Lee Green, president of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers club, was enjoying opening day as well as he manned a promotional booth.

"This is our first year here," said Green, adding that several fairgoers expressed interest in the club.

Working on the 4-H side of the fair was Pat Pulokas, superintendent of the Do Your Own Thing exhibit. The exhibit, which was for projects that didn't fit under other categories, allows youth to "be creative and see the fruits of their labor," she said.

Meanwhile, it was show time back at the Banana Derby.

Dolci was as smooth as a lawyer as he warmed up the crowd.

"No gambling or wagering allowed," he said.

Monkeys Bert and Bobo were the contestants riding on dogs' backs. Bert lost despite being cheered on by Renee Culhane, 6, of Bloomington who was picked from the audience as a cheerleader.

Though her monkey lost, she still had fun.

Zachary Bork, 3, of Lexington watched the racing monkeys as well. Zachary was right at home because he has a pet boxer dog named Teddy at home.

"Neat," was all Zachary would manage when asked for his reaction. He was in a hurry to get his face painted.

The fair runs through Sunday.

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Today's lineup

The McLean County Fair continues today at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Here is what you need to know:

Highlights: Young At Heart Day, visitors 60 and older admitted free; 4-H projects exhibited and judged, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; carnival and on-ground entertainment, 1 to 11 p.m.; McLean County Idol contest, 6 p.m. ($1).

Admission: Single-day, $5, adults; $3, children ages 6-12. Five-day admission wristband, $10; $6. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Extra fees apply for some events.

Parking: Free

Free daily entertainment: All the 4-H exhibits, petting zoo, live alligator show, comedy and magic shows, face painting, antique tractor display, dog agility demonstration, emergency services display, chainsaw carving, strolling clown, balloon artists, Children's Discovery Museum exhibit, more.

On the Net: www.mcleancountyfair.org