Where it started

Edgar County Monster Mash began with a simple goal: create more opportunities for families to gather, celebrate, and build community.

In 2022, Jacob and Amber Jenkins hosted the very first Edgar County Monster Mash.  After moving to Illinois from Louisiana in 2020, they missed the large, vibrant community celebrations they had grown up with – especially events that centered around families and holidays.  Wanting more for their son, Kason, they decided to build something themselves.

The first Monster Mash was organized and hosted entirely by Jacob and Amber.  It was grassroots, hands-on, and fueled by long hours, determination, and a desire to bring people together.

The first response from the community proved one thing:  Edgar County wanted more events like this.

The dream that almost didnt happen

While continuing to help plan Paris’ Scare on the Square, Amber began dreaming bigger – bringing a wizard-themed festival to Paris similar to one held in another community.

For nearly two years, Jacob worked to make the idea a reality.  He reached out, followed up, and tried to secure support – but progress was slow.  Eventually, after multiple attempts and little correspondence, he made the difficult decision to step away from the idea.

That’s when Colt stepped in.

Through conversation, Colt learned Jacob was planning to give up on the event.  He strongly encouraged him to keep going.  His persistence reignited the effort and led to a turning point.

Colt connected Jacob with Gage, who immediately believed in hte vision and even offered to fully fund the event.  While Jacob declined having a single business fund the project – wanting it to reflect true community involvement – Gage respected that decision and remained a strong supporter.

At the same time, Matt – who Jacob had met through work – continued offering encouragement and support behind the scenes.

With renewed momentum, and after continued persistence (especially from Colt), the Paris Chamber eventually provided a date for the event.

The dream was back on.

Building the Team

At that point, there was still no formal organization – just an idea and a lot of work to do.

Jacob created a Facebook event and asked for volunteers.  That’s how Crystal entered the picture – and she quickly became a driving creative force in the planning process.

Meanwhile:

Bruce jumped in to design and hand-build props, saving significant costs and bringing immersive elements to life.

Matt stepped up financially, helping purchase materials and equipment needed to execute the vision.

Colt continued pushing logistics forward and helping open doors.

Gage provided support, marketing encouragement, and belief in the concept.

Amber remained the creative inspiration and steady partner behind the scenes throughout the entire process.

Jacob coordinated vendors, went business-to-business seeking participation, managed spreadsheets, organized logistics, and worked to ensure the event reflected the community-focused mission it was built on.

What began as a difficult uphill climb became a collaborative community effort.

a commuynity success

When the festival finally happened, it was a tremendous success.

Businesses participated.  Families showed up.  The community engaged.  And what started as one family’s idea had clearly become something much bigger.

Through the planning process, strong friendships were formed. Trust was built.  And it became clear that this group worked well together – not just for one event, but for many more.

becoming a nonprofit

Following the success of these events, the decision was made to formally establish Edgar County Monster Mash as a nonprofit organization.

While Jacob and Amber laid the foundation in the early years, Edgar County Monster Mash is what it is today because of a team of dedicated individuals who stepped in, believed in the vision, and worked tirelessly to bring events to life.

Today the organization continues to plan and host family-friendly events designed to:

– Strengthen community connections

– Support local businesses

– Encourage volunteer involvement

– Create safe, memorable experiences for families

This is no longer just an idea – it is a growing community movemenet powered by teamwork, perisstence, creativity, and heart.

And we’re just getting started.

Officers and Directors

President – Jacob Jenkins

Vice President – Bruce Beabout

Chief Financial Officers (CFO) – Matt Jackson

Secretery/Organization Representative – Crystal Kirby

Labor Coordinator – Colt Peterson

Marketing Director – Gage Smitley

Events Manager – Amber Jenkins