Kane Co. Fair contestants lean on director for support

As the judges consulted at the Kane County Fair's talent show on Monday, the contestants were nervous.

They had just danced, sung and played their hearts out.

One man, however, kept them calm and reminded them that, although only one person could win, having a place to showcase their talents was special.

Larry Rossi's soothing, straightforward voice and demeanor offers encouragement. And some contestants say he is the reason they come back every year.

"You can't really pinpoint why it's such a good experience but I really think it's Larry," said Russ Devereaux of St. Charles, a third year contestant who won the senior division of the talent show. "He's fair and uplifting with everyone."

Rossi, 60, of Elgin, just finished his 25th year helping direct the fair's talent show. Between the performances of the junior and senior divisions, the fair board surprised him and gave him a plaque honoring his time.

The beginning

Rossi has taught and worked with kids for 41 years.

When Bob Hoge of St. Charles wanted to bring a talent show to the Kane County Fair 25 years ago, he thought of a man he met through his bank business.

Rossi had gone to Hoge's bank to take out a business loan and the two started talking about life in general.

Their similarities - as well as Rossi's experience with children - led Hoge to ask Rossi to coordinate the junior division.

"He and I share idealistic goals," Rossi said. "We felt we had a similar heart."

Rossi accepted the offer and years later - Rossi struggles to remember exactly when - Hoge wanted to pull his bank volunteers from the talent show and asked if Rossi would take over the whole thing.

Since then, Rossi has loved every minute of it.

"It's like you're watching your own kids grow up," he said.

"They make themselves very vulnerable," he said. "They just lay their hearts on the line."

The contestants

Devereaux's first year in the talent show was a disaster.

He tried his hand at a stand-up comedy routine - unfortunately, not many in the crowd laughed.

"It was the worst experience of my life," he said.

But Rossi didn't think so.

He encouraged Devereaux, a 20-year-old student at Elgin Community College, to hone his skills, and gave advice on his comedy that Devereaux says helped him the next year.

"He knew there was something in me that was not coming out with what I was doing," Devereaux said. "He said, 'you know what, you're going to find it.'"

Because of Rossi's encouraging ways, Devereaux believed him.

He began writing poetry and on Monday, he won the senior division.

"He was the first one that was really encouraging for me," Devereaux said.

"I went (Monday) just to do it for Larry," Devereaux said. "That's the way a lot of other people feel as well."

Kelly Vonderhaar, 14, of St. Charles, has entered the talent show six straight years. She finished second in the junior division with an Irish dance routine.

She said Rossi has always pushed everybody to their limits.

"Ever since I met him, he always encourages you to do your best but also get out there and have fun," she said. "He never says anything to anyone that can be taken the wrong way."

Kelly and her three brothers have all at one time or another entered the talent competition.

She said Rossi always takes time out of his schedule for the contestants if it's needed.

"If you have any problems about anything, he's always ready to listen and help you through it," she said. "He's one of the best people I've ever met."

The wife and partner

Rossi hasn't done it all alone.

Along with a sound man who has been with him all 25 years, his wife of 38 years, Ellen, has also been there.

She said Larry is a "musician-magnet" and that he has a gift for constructive criticism.

"He really likes doing it," she said. "He's good at boosting their ego; not making them feel bad."

As her husband is onstage, Ellen said she can't help but enjoy his innate ability to motivate children and the fun he has.

"It makes me feel really good to see him do what he loves to do and just help other people," she said. "He's a giver. I just love seeing him work."

Larry said working with his wife is one of the best parts of the job.

"A lot of people say husbands and wives can't work together," he said. "I feel totally blessed. It's just awesome."

The reason

Larry Rossi doesn't have to think twice when asked why he comes back every year.

"I believe, with all my heart, that every single human being on earth has a special gift within them," Rossi said. "Whatever it is, if they tap into it, they have unlimited power."