Illinois State Fair kicks off Aug. 10

The Illinois State Fair, a tradition dating back to 1853, gets underway Aug. 10 in Springfield. The 11-day event, which brings hundreds of thousands of people though its gates, celebrates agriculture, the state’s number one employer and driver of the state’s economy.

The Illinois State Fair also features live music from some of music’s biggest names, harness racing, carnival rides, dozens of food vendors, various entertainers, animal shows, and displays by groups and organizations from across the state.

Some of the staples fairgoers enjoy are checking out The Butter Cow, walking around Conservation World, tasting wines from across the state, sampling a variety of foods in Ethnic Village, watching livestock shows, and seeing automobile and harness racing on the dirt track.

The Illinois State Fair runs August 10-20. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for senior citizens (60+), and free for kids (0-12). For daily schedules and lists of vendors, competitions, attractions, and the Grandstand lineup, check out the Illinois State Fair website. You can also download a free mobile app to receive the same information on your phone.

Chapin Rose

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