Entry deadlines for the many competitions to be held by the 2014 Illinois State Fair are quickly approaching.

Every year the fair hosts more than 8,700 contests, ranging from livestock and horticulture competitions to judged art shows and culinary showdowns. 

Illinois State Fair Entry Deadlines Are Fast Approaching

New competitive events are added annually.  Information about all the offerings for the 2014 Illinois State Fair can be found in its premium books, which are available online as well as in print. These books contain not only descriptions of each event, but also specify their rules and regulations.  They can be found online at www.illinoisstatefair.info under the "Competitions" tab. Print copies are available by calling the Competitive Events office at (217) 782-0786.

Entry deadlines for various competitions are listed in the table below. If the deadline falls on a weekend, all entries postmarked by the following Monday will be accepted. The 2014 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 7 - 17.

Competition                                                      Entry Deadline
Livestock (except Poultry and Rabbits)              July 1
Rabbits and Poultry                                           July 10
General Entries                                                   July 15
Floriculture (except Horticulture-Roses)         Aug. 1
Horticulture (Roses)                                           Aug. 9, 9 a.m.
Blue Ribbon Culinary                                         Recipes due by June 15
Dairy Products                                                  Aug. 7, 12 p.m.
Bee Culture-Professional                                   Aug. 8
Bee Culture-Open                                              Until judging begins
Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture