Can you smell the funnel cakes, elephant ears and livestock? Can you hear the sounds of laughter and all the Midway bells and whistles? The Illinois State Fair in Springfield begins Aug. 10 and ends Aug. 20.

“There are a ton of new things to see, do and taste at this year’s Illinois State Fair,” says Rebecca Clark, communications director at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. And as the saying goes, the show must go on despite the desperately needed $180 million of fairgrounds maintenance outlined by Gov. Bruce Rauner last summer.

Minor fairgrounds updates, repairs
Clark says lack of state funding prevented major infrastructure projects, but routine maintenance like painting, concrete work and roof repairs did occur. The condemned Coliseum will remain closed until funding is available for restorations.

Funding is a top priority, says John Slayton, president of the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation. Rauner announced the new privately managed and funded foundation at the 2016 Illinois State Fair. The foundation received 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status at the end of July.

Slayton hopes the approval will lead to significant donor announcements during the state fair’s Ag Day on Aug. 15. “Then, things will start happening and wheels will start rolling,” he notes.

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Several families, groups and organizations have expressed interest in donating and barn naming rights, but Slayton says nothing is official until support dollars appear. Potential fairgrounds supporters can check out donation options at ilfairfoundation.com. 

Making the best of it
Flooding and electrical problems in the show rings and barns plagued the 2016 Illinois State Fair. Plans to tile the racetrack infield at the fairgrounds are underway, Slayton notes, and can be implemented once donors step forward.

Clark says electrical challenges are a separate issue, particularly in junior barns where demand frequently outpaces capacity. Exhibitors showed in darkened show rings in 2016, even prior to the flood.

“Each year we typically find items plugged in that do not belong in the barns,” Clark says, adding that items such as microwaves and cooking appliances add to the barns’ power-stressed electrical load.

“Fire prevention rules are posted in the Livestock Premium Book,” she notes. “We will also have reminders posted that these items do not belong in the barns. In addition to being safety issues, the items can contribute to electrical issues.” Superintendents will monitor the barns for premium book violations.

The Selection of Champions and Sale of Champions will be held in the Livestock Center, which Clark says was the original event location prior to moving it to the Coliseum in 2015 “to give the event a bigger, grander stage for our youth exhibitors and allow more viewing space for our spectators.”

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“It won’t be ideal,” Slayton says, and he stresses the importance of finding donors to repair the Coliseum. He strongly feels the support is there — from past 4-H members, FFA supporters and Illinois agribusinesses — and hopes a few key players initiate a “domino effect.”

AG AT THE FAIR: “We are spotlighting some of the great agribusinesses in our state,” says Rebecca Clark, Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Fair attendees will enjoy equipment displays, interactive games, agricultural tours, special programming and exhibits. “This year, we reduced the price of admission on Ag Day to $5 for adult admission in the hopes of bringing more fairgoers out on this special day,” Clark says.

Fairgoers can also look for free shows at the Rising Star Stage and a new Food Truck Blvd. for foodies. “For those looking to experience something new at the Illinois State Fair, check out our interactive Game Zone in the Orr Building, Aug. 16-20,” she adds.

State fair visitors can start planning their trip by visiting illinoisstatefair.info or by downloading the mobile app.