By KAREN BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In true Illinois State Fair tradition, a special – yet familiar – message is out about this year’s annual extravaganza at the fairgrounds. Picture these Burma Shave-inspired messages appearing on mini billboards throughout the state:

The best - Place to play - On a - Hot Summer’s - Day! submitted by Elizabeth Drake of Springfield.

And, this one from student Katie Innis of Elgin, promoting this year’s state fair theme, “A Family Tradition:” Milk-a-cow or Bake-a-pie - Fireworks light the sky - Cows that moo - And pigs that squeal - Competition’s a family deal!

Both of these slogans were selected through a state fair competition, Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick said.

“This contest was intended not only to encourage creative writing, but also to get people of all ages in the ‘fair spirit’ and help us to promote the Illinois State Fair, one of the state’s biggest family traditions,” she said.

This is the first fair for Bliefnick as manager. Previously working in education, she oversees activities during the 10-day event, which runs Aug. 8-17 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Each day has a its own theme, including Preview Night, Aug. 7; County Fair & Horse Racing Day, Aug. 8; City of Springfield/Local Officials Day, Aug. 9; Veterans’ Day, Aug. 10; Senior Citizens Day, Aug.. 11; Agriculture Day, Aug. 12; Governor’s Day, Aug. 13; Republican Day, Aug. 14; Futures for Kids Day, Aug. 15; Park District/Conservation Day, Aug. 16; and Violence Prevention/Family Day, Aug. 17.

Fairgrounds hours are 7 a.m. to midnight for the duration of the fair. Buildings are open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. There is a fee for parking.

There also are quirky special events, ranging from the bench press and deadlift championship to the diaper derby. Following the family tradition theme, babies and children are in the spotlight with a baby photo contest, a smile contest, a decorated diaper contest and diaper derby, Cutest Little Farmer contest and the pedal tractor pull.

While there are entry fees for these contests, the fair abounds with free entertainment this year. Among the headliners are the Sons of the San Joaquin, who pay homage to their Southwestern roots with cowboy classics like “Texas Plains” and “Happy Rovin’ Cowboy.”
In the grandstand, tickets are available for a variety of concerts, including blues-rock trio ZZ Top with country music stars Brooks and Dunn, Trace Adkins and Trent Tomlinson, Huey Lewis and the News, Weird Al Yankovic and “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, or by calling 800-827-8927. Ticket order forms can be downloaded from the Illinois State Fair website, at www.illinoisstatefair.info

Note that fair organizers are looking for volunteers. From manning information booths to greeting fairgoers at the gates, interested people are needed all days of the fair. There’s a minimum of 15 hours of service required of all volunteers, but additional hours may be requested.

All volunteers will receive a free fair T-shirt, admission and parking. Call the Special Events Office at 217-782-0777 for an application and details. A training workshop is set for Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. in the Emmerson Building for all applicants.

“The men and women who donate their time to the fair are a big part of its success,” Bliefnick said.

For more information about the fair, go to www.agr.state.il.us/isf/index.php or call 217-782-6661.