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Illinois State Fair makes grounds more visitor-friendly and restful
 

By CINDY LADAGE

Illinois Correspondent

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13-23 – meaning it gets under way in less than three months. Illinois State Fair Manager Patrick Buchen recently announced the 2015 theme as "Growing Illinois."

"My mission statement is simple," he said. "I believe the Illinois State Fair is here to enhance agriculture through education and enlightenment in a safe and fun environment. The state fair will still have all the traditions that Illinois families have come to love, but we want to bring a renewed focus of agriculture back to the Illinois State Fair."

State Director of Agriculture Phillip Nelson expressed his opinion of the 2015 theme. "Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Illinois, and we need to continue to grow the industry. One of the ways to go about this is telling the story of agriculture and educating consumers through the Illinois State Fair," he explained.

"We want moms and dads who have no farming experience to come to the fair and gain more information about where the food comes from that they feed to their families, and the amount of work that goes into bringing food from Illinois farms to dinner tables."

Rebecca Clark of the Illinois Department of Agriculture listed a few additions in 2015. "New this year is the addition of multiple ‘Family Friendly Zones’ throughout the fairgrounds," she said. "These are areas where families can go to sit down for a while, and take in some shade. When we evaluated what was needed at the state fair, we unanimously agreed: More areas for families to sit down."

With the August climate in central Illinois comes heat that can be a detriment to attendance, as well as a health hazard during the fair. Clarke added, "If we want families to come out, we need to do a better job of accommodating their needs. That’s why you’ll find these shaded sitting areas throughout the grounds.

"We hope families will take advantage of these areas and find a better appreciation for the fair."

Another change Clark addressed was the loss of the Twilight Ballroom, which was demolished in 2014. This created a need for a new home for the Illinois wineries.

"We are excited to announce these great Illinois companies are moving to the Artisan building," she said, adding, "lots of room, great hardwood floors for dancing and on-site restrooms makes this a great home for the wineries. Now fairgoers will be able to sip wine, check out some art and really enjoy the Illinois wine experience."

The state fair is again teaming up with the Illinois Lottery to offer fairgoers the chance to be entered into a drawing to meet the artists performing at the fair. "For just $30, fairgoers can purchase a ticket to attend a special StageSide party," Clark said. "The ticket includes a food bar, live entertainment, early entry into the concert, assorted prizes and giveaways and entry into a drawing for two backstage meet-and-greet tickets for that evening’s headlining artist(s).

"Only 120 tickets are available each night. (They) must be purchased through the Illinois State Fair office and fairgoers must have already purchased ticket to that night’s entertainment."

This year’s Illinois State Fair grandstand lineup begins on Aug. 14 with Sammy Hagar and Collective Soul. Aug. 16 brings Justin Moore with Jon Pardi and Josh Thompson and Aug. 17, the Million Dollar Quartet with Scott Laytham and the Karl Holmes Duo.

On Aug. 18 country music again reigns supreme with Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery and Raelynn. For Aug. 19 rock comes to Springfield, with Styx and Tesla, and Aug. 20 brings The Fray and Andy Grammer. On Aug. 21 country giant Hank Williams Jr. comes to town with 38 Special.

Aug. 22 brings talent Austin Mahone and Kalin, along with Laura Marano, to the Capital City. On Aug. 23 country again takes control of the grandstand with Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford and Michael Ray. Auto racing is the event for the last two days of the fair, Aug. 24-25.

Log on to www.agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand for more information about the grandstand and look to the Illinois State Fair Homepage at www.agr.state.il.us/isf for other events and information about this year’s fair.

5/27/2015