By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Fair kicks off Aug. 12-21, and traveling to it this year is easier than ever – with the new free mobile application the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism (DCEO/IOT) has launched to help travelers get around the state.
The application was developed by JWT Chicago I partnership with Evanston, Ill., and SIM Partners and will be available on all Apple iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPod and IPod touch beginning Aug.12.
“The Enjoy Illinois mobile app is the state’s official mobile travel and lifestyle guide for travelers to and throughout Illinois, and will allow users to access more than 10,000 statewide listings including attractions, dining, accommodations, events, deals and more,” wrote Marcely Love of the DCEO/IOT.
“This App is great for planning ahead or travelers on the go. Enjoy Illinois is a pocket tour guide for discovering every magnificent mile in Illinois.” Questions about the app should be directed to Love at 217-558-1542.
“Enjoy Illinois is a pocket tour guide that makes it easier and more convenient to discover every magnificent mile in Illinois,” said IOT deputy director Jan Kostner. “The Enjoy Illinois app will allow visitors to access information on thousands of destinations and offerings statewide at their convenience and when they need it most.”
After using the new app to get to the fair, visitors may want to check out Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s mini farmers’ market and interactive water displays located in her tent at the intersection of Brian Raney Avenue and Main Street, next to the Emmerson Building. Simon said visitors may also enter a drawing for a rain barrel, canoe in virtual reality and pose for a photo in her kayak.
At this Illinois State Fair, Simon is stepping outside the normal “political box” by becoming the first constitutional officer to headline a musical performance there. She plays the banjo in her band, Loose Gravel, which will perform from 4-6:30 p.m. on Governor’s Day in the Miller Tent. The Carbondale-based band, which plays electric blues and boogie, has performed together for about 12 years.
“The state fair is a great opportunity for me to showcase some of the issues that I am most passionate about,” Simon said. “I encourage residents from throughout the state to drop by my tent, say hello and learn what we are doing to make Illinois a better place.”
Another new option offered at this year’s fair is the Park Pentathlon, rather than the Moo Moo Classic of the past. The new game consists of five individual events that include disc golf, a marshmallow golf drive, hockey shootout and soccer shootout and knockout basketball.
Teams are comprised of five members, and one person participates in each of the five events. A Recreation Relay will follow the Park Penthalon and will have each member of the team working together.
“This year we decided to try something new that would bring attention to the many wonderful things that the park district offers the citizens of Illinois,” shared Amy Bliefnick, fair manager. “The Park Penthalon is going to be fun, friendly competition among teams that had competed in the Moo Moo Classic. It’s a great way to promote teamwork and show just how much fun people can have doing activities that can be found at their local park district.”
For more details about the fair, log onto www.agr.state.il.us/isf |
