- Wierd Al Yankovic - Media Photo
The Heartland - Illinois' Salute to Agriculture is the theme of the Illinois State Fair this year. The agricultural festival in Springfield runs August 8 - 17, 2008. The Heartland is a rich agricultural area, with farmlands that feed the nation. The fair is held at the Illinois State Fairground, in the state capital of Springfield, IL.
Family friendly entertainment is a staple of the state fair. Visitors enjoy exhibits of livestock, arts, crafts and food. Stages of entertainment feature concerts and auto racing. There is truly something for everyone.
Fair Highlights
Fair Highlights include Kids Corner, Swampmaster Gator Show, Decorated Diaper Contest, Ethnic Village, Diaper Derby, Grandstand Entertainment and a Daily Parade. Rides and attractions include Adventure Village and Midway Rides, Butter Cow, Campus Town, Conservations World, Dueling Pirate's High Dive, Illinois Fire Museum, Happy Hollow, The Heartland, Senior Center, Illinois Wine Experience and Mile a Cow.
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Mobile Unit: This is a brand new exhibit that examines the life of President Abraham Lincoln, from his poor beginnings to his Presidency and assassination.
- DockDogs: DockDogs. "Air Dogs," is a popular canine sport. Dogs run and jump from a dock into water to retrieve their favorite top. The longest jump wins. Official jumps are recorded and ranked nationally.
- Ethanol Stage: The Historic Filling Station Show educates fairgoers about the history, future and importance of renewable fuels.
- Game Show Gurus: Fairgoers test their knowledge of some of the most famous game shows in the nation. Games include Deal or No Deal, The Weakest Link, The Price is Right and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
- Fishing Friendzy: Interactive fishing world. 10 am - 8 pm.
- Illinois Department of Agriculture Kid's Ag-activity Tent: Play area for young learners includes activities, baby chicks and games.
- Illinois Farmers Market: The Illinois Specialty Growers Association sells fresh produce.
- 4-H CAN Make a Difference Tent: Food drive.
Free Entertainment Stages
Free stages present entertainment that is included with the price of fair admission. Free stages include The Apex Stage, Budweiser True Music Tent, Commodities Pavilion Stage, Corona Tent, Country Junction, Ethnic Village, Hobbies and Arts and Crafts Stage, Illinois Building Auditorium, Kids Korner, Lincoln Stage, Twilight Ballroom and Miller Lite Tent.
Grandstand Entertainment
Concerts and special events are held at the Grandstand. Entertainment on the grandstand requires an additional ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased from the Grandstand Ticket Office or from Ticketmaster. All concerts begin at 8 pm, except for ZZ Top, which begins at 7:30 pm.
- Friday, August 8: Fergie
- Saturday, August 9: Weird Al Yankovic
- Sunday, August 10: Huey Lewis and the News with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
- Monday, August 11: Illinois Symphony
- Friday, August 15: ZZ Top / Toyota Tundra Presents Brooks & Dunn
- Saturday, August 16: Natasha Bedingfield with Vanessa Hudgens
- Sunday, August 17: Trace Adkins with Trent Tomlinson
- Saturday, August 16: USAC Silver Crown Series Auto Races
- Sunday, August 17: ARCA Super Series Auto Races
Horse Races - Illinois Harness Racing
The Illinois Harness Racing event is a race for horse enthusiasts is a free event that takes place in the Grandstand on August 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
The Arena Truck and Tractor Pulls
Entertainment at the Arena requires an additional ticket purchase of Adult $10, Child $5.
- August 8 & 9: Arena Cross and Freestyle Motocross
- August 11,12, 13: ITPA Presents Truck and Tractor Pulls
- August 16: King of the Bullring Go Kart Races
Tickets
Admission: Adults (13+) $3, Children (12 and younger) Free, Senior (60+) $2.
Parking $7
Coupon Book for 10 admissions $20.
Special Days
- Veteran's Day, Sunday, August 10: Veterans and their families admitted free
- Senior Citizen's Day, Monday, August 11: Visitors 60+ are admitted free
- Family Day - Violence Prevention Day, August 17: General Admission $2.
Location
The fair is at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois
Fairs in neighboring states:
Missouri State Fair in Sedalia
Great Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis IN
Iowa State Fair Classic Americana
