Let the Illinois State Fair begin

Posted on August 12, 2022
Gov. JB Pritzker spoke at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting at the fairgrounds in Springfield. (Dave Dahhl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The state’s annual showcase of agriculture – the Illinois State Fair – is now open.

At Thursday’s ribbon-cutting, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton – tasked with, among other things, heading up a rural affairs commission – talked about the state’s top industry.

“All year we have been looking forward to this time,” she said, “when we can come together to these fairgrounds, that remind us how deeply connected we are with each other. Because, as I always say, ‘ag connects us all.’ And that’s really the spirit behind my office’s agricultural equity and food insecurity initiative.”

As the state ag director did last week, Gov. JB Pritzker talked up major infrastructure programs going on, including improved roads, an overhaul of the Multi-Purpose Arena, and continued rehabilitation of the century-old Coliseum.

What about food? The governor said he is inclined toward a lemon shake-up and the occasional funnel cake.

The fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 21.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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