Illinois State Fair preview

Posted on August 4, 2023
Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – This year’s Illinois State Fair, which steps off next Thursday, is about what’s new.

“The Multi-Purpose Arena, if you remember, was not able to be used last year because of construction,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello. “This year the Multi-Purpose Arena will be open. It;s an $8.6 million renovation.” The arena is used for, for example, truck shows and rodeos.

Illinois State Fair manager Rebecca Clark (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

And Rebecca Clerk, in her second year as fair manager, still views the fair through the eyes of a busy mom.

“Having those young kids and being a mom with a young family really helps us when we are planning the fair,” Clark said. “Making sure we are catering to those families with small kids, making sure we are creating those experiences, that families will want to bring their kids to.”

The fair in Springfield runs August 10-20. This year’s theme is “Harvesting the Fun.”

www.illinoisstatefair.info

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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