Arts & Entertainment
From the Butter Cow to Real Cows, Illinois State Fair Season Has Arrived
Gov. J.B. Pritzker cuts the ribbon for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. He was joined by other constitutional officers, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, wife MK Pritzker and others to kick off the fair that runs from Thursday through Aug. 18. (Peter Hancock / Capitol News Illinois)
Illinois dignitaries brought out oversized scissors Thursday morning to cut the ribbon at the triple-arched, 114-year-old brick-and-stucco Main Gate, opening Springfield’s fairgrounds to the Illinois State Fair.
It’s a tradition dating back to 1853.
The fair’s original organizers “would be blown away if they could see all the rides … and the culinary delights today,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
For the Illinois agricultural community, along with craft, gardening and baking enthusiasts, the Illinois State Fair is like a combination of Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, Olympics and a carnival.
Last year, the fair set a record with more than 700,000 attendees who brought $7.6 million in revenue, as reported by the state.
“I know that this year will be a tremendous success once again,” Pritzker said. “We honor our agriculture industry and express our shared hopes and dreams for our future, not just in agriculture but as a state.”
The fair runs Aug. 8-18, with a daily admission price of $10 for adults (with opportunities for discounts).
Illinois hosts a second state fair in southern Illinois, the Du Quoin State Fair, Aug. 23 through Sept. 2.
Illinois’ Agricultural Roots
It may not seem like it when you look up at Chicago’s dreamy skyline, but it becomes obvious as you travel south from the city: Agriculture is big business in Illinois.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 26.3 million acres are devoted to farming operating, and as of the start of the year 1 million cattle and calves were part of the state’s livestock inventory.
Illinois ranks second in the nation in corn production, according to the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and per the Illinois Soybean Association in 2021, was the top state for producing soybeans.
The fair celebrates ag in Illinois, with goat, cattle, swine and rabbit livestock competitions where grand champions are auctioned at the Governor’s Sale of Champions. Also on display are equestrian exhibits and competitions and contests showcasing horticulture and hobbies.
The 2024 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, Morgan County’s Natalie Evans, said she raises and shows red angus cattle.
“And I even have them in the barns here with me this year and I’m so excited to continue that tradition,” Adams said at the ribbon cutting. “For many, many years the Illinois State Fair has provided my family and the village it takes for me to get here with fun, entertainment and most importantly memories.”
Miss Illinois County Fair Natalie Evans speaks prior to the unveiling of the 2024 butter cow on Aug. 7, 2024. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)
Fair Fixer Upper
While the fair itself has an 11-day run, it’s not a fly-by-night operation.
The fairgrounds are more akin to a college campus, with dozens of permanent buildings on 360 acres of land that host events year-round. (The Du Quoin fairgrounds has fewer buildings but is even larger, with 1,200 acres of land.)
In recent years, officials have made efforts to repair some of the more dilapidated structures.
In 2016, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the formation of a not-for-profit foundation charged with raising private funds for buildings “in dire need of restoration, including pain, plumbing, roofing and structural costs” to the tune of $180 million in deferred maintenance.
Since, the legislature and Pritzker in 2019 passed the Rebuild Illinois capitol program, which relies on new casinos and sports betting, a state tax on parking spaces, and $1 increase in the cigarette tax to fund vertical infrastructure improvements.
Jerry Costello, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, credited Rebuild Illinois with $85 million investments in the fairgrounds that will “make sure that our buildings are more structurally sound for generators to come.”
“While some of the work continues, we are really proud to showcase the tremendous advances that have been made on these fairgrounds,” Costello said. “From the historic Colosseum – arguably the crown jewel and heart of these fairgrounds … to newly-paved roads, which you’ll see all over the fairgrounds.”
In conjunction with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, the state in June announced a long-term master plan for the fairgrounds.
Fair fans can learn more about its history at the state fair museum.
Fair Food and Fare
The governor finished the ribbon-cutting ceremony by holding up and doing a “cheers” with a corn dog covered in mustard.
A corndog and other foods-on-sticks are fair staples, along with funnel cakes, fresh-cut fries and warm mini doughnuts.
Other stands offer deep fried sweet treats like Oreos or savory ones like pickles. Healthy options, like fresh Illinois corn and watermelon are also for sale.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said she’s a fan of the apple cider slushie.
Adults can sample Illinois-made wines (and dance as they drink), which are also offered in slushie form.
Meat parfaits, quesadillas made in a giant pan, cinnamon buns and pulled pork sandwiches are other culinary highlights.
Purveyors sell global cuisine at the Village of Cultures (rebranded by law from its former name, Ethnic Village).
The butter cow is pictured on Aug. 7, 2024, at the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The theme for this year is “It’s Showtime.” (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)
The Butter Cow and Other Entertainment
No offense to the livestock (emphasis on “live”), but a butter cow — a nearly live-sized sculpture of a bovine made of butter that’s displayed in a refrigerated case — is the main attraction.
Pritzker unveiled this year’s rendition, made by butter sculptor Sarah Pratt with help from her husband and 20-year-old twin daughters, on Wednesday night. The butter cow has a companion in this year’s model: A girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone out of a magician’s hat.
The cow is found in the dairy building, where hungry visitors can buy ice cream and cream puffs.
Other forms of entertainment include harness horse racing, carnival rides, a giant slide, Conservation World and this year, an elevated ninja course and circus-themed area with jugglers, clowns and trapeze artists.
Performing acts feature bands and singers who perform free of charge, and daredevils who plunge from high dive into a pool. Arena entertainment includes monster trucks and tractor pulls.
Big-name musicians also hit the fair circuit, though the grandstand concerts can get pricey.
This year’s headliners are: Keith Urban (Aug. 9), Mötley Crüe (Aug . 10), Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit (Aug. 11), Jordan Davis ( Aug. 13), Lil Wayne (Aug. 14), Jonas Brothers (Aug. 15), The Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 16), Miranda Lambert (Aug. 17) and Shaboozey (Aug. 18).
Illinois politicians take the stage, too.
Democrats from all over Illinois will gather at Governor’s Day next Wednesday, while Republicans take their turn the following day. Other fair days are dedicated to first responders, seniors, veterans and kids.
Contact Amanda Vinicky: @AmandaVinicky | [email protected]
