SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — The Illinois State Fair relies on sponsorships to not only provide visitors with unique offerings and services but also to keep the event running, according to organizers. There were more than a couple dozen sponsorship agreements for this year’s state fair, which saw a decline in attendance by 8 percent from…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — The Illinois State Fair lost nearly $210,000 on its Grandstand concerts in Springfield last month after seeing record ticket sales a year ago. Figures released by fair officials show it took a big hit over country star Thomas Rhett’s weather-canceled show. The State Journal-Register reports the fair would’ve lost only about $75,000 loss…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — Officials say attendance at this year’s Illinois State Fair declined 8 percent from last year. The fair in Springfield attracted about 369,140. However, officials say fairgoers appeared to spend more money than in 2017, according to an early look at vendors’ sales receipts. More than 401,600 people attended the 2017 fair,…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — Illinois Democrats are gearing up for a record turnout for their annual state fair gathering, but they’ll be missing their star. Former Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to keynote the Democratic County Chairs Association brunch. But the Democrat announced Tuesday night he’s ill and doctor’s orders prohibit his travel. The…
By JOHN O’CONNOR , AP Political Writer SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The legs of the carnival ride called “Downdraft” rise and spread before they start to spin, the empty cars on the ends leaning outward, as amusement ride safety inspectors Bill Szerletich and Brian Brown watch. A bystander at the midway of the Illinois State…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) The state of Illinois says it’s suspending the operation of all amusement rides similar to the one involved in a deadly accident at the Ohio State Fair. Amusement rides remained closed at the Ohio fair Thursday, a day after a man was killed and seven other people were injured when a ride broke…
Springfield, IL (AP) The Illinois State Fair is looking for Illinoisans worthy of an honor at this summer’s fair. Officials with the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation are seeking nominees for the “Illinoisan of the Day” award. The nonprofit organization that supports the fair will spotlight ten individuals each day of the fair, which takes…
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois State Fair has a new logo and a new theme. Illinois State Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe and State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon revealed the new logo in a press release. The logo features the word `Illinois’ in black letters, the words `State Fair’ in bright red letters…
( KTRS ) Illinois State Fair officials say numbers this year were down from the last. A report shows that attendance, for the fair that ran from Aug 11th to the 21st, was around 357,000. Heavy rains and high temps are believed to be the reason numbers weren’t as high as last years. During the…
CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois State Police say a 17-year-old girl has been arrested in the weekend stabbing of a 16-year-old girl at the Illinois State Fair. A statement from the agency says the stabbing occurred Saturday night in the carnival area of the fair in Springfield. The brief statement says the 16-year-old girl was expected…