Volunteers needed at Illinois State Fair

[July 16, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Fair is looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas throughout the 10 days of this year's fair. Volunteers are needed at information booths, various buildings and gates, and at the Illinois State Fair Museum.

"The Illinois State Fair draws nearly three-quarters of a million people to the fairgrounds in Springfield each year," said Amy Bliefnick, state fair manager. "The men and women who donate their time to the fair are a big part of its success."

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

• Information booths -- Staff the Illinois State Fair's six information booths and assist fairgoers. The booths are conveniently located across from the north end of the Grandstand, on Main Street at the four-way stop, south of the pedestrian tunnel, at the three-way stop near the Livestock Center at the end of Central Avenue, at Gate 2 at Peoria Road and Sangamon Avenue, and near the entrance of the Main Gate. Shifts are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 to 8 p.m.

• Illinois State Fair Museum -- Greet fairgoers and help introduce the museum. Shifts are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

• Emmerson Building -- Assist in the state fair office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Exposition Building -- Greet fairgoers and hand out daily schedules: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m.

• Gates 1 and 2 (Sangamon Avenue) -- Greet fairgoers: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m.

• Museum (under the Grandstand) -- Help set up exhibits. Shifts are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the months of July and August. Sell water daily during the fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 8 p.m.

• Various locations on the fairgrounds -- Sell water: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m.

A minimum of 15 hours of service is required of all volunteers. However, additional hours may be requested. All volunteers will receive a free 2008 Illinois State Fair T-shirt, plus free admission and parking. Applications for volunteer employment can be obtained by calling the Special Events Office at 217-782-0777. A training workshop for all applicants will be at 1 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Emmerson Building.

For additional information, please contact Dennis Morris at 217-782-0777.

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 8-17.

[Text from Illinois State Fair file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]