Gov. Quinn opens 2011 Illinois State Fair
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[August 13, 2011]
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn
officially opened the 2011 Illinois State Fair on Friday.
The theme of the fair is "We've Got a Good Thing Growing." The ribbon-cutting at the
main gate marked the start of a 10-day celebration
that features food, racing, music, carnival rides and a wide variety
of family-friendly activities.
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"The
state fair is an Illinois staple, with something for everyone,
whether you are young or just young at heart. Visitors to the fair
can enjoy family-friendly entertainment, check out the best
agricultural products in the world -- all while enjoying some of the
best food Illinois has to offer," Quinn said. "I hope everyone comes
to Springfield to sample the sights and sounds of the fair."
The state fair began 158 years ago as a way for Illinois farmers to
showcase their labor. The fair continues to feature Illinois
livestock, as well as produce and other Illinois products at the
Farmers Market Tent. Visitors can also enjoy auto racing, horse
shows and harness racing, in addition to carnival rides.
Along with the Grandstand concert lineup, the fair also features a
wide variety of free entertainment -- from high diving to musical
acts -- on 15 stages throughout the fairgrounds. Also this year, the
Chicago cast of the highly-acclaimed "Million Dollar Quartet" will
give a free performance with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the
Grandstand. The Broadway musical is based on the recording session
that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis
and Carl Perkins.
Fairgoers will also have an opportunity to learn about state
government and the state programs that are helping grow the state's
economy. Many of the state's agencies and departments, as well as
other constitutional officers, will have tents at the fair where
people can obtain information about state services and programs.
Quinn also cut the ribbon on the Governor's Tent at the
fair on Friday, officially opening the tent to fairgoers. The tent
features displays about Quinn's programs and initiatives
aimed at creating and supporting good-quality jobs
throughout Illinois. The Governor's Tent will also feature a large
model of the transformer Optimus Prime from "Transformers: Dark of
the Moon," which was filmed in Chicago last year. Children will be
able to dig for artifacts in the "Kids' Kreation Korner" and visit "Meet the Greens," a model dollhouse that is completely energy-efficient. The tent is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the
fair.
For a complete listing of daily activities at the 2011 Illinois
State Fair, visit www.illinoisstatefair.info or call 217-782-6661. The state fair
runs through Aug. 21.
[Text from news release from
the governor's office] |
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