Illinois State Fair still in search of volunteers         

[JULY 26, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- There is still a need for volunteers for the 2006 Illinois State Fair. The state fair staff is looking for people to help in a number of areas throughout the 10 days of the fair, including information booths, various buildings and gates, and at the Illinois State Fair Museum under the grandstand.

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

Volunteers are still 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 introduce the museum; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m., in the grandstand.

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

• Floaters -- Assist wherever needed throughout the fairgrounds.

• 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, on Sangamon Avenue -- Greet fairgoers; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 to 7 p.m.

• Illinois State Fair Museum -- Help set up displays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. any day Aug. 4-10.

Volunteers must donate a minimum of 15 hours of service. However, additional hours may be requested. There will be a training workshop at 1 p.m. Aug. 6 for all interested individuals.

All volunteers will receive a free 2006 state fair T-shirt, free admission and parking. A special refreshment area for volunteers will be available at the fairgrounds.

For additional information, please contact Dennis Morris at [phone].

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 11-20.

[Illinois State Fair news release]

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