Illinois State Fair Mega Pass on sale

Pass offers unlimited carnival rides during entire 2006 Illinois State Fair

[JUNE 13, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- It's time to purchase a carnival Mega Pass for this year's Illinois State Fair. Sales of the pass, which is good for an unlimited number of rides at the carnival Midway and Adventure Village, began June 1.

"The Mega Pass is a tremendous value for anyone who enjoys carnival rides," said Amy Bliefnick, fair manager. "Between the carnival Midway and Adventure Village, the fair has more than 100 thrilling rides, and the Mega Pass lets fairgoers ride them all as many times as they like."

Rides at the state fair include the popular Mega Drop, which sends riders on a 130-foot plunge straight to the ground, and Turbo Force, which features two cars of passengers that flip upside down and spin around as the ride completes a full revolution. With a Mega Pass, fairgoers can ride them as often as they like, whenever they like, all 10 days of the fair as well as Preview Night. The pass is not valid for admission to the fairgrounds or rides on the Skyglider and Giant Slide.

The Mega Pass can be purchased in the Emmerson Building, which is located on Main Street north of Ethnic Village on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The cost is $50 through July 15, when the price increases to $60.

The Emmerson Building is open weekdays, except holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15, and Saturday, Aug. 5. The fair begins Aug. 11 and ends Aug. 20.

For further information, call [phone] or visit the Illinois State Fair website at www.illinoisstatefair.info.

[Illinois State Fair news release]