Gov. Quinn opens 2011 Illinois State Fair

[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.

"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]