 In addition to offering families
affordable entertainment, the fair showcases the best in Illinois
agricultural products, from livestock to wine, produce and
agricultural technology."Illinois has a proud agricultural
heritage, and agribusiness is key to our long-term economic growth,"
Quinn said. "This year, record numbers of families came to the fair
to enjoy affordable entertainment, food and to learn about the
importance of agriculture to our state’s history -- and our future.
The state fair is a tradition that will be around for years to
come."
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.
This year saw attendance up by more than 74,000 from last year.
In fact, this year’s attendance levels were the highest since 2002.
"I thank fairgoers for coming out to support the fair," said
Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. "It’s their support that has
made the Illinois State Fair a premier summer festival. To borrow
this year’s theme, we really do ‘Have a Good Thing Growing.’"
Quinn this year hosted the Governor’s Sale of Champions, the
annual auction of prize-winning junior livestock, with proceeds
going toward scholarships and the state’s 4-H and FFA youth
education programs. The grand champion junior steer, shown by
Sherman teenager Austin Burris, sold for a record $51,200,
surpassing the previous high of $50,100. It was one of three record
prices at the sale. The others were the grand champion sheep for
$12,500 and the Land of Lincoln barrow for $10,100. The event raised
$135,200, not only for the youths who raised the animals, but also
for 4-H and FFA programs.
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The livestock arena was not the only place records were set. Music
fans flocked to the fair en masse to enjoy the affordable
entertainment available at the Grandstand. Country music star Jason
Aldean attracted a record 15,329 people. Aldean’s ticket sales
surpassed the previous record set in 1995 by Hootie and the
Blowfish. Collectively, the Grandstand performers, who ranged from
comedian Jeff Dunham to rap icon MC Hammer, sold 49,649 tickets, the
highest sales in 11 years.
[Text from
news release from
Illinois Government News
Network]
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