SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- This year’s Illinois State Fair, which kicks off next Thursday in Springfield, is about what’s new.
“The Multi-Purpose Arena, if you remember, was not able to be used last year because of construction,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello. “This year the Multi-Purpose Arena will be open. It's an $8.6 million renovation.”
The arena is used for, for example, truck shows and rodeos.
And Rebecca Clerk, in her second year as fair manager, still views the fair through the eyes of a busy mom.
“Having those young kids and being a mom with a young family really helps us when we are planning the fair,” Clark said. “Making sure we are catering to those families with small kids, making sure we are creating those experiences, that families will want to bring their kids to.”
The fair runs August 10-20. This year’s theme is “Harvesting the Fun.”
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