Checking out the 2023 Illinois State Fair in Springfield, IL 4k Video

Filmed on Friday August 18 and Saturday August 19, I check out the Illinois State Fair to see what's going on.
The first Illinois State Fair was celebrated in 1853 in Springfield. In that first year, the admission fee was 25 cents.
The Illinois State Fair was held almost every summer during this more than 150-year-long period. On a few occasions it was suspended. In 1893, for example, the organizers of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago prepared to offer a larger lineup of agricultural products and machinery, so the Illinois State Fair canceled itself for one year.
The Illinois State Fair, like many state fairs, moved during the first 40 years of its life, 1853-1892, from place to place. It was celebrated as far north as Freeport and as far south as Du Quoin. In 1894, the State of Illinois began to use a 156-acre parcel of land on the northern boundary of Springfield, which became the heart of the permanent Illinois State Fairgrounds. A grandstand and racetrack were built, and the first auto races were held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack in 1910. The fairground site was expanded to its current 366-acre dimensions in 1924.
Starting with the end of World War II, the growth of productivity in agriculture began to reduce the number of jobs in American farming, both as a percentage of total population and in absolute numbers. State fairs began to transition themselves from agricultural trade shows to entertainment operations.
The Illinois State Fair played a key role in the popularization of the corn dog, starting in 1946.
In Illinois, the State Fair Grandstand, originally built as a place to watch harness racing (and still used for that purpose as of 2023) became a venue for concerts and recitals. The "state fair circuit" became a recognized part of the overall live-music industry for many performers.
The Illinois State Fairgrounds now contains more than 100 permanent buildings. In addition, participants set up countless pavilions and trailers during the period the State Fair is in operation. The Illinois State Fair is operated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, which states in the state's official "Illinois Blue Book" that the purpose of the State Fair is to "showcase Illinois agriculture and offer wholesome family entertainment."
The fair has long been noted for its annual butter cow, a life-size animal formed of pure butter applied to an armature by a sculptor wielding an oversized palette knife.
#travel #carnival #fair

[@ashantijones6168]

Brings back child hood memories but haven't been back to state fair in lots of years I want to go

[@whiteknight-templarnunc1042]

I was there in 2023. Lot of fun and lots to see and do! Thanks for posting. Really had a good time. Been going since I was a kid. Now that Im old I still go. 2024 IL State Fair is Aug 8-18.

[@abregosaircare1623]

Is it worth it to take the family? From Naperville, IL

[@whiteknight-templarnunc1042]

@@abregosaircare1623Yes. Rides, animals, food and entertainment. Fun for the whole family yes.

[@adrianmontelongo9707]

What a beautiful day sunshine 2023 Illinois State Fair in Springfield Illinois 👍 ☀️

[@madcarew5168]

Looks great!!

[@khalilasbro]

That Purple Rain cover is pretty cool.

[@joec2442]

Glad I watched this video, was considering going this year but now I see it’s not for me.

[@exploreusacities]

There’s a week worth of activities, all I really showed was the rides

[@martyaz]

Thanks for the video. Old school here, rides should still be in Happy Hollow. I assume YT Packing (Turasky) is still doing the Lithuanian food booth.

[@exploreusacities]

I think the only thing that's changed at the State Fair in the last 60 years is the Corndog King died and someone sold the giant slide

[@thiagofigueiredo22]

Ei cara eu adorei esse passeio. 😅👍

[@joribema]

What month and day is it?

[@whiteknight-templarnunc1042]

Its in August every year. 2024 is Aug 8-18.

[@bcarey7851]

Im thinking about driving from cincinnati oh and going.

[@exploreusacities]

Hell no

[@bcarey7851]

Why

[@exploreusacities]

Doesn't Ohio have a state fair? I guarantee it's just as good.

[@bcarey7851]

Yes but would still drive to go to this one

[@exploreusacities]

@@bcarey7851 well there's lots to do and lots of fried food to eat!

[@joshy89litchfield]

We really dont have squat for rides compared to most other state fairs!

[@exploreusacities]

I've never been to another state fair - which one has the best rides?

[@martyaz]

Route 66 Rendezvous coming up soon also.

[@Tigerhawk1981]

its hotter then hell here today on its last day. I've never been to the state fair, Sangamon County Fair i've been to, a lot of fun there, but Illinois State Fair is a bit over priced for me.

[@exploreusacities]

Yep, pretty expensive. Wife and I spent $200 last night very easily