Fun Fair Facts
In the early nineteenth century, agricultural reformers in northeastern United States organized exhibits that would promote farming ultimately leading to what has developed into the modern county fair.
Regardless of where you're from in Illinois, youth in all 102 countries have the opportunity to participate in local county fairs.
Since 1853, The Illinois State Fair has been held in 12 cities throughout Illinois, including: Chicago, Alton, Peoria, Freeport, Jacksonville, Decatur, Quincy, Ottawa, Du Quoin, Olney, and Centralia.
Admission to the State Fair in 1954 was 50 cents for adults, 75cents for one person on horseback, and $1.25 for a carriage load of four.
The annual 11-day Illinois State Fair brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with opportunities to attend livestock shows, enjoy entertainment, eat fair food, ride carnival rides, and explore various booths and attractions.
The Start of County Fairs
In the early nineteenth century, agricultural reformers in northeastern United States organized exhibits that would promote farming ultimately leading to what has developed into the modern county fair. It included livestock judging, plowing competitions, and exhibits which showcased new agricultural implements and techniques. Today’s fairs have similar aspects including livestock shows, exhibit halls, carnival rides, food stands, and other large events like tractor pulls and concerts.
The History of the Illinois State Fair
In 1853, the first Illinois State Fair was held in Springfield, Illinois and created to promote not only the improved methods of agriculture and raising livestock, but also displays of improvement for labor, industry, education, arts, and sciences. At the time, admission was only 25 cents. Over the years, the Illinois State Fair has been held in 12 different cities across the state including: Chicago, Alton, Peoria, Freeport, Jacksonville, Decatur, Quincy, Ottawa, Du Quoin, Olney, and Centralia. In September of 1894, it landed its permanent home in Springfield where it ran for six days. The fairgrounds currently cover over 366 acres with the annual fair running for 11 days. Each year the Illinois State Fair welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors experiencing everything that the fair has to offer.