Scenes from the State Fair

Category: Fun Facts

Another year of the Illinois State Fair—that Mecca of fried food, livestock, and carnival rides—has drawn to a close. From the Midway excitement to the threat of a tornado, there wasn’t a dull moment at this year’s festivities. Relive the highlights with our first-ever photo essay, featuring snapshots of this year’s fair action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainy, stormy weather early in the week may have hindered attendance, but Thursday was a beautiful day to attend the Illinois State Fair. Photo by Julie Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A vendor dishes up a Philly cheese steak sandwich and regales fairgoers with tales of the tornado that narrowly missed the fair the night before. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A crowd of onlookers oohs and aahs as three divers plummet into the pool simultaneously. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ferris Wheel is always a popular stop for fairgoers. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fried cheese may not be one of the wackiest fried dishes at the Illinois State Fair, but it’s definitely one of the tastiest. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The options at the Fried What! booth aren’t for the faint of heart—you’ll find everything fried here, from Snickers and Oreos to key lime pie and cheesecake. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A first-time fairgoer enjoys a must-try: French fries with salt and vinegar. Photo by Julie Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As they make their way down Main Street USA, a family contemplates their next food purchase. Photo by Julie Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For $1, fairgoers had the opportunity to milk a cow. (Trust us, it’s fun!) Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids squeal with delight as they take a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amusement park ride options abound at the Illinois State Fair. Photo by Julie Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The state fair isn’t all play for participants, who must groom and feed their livestock throughout the week. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perching on the swings offers a fantastic view of the fair. Photo by Julie Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A man makes taffy—one of the tasty (and not fried!) treat options at the Illinois State Fair. Photo by Nicole Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a change of pace, fairgoers can stop at the Illinois Wine Experience to sample vintages bottled in the state and relax on the porch. Photo by Julie Collins.

Tags: Fun Facts | Illinois State Fair | Photo Essay |

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