Posted by Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
, August 08, 2008 10:59
The Illinois Sate Fair in Springfield has many of the industry-sponsored food stands that make state fair eating so wonderful: big pork chops from the Pork Patio, milk and ice cream from the Dairy Barn (first 100 customers each day get an Oreo with their milk!), brats and brisket at Midstate Meat. You can also dine on things like cinnamon rolls and 18-inch corn dogs. What makes the Illinois fair extra-special, though, is the emphasis they place on international foods at the Ethnic Village. Enjoy Dutch hutspot, Turkish humus in pita, Venezuelan caraotos negras, Polish pierogies, Korean bulgogi, and Filipino pancit, for instance.
The concert lineup is headlined by Fergie, and also includes the likes of ZZ Top, Huey Lewis, Brooks & Dunn, Joan Jett, and Trace Adkins. There’s a butter cow, an Abraham Lincoln museum, a full harness racing schedule, an Illinois Wine Experience where you can enjoy samples from local wineries, and a big Illinois Farmers Market where you can purchase fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs on sticks, and the very popular hot weather refresher, apple cider slush.
See the fair website for details.
