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Illinois State Fair called a “disaster”

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* A 43 percent admissions price increase for adults, intense rain storms, closed parking lots (due to the constant rain), canceled grandstand events (also due to the rain), high temperatures (when it wasn’t raining) and a massive power outage all contributed to vendors’ woe and ire at the Illinois State Fair this year…

“It’s been a disaster,” said Jim Rewerts, owner of Cajun’s Unlimited, known for its alligator on a stick. “My sales are down 70 percent. This is my last year.”

Jack Sturgeon, who started selling corn dogs at the Illinois State Fair in 1964, added: “This was the worst fair I’ve had in 53 years. I’m probably down 50 percent.” […]

Aside from the admission costs, other fairs Rewerts attends invest in facilities and try to offer new things each year to entice people. In Springfield, the same format seems to be rolled out each year, he said.

For Sturgeon, the weather wasn’t the whole story, either. Bad weather in previous years didn’t stop him from turning a profit.

In recent years, he said, sales have slipped due to the economy, but the problem was exacerbated this year when the admission went up. Next year will be worse if nothing changes, Sturgeon added, when people aren’t caught off guard by $10 admission.

Rewerts is right about the crushing sameness of the fair every year. Some of that sameness is quaint and part of the tradition. Too much of it, however, is just plain boring, particularly when the price (and, therefore, the expectations) went up so much.

One noteworthy addition was the Brew Garden, which was well-received. They should expand the microbrewery offering next year and combine it with the Illinois wine folks and book more (and more interesting) bands. The guy who was playing guitar last night sounded like he’d memorized a bunch of K-Tel records from the 1970s.

And, no offense at all to Rewerts, who sells a good product, but his alligator on a stick schtick just isn’t as “new” as it was when he started selling it several years ago. Practice what you preach.

The beer tents need to book better bands. The new butter cow artist designed a plain-Jane product that just wasn’t up to snuff. The infrastructure is, indeed, severely lacking. I almost have the layout of the commercial building’s tenants memorized. Ethnic Village could probably use a reboot, both in the quality of food it sells and the acts it books.

Put simply, if you’re going to jack up entry prices by that much, you need to offer a significantly better product.

* All that being said, I think they did a decent job considering the challenges. 2015’s vendors had to wait almost a year to be paid, so it’s kind of amazing that any chose to return this year. The fairgrounds crews did a good job of keeping the place clean. The people staffing the gates were harried because attendees were upset over the lack of parking, but everybody else I dealt with was (as usual) friendly and helpful. The grandstand acts, while not my personal cup of tea, seemed to do pretty well when the weather cooperated. Yesterday’s weather was perfect, and the grounds were crowded with happy people.

One out-of-state alligator vendor calling it a “failure” doesn’t make it so. While there’s always room for improvement, I was out at the fairgrounds six different days and had fun every time.

Your own thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:30 am

Comments

No comment as I have never been to Springfield or Du Quoin. Like thousands of Illinois residents living in the Northern part of the state, visiting the State Fair means a trip to West Allis, Wisconsin. The reality is that the Wisconsin State Fair does compete with Illinois for tourist dollars.

I am still baffled as to why Illinois has two state fair locations.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:42 am
some of, if not most, of the blame here is from the good old management skills of the governor and his appointee who now heads the fair. can blame the weather for price increases and overall bad execution.

Comment by mark Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:43 am
@mark:

The media took on this topic and the management of the fair was also criticized in print under the previous administration.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:46 am
I’m no fan of the Gov, but the new manager, Kevin Gordon is about as good as you can get. The man has no ego and was dealt bad deck this year in terms of weather coupled with the fee increase at the same time.

Having been involved with the State Fair in years past I can tell you that while people complain about it being the same every year, you just try changing something and see what happens. People start complaining how the fair is ignoring tradition and history. Then they start writing letters to newspapers and calling their state lawmakers complaining. It really is a no win situation for fair management.

The place does need a massive facility upgrades but it seems to me, most members of the GA either don’t care about the fairgrounds or only think about it on Gov’s Day or Dem Day, after that, they ignore it.

And, it seems to me the State Fair has outlived being a 10 or more day event, the place is pretty empty Monday-Thursday.

Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:51 am
I live in Will County, and Springfield is just such an out-of-the-way destination. Even to go to Peotone (an hour away) is just not worth it. Springfield is just not an attractive destination.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:53 am
Rich, that’s a fair assessment of the fair this year. I would echo the sentiments of letting one vendor’s comment label the entire experience. My personal comment is this: the daily/nightly entertainment is the becoming stagnant. This comment doesn’t reflect on the talent of the local bands who play in the beer tents and elsewhere. However, there’s many “local” bands who play throughout the state and the “state fair” would be a great place to bring these bands. Hearing our local bands throughout the year and then seeing them 2-3 times at the fair is a bit much. The heat never helps and the rain on the first Friday was something which no one could prepare. So cut some slack there. Rich hit it on the head: trend with what’s trending. That’s not necessarily the Governor’s issue, but he can take this experience and get some people thinking now about next year.

Comment by New Slang Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:54 am
I only made it three times. Very small crowd every time. The beer tents were EMPTY on Friday night. The weather was perfect and there was a popular band playing. I asked one of the long time vendors how he was doing and he said he was down 70% too. Blamed it on the cost of admission and charging for preview night.
Yesterday was good. Half price admission and good weather.

Comment by Trolling Troll Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:58 am
The fair needs to go back to starting earlier in the month. A lot of schools started last week which will kill mon-fri attendance.

Comment by DGD Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:58 am
DGD, when did the fair ever begin earlier? It’s the schools that have changed the start dates. Growing up, Labor Day was my benchmark. This middle of August stuff is insane.

Comment by New Slang Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:02 am
Springfield is extremely price sensitive when it comes to entertainment. Jacking up the admission and parking prices was a bad marketing move. Why not lower the price back to $5 and then make some of that back through food, beverage and ride/entertainment sales?

Couple the price increase with and the fact a lot of state workers (which support the fair) are in limbo with the Gov-AFSME contract and it was bound to hurt attendance.

Good news for the new fair management is that they can only improve things from here right?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:07 am
To Aononymous’ point, I’d like to see the state fair folks make some marketing data available via Capitolfax so we can crowdsource this.

What was paid and unpaid attendance each day? Where were they from? How old? Why did they come? How long have they been coming for?

And while I appreciate Rich’s plea for more beer, is that really consistent with the mission and goals of the fair? I think there is a much more sustainable audience for making it a family-friendly event.

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:08 am
===And while I appreciate Rich’s plea for more beer===

Um, no. It’s a plea for more good beer.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:10 am
I spend a lot of time comparing the Illinois State Fair to the Iowa State Fair and a state with a 5th of the GDP and a Quarter of the population it really surprises me how much better the Iowa State Fair is.

And the Iowa State Fair charges more for admission.

I understand that agriculture is a greater share of the total economy in Iowa, but Iowa contributes only about 5.5% of the national agricultural economy and Illinois is at about 4.%, and agriculture in Illinois has been growing at a much faster rate than in Iowa.

While the cause can be endlessly debated, at some point an actual plan needs to be developed with actual goals in mind if the idea is to improve the fair.

There are plenty of states that do a better job that can have their best practices copied and incorporated.

Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:11 am
Went multiple times because of wife and grandkids. Thursday the shorter parade was appreciated. But if you’re going to charge admission, have the buildings and tents OPEN. Crowds were super thin after parade; I think they lost a lot of the “word of mouth” from not having the free night. Friday the weather ruined things; Mrs RNUG was there and came home soaked to the skin. Saturday took the grandkids; nice enough day but crowds seemed thin for a Saturday. Went following Friday night. Talked to a long time food vendor I know; sales had been slow overall. Also a friend who has a spare lot next to their house and parks cars about a block and a half from the main gate; in a good year it is packed, this year bumpkins. The number of non-food vendors seemed light; not much overflow outside the Expo Building. Really not much reason to go unless you went for the music in the beer tents or the concerts … and since I’m not supposed to drink with my medications, no real reason to go.

IMO, need to go back to Thursday night free, and find more vendors to step up the quality and mix. Plus find some sponsors for more / different free exhibits.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:15 am
Pros: Virtually no golf carts, delicious food, fantastic people watching

Cons: Ridiculously expensive (EVERYTHING), starts too late in August (at least move it up to the first week!), same old same old, including too much country at the Grandstand. Can’t we get some new rock/indie bands in there?

Comment by FIREDup! Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:16 am
The fair does compete with the start of school now, while it didn’t when I was a kid. Schools start earlier, and some Springfield schools, like Graham Elementary, are on year-round “balanced” calendars. They start their school year in July and are in school all of August.

The earlier/staggered start dates have been a thing for years now. It’s not great, however, maybe it’s time the State Fair organizers took notice, and adjusted the dates of the fair accordingly? Can’t be that hard.

Comment by Nick Name Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:18 am
Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa all have great State Fairs. I think the Illinois State Fair can be great too; it’s going to take time to change the reputation and get people back through the turnstiles.

Comment by cgo75 Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:18 am
I too, think the earlier start of the school year hurts Fair attendance.

A family member was in Door County, Wisconsin last week — he couldn’t believe how empty the place was. Shop keepers and restaurant owners there were complaining about the same early school phenomenon increasingly hurting their business in recent years.

Maybe it is time to move the fair up a week or two?

Comment by SenBillC Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:20 am
Didn’t go this year. We had the time slotted but bailed out. I just wasn’t feeling it.

I’m just not proud of my state anymore. That’s what it comes down too. I’m ashamed of what we have become. We’re self-centered bullies who don’t care for our people and our communities anymore. Right or wrong my perception is that the fair is chock full of people who would not appreciate me, my family or my political views. Unlike Rauner dressing in a cowboy hat or Harley gear, I don’t want to act like someone I’m not. I just don’t think I’d feel welcome anymore.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:20 am
I could only afford to go once, with three teens it was $50 for my family to get in the gate!

Comment by Da Bears Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:22 am
sad for vendors who count on the money.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:22 am
As a state employee who is worried about the lack of a union contract and possible spike in health car costs the fair is too expensive. I’m out almost $30 before I get close to the first vendor.

Comment by Bulbous1 Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:28 am
I’ve been a huge fair fan. It’s been my favorite annual trip. I’ve gone with my family as a kid, as a young man, with my girlfriend, with my wife, with my daughter, and this year we made the trip with our family of 5. Three little kids under 5 in a car driving down 55 in a downpour well past the point where it would’ve been sensible to turn around.

I love the fair. I have equity and history. But I’m done. It’s stale. It’s overpriced.

The $10 entry fee is ridiculous since all it is is a cover charge. Soften that blow with some value (discount program vendors can opt in on, cheaper tram, one dry sky glide ride, whatever. Figure it out.)

The food is too expensive even when you adjust for the fact that you’re at a place of amusement. I agree with you Rich, alligator on the stick man needs to do some self reflection.

Back of the envelope costs for our few hours at the fair, family of 5:

Parked for free over by…nevermind but it’s a walk
$20 two adults entry
$16 two porkchops from commodity tent (always amazing)
$6 Lemon shake up
$20 ride tickets in the little people section (some were worth it, the train that goes around is kind of a ripoff, maybe that’s a spot the fair could use some leverage and add value to the $10 admission fee. Adults have to pay to go on these. No adult wants to be on them, they’re just there to keep their kid from freaking out. Make adults free with every 2 kids or something.)
$10 for some collapsible ball toy, that’s actually kind of cool.

So $72 for a couple hours. Not insane but not worth it. Add in gas and lodging and there are way better values out there. Was glad I was able to talk the kids out of the sky glide. 3 round trips on that would’ve been $21. We played it pretty lean. Saw the governor at the auction. That was kind of cool I guess.

Dive show has been the same for 5 years. Same jokes same dives same everything.

Higher price and lower quality product is no way to do it. Unless you’re trying to run it into the ground…

In the meantime, we’ll catch you in August 2017 in Milwaukee and it makes me sad to say it.

Personal note, daughter gets carsick, we know this so we bring a, um, vessel for her. This year’s occurance was right at the closed Funks Grove rest stop. Thanks again, everyone!

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:30 am
I’m a Fair fan, and this year’s stunk.
Too damn expensive.
I dropped $30, just getting in.
It hasn’t changed in a decade.
Food and drinks were overpriced.
The kids already started school and the Fair timing is too late with the changes in the school year.

Loved the microbrew area. Had perfect weather. Butter cow was a huge disappointment.

Rides are overpriced. $4.75 per minute rides? Really?

I saw few lower class families this year. They’ve been priced out. Fewer kids too.

It was a disaster.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:35 am
Allow the fair to get more corporate sponsorships like other States do, you’ll have better funding. Better funding will fix a lot of the problems. I do think the weather played a greater role in attendance drop this year than some are saying. It’s not just the number of days it rained, it’s the specific days it did so or was forecast to do so: the weekends. The first Friday is usually huge, and it was gone. The last Saturday is big for racing…washed out. Same for a few nights of tractor pulls…couldn’t happen because of rain. It was definitely a bigger problem than increased entry fees, IMHO.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:36 am
==Can’t we get some new rock/indie bands in there?==

Um, they had that this year on Thursday. Pretty name current rock band.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:39 am
Beats the fair from 50 years ago: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2016-08-21/area-history-aug-21-2016.html

Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:40 am
Addendum to my stream of consciousness screed:

One of the points of going to the fair is it’s invitation to excess. You’re frying WHAT? Oh, surely you couldn’t eat all THAT, etc.

High prices kill that. To Rich’s point, there doesn’t reall need to be more there just needs to be better. Everything.

Brisket Sundae from a few years ago was the last item that blew my mind and seemed worth the high price.

Also, does anyone know anyone who’s ever bought a whirlpool fro the fair? That always seems like the weirdest thing.

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:43 am
** DGD, when did the fair ever begin earlier?**

It always used to start in the single digits of August (5th - 15th, 7th - 17th, etc) and finish just before school started, but for some reason it changed during the Blago years.

Comment by DGD Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:44 am
I echo the first commenter in that as a Northener, I attend the Wisconsin State Fair instead. It’s quicker to get to, comparatively cooler temps, and close to Milwaukee for better after-fair options. Plus those cream puffs. Does Illinois have a similar signature item?

LizPhair brought up some great points regarding the cost as it was a similar wallet drain up in West Allis. Those kiddie rides, especially when the adult has to ride with their kid, really add up.

Comment by City Zen Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:47 am
==It always used to start in the single digits of August (5th - 15th, 7th - 17th, etc) and finish just before school started, but for some reason it changed during the Blago years.==

I don’t think that’s really true. I remember in the 80’s specifically it starting around the same time as this year.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:49 am
Didn’t go this year. Saving my money for a strike fund.

Comment by A Jack Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:49 am
I think they need to figure out a way to have a tent closer to a gate that people can pay $4 cover and just be able to get into that beer tent. People are not going to pay $10 to come into a tent to watch a band (and pay $5 for a beer)

During the week (Monday - Thursday) they should have lower (or free) admission until 2 or 3 o’clock. That would help draw people in.

People can say have a certain style of band in the grandstand, but in the past they have tried and had dismal ticket sales. Country seems to sell (and apparently Kid Pop too). I thought Kevin Gordon and his staff did a great job especially with the things that were thrown at them.

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:50 am
Did you notice that Duquoin State Fair admission is $2 for adults and free for children 12 and under?

Comment by Way South of I-80 Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 10:53 am
The disrepair at the State Fair is paramount. Hopefully the Governor’s new Foundation can raise some significantly money and I did laugh when Steve Brown committed $5 to the Foundation on Sam Madonia’s radio show. It is a legitimate issue and hopefully will help.

I think that the $10 price is fair. They tried to couple it with free entry for kids under 12 (was free for 5 and younger).

You cannot control weather and the dates are set in law I believe (starts the second Thursday in August). Schools are now starting earlier and parents try to get their kids in a routine (early to bed, study, etc).

I think that one of the biggest issues is that kids are busier these days. Twenty years ago, kids played baseball and softball and maybe had 15 games. They now play 50-80 games. Soccer teams travel around the state. Sports are now year round and there is less down time to go to the Fair.

Comment by 4 percent Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:00 am
While I don’t have any facts to support it, I suspect part of it was State employees holding on to cash in anticipation of a strike / lockout /pending higher health insurance.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:05 am
I like going to the Fair. Went twice this year. Am a senior so I dodged the $10 admission. Always took advantage of health screenings in the Illinois Building. None there this year.

Comment by Cook street Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:18 am
I was there for ZZ Top and KISS. Crowds were just OK until showtime approached. Sat on a bench to people watch. Hard to tell if it was 1996 or 2016. Ethnic Village was more boring food than usual. The pork association had good stuff. Beer tents OK. Bands were fine, but none grabbed me for more than 10-15 minutes. I’ve heard most of them at various other fests. The wires that looped across the east side of the stadium/track at viewing level in the stands kinda defined the event..just enough to get by. Did get a nice golf cart ride for a friend having some breathing problems walkng back to the cars.

Comment by zatoichi Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:22 am
@4 percent,

$10 probably is fair and in line with other places, but it’s just an added cost without any added value. There’s a discount at 11 admissions for $60 that seems arbitrary but must’ve been researched by someone and arrived at thoughtfully.

Heck, make it $30 to get in and include $20 in “fair bucks” or something.

You’re dead on about the disrepair but even if we could wave a magic wand and have the facilities be the best in the world, the programming and vendors need to be better. Brown’s finski should help.

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:23 am
Everyone complaining about the dates. For at least the last 40 years the fair has started on the second Thursday in August. In the Springfield area, school calendars change from year to year. It should be noted that Springfield did not start until after the fair, area schools during the fair. Next school year they will start a week later. The fair date time is consistent. Schools change.

Comment by I wonder Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:30 am
I’m glad you posted this, Rich. I thought it odd that the coverage seemed so slantedly negative. If you’re a parent or grandparent that takes more than one kid to the fair, the cost was actually down this year. Kids under 12 were free, and adults went up that “massive” $3. So, if you took three kids to the fair last year, you paid $16. If you took three kids to the fair this year, you paid $10. I think they’re on the right track.

You’re spot on with the micro brew comment and the plea to step it up food-wise and generally. But that the fair even existed this year is pretty remarkable in my opinion.

Comment by LessAnon? Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:35 am
I would go to see more bands and grandstand acts if the admission to fair was dropped. I wanted to see 4 bands, but that would have totaled 80 bucks just to walk in the door. No way. So I did one band, one night visit.

Also, if you live in Springfield and surrounding area, you are probably stashing away money left and right in an emergency fund for when your job gets raun out the state

Comment by Dr X Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:39 am
>>- Anonymous - Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:42 am:
>>I am still baffled as to why Illinois has two
>> state fair locations.

ME TOO! I understand that DuQuoin is a tradition and should continue as some type of regional fair. But Illinois only needs 1 State Fair and that Fair belongs in Springfield.

Comment by Mattman Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:41 am
Ten bucks was too steep to just walk around and look.

Comment by Team Warwick Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:47 am
My kids are grown. We don’t enter the crafts contests, nor do we show livestock. I’ve trooped thru all the animal barns and ridden all the carnival rides I care to. I like music, but as background. No desire to spend hours in a beer tent even though I enjoy beer. The expo building is boring. I can go to
the Decatur celebration to eat, drink, catch a band, and walk
around. Give people like me a better reason to come to the fair.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:54 am
==During the week (Monday - Thursday) they should have lower (or free) admission until 2 or 3 o’clock. That would help draw people in.==

Yes. This.

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:55 am
I hate to say this, but could it be that the State Fair is kind of like horse racing: an anachronism that belongs to another time and can’t compete with modern entertainment options?

The Fair is essentially an agrarian event — and although agriculture remains vital to the state’s economy, it has change. Gone corporate in many ways. The number of family owned farms has dropped and the downstate population has steadily declined for years, too. That has to have an effect on attendance.

Don’t get me wrong, I go to the Fair most years and enjoy it. But part of the charm to me is it’s nostalgia. Maybe that’s part of it’s problem, too.

Comment by regretable observation Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:55 am
$5 admission earlier in month before school starts might help.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 11:56 am
Keep hurling the insults. Yeah we get it, you don’t come south of I-80 because there is nothing down here. Stay up there where that name actually fits! I’m good with it.

Comment by Hey Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:16 pm
Why not have the mini carnival open all summer on the weekends for kids. I thought alot of the rides for that area by the Big Slide were local. That would bring money in, and if the Ethnic Village was open for people to eat on the weekends all summer also. That would bring people out. Granted I’ve had things going on the last few years, I just found out they don’t have the Ethnic Festival anymore. WHY??? That was always a huge draw. I’m sure if Dept. of Ag, or whoever actually puts it all together sent out a notice for ideas on improvements, they would get tons without lots of additional costs.

Comment by CONTINUED USE Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:18 pm
2016 is going to be an outlier on account of the poor weather, but I am wondering when the State Fair last came close to breaking even? I do not know about the Rauner years, but I recall reading newspaper articles that the fair was losing money while Quinn was in office.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:27 pm
I was sad to see the heavy rainfall hit Springfield, and how it may have impacted the fair.

“Right or wrong my perception is that the fair is chock full of people who would not appreciate me, my family or my political views.”

It’s very easy to get discouraged now, but please know that many appreciate what you do for the state. According to the AFCSME poll, Illinoisans favor public unions and state workers over Rauner by substantial margins.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:27 pm
The Grandstand acts are a separate deal, and subject to the calendars of whatever acts will be touring at the time of the fair. I have read a quote from a guy that privately operates several state fairs, that the state needs to make up it’s mind if it’s in the music entertainment business or the fair business - his argument was, make all grandstand shows free to people who enter the fair, and just pick smaller-wattage acts that fit the overall budget and appeal to everybody.

I remember one year when the fair dates were Aug. 8 thru 18th. They DID used to begin a shade earlier.

The reason you don’t have more and better/different vendors may be that the rents and fees the fair charges them to operate are too steep. A friend opened a new food stand at the fair some time back, and that drove him out of business after one try.

In better days, the entire inside of what’s now the Senior Center was full of whiz-bang new inventions and technical marvels, hosted by IBM. Nobody seems to be able to bring that kind of “world’s Fair” flavor to the State Fair anymore.

But you *could*. The hot trend around the country is “Maker Faires”, where people bring their inventions and art projects together for displays and competitions, from robot battles to flying drone races (inside protected mesh cages). Instead of making the Illinois Building a place to dump Grandma while the family explores the rest of the fair, maybe we could bring back the wonder and innovation again.

The trams should be free to ride, so you can get around the fair faster and easier, and do and see more.

How did your camper survive the rain storms, Rich?

Comment by Newsclown Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:36 pm
Weather is paramount. Were the fair moved back a week or two, the odds of heavy rainfall would decrease while the odds of excessive heat would increase. Take your pick. My choice is heat over mud. But, that’s just me. The beer tent music is good but it is local, and familiar. Out of town talent with unique and fresh styles would be welcome. Underline “fresh.”

Comment by Ketser Soze Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:37 pm
I enjoyed the fair and enjoy attending every year. Didn’t mind the price increase, but they need to fix the parking situation, and do some serious upgrading of the buildings. The fair seriously looks run down and neglected. The funky food offerings are fun, but a upgrade in food offerings would help, as now it seemed the “same old” was offered at high prices.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Could always hire Katie Spindell…

Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:05 pm
Conservation world had no events.

The dive show was hidden from the center to a side alley.

almost all the small fun events like the simulators, animal shows, bird shows etc all gone.

They expanded beer and killed off dozens of small side events that we ised to love. then they raised ticket prices, ignoring the sales tax revenue made by gettng people inside to spend.

Horrible economic and development choices. The fair makes huge sales tax to the state WHEN peole were allowed in. arguable the ticket price could be free. the idea is mot to make money of admissions but activites and taxes. they killed events and fun things inside and raised prices. those ride passes were no longer a bargain with the large ticket prices.

more beer and no sog/bird/limberjack/whip/wold/raptor etc etc shows aint a fair.

paying for unlimited ride and soaking money out of food and drink aint peofitable if no in can afford tickets for more then one visit.

horrible policy horrible execution.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:06 pm
How about better marketing?
I don’t recall seeing one advertisement or any push to get people from North of I-80 to the Fair. If it truly is a State Fair then there needs to be a concerted effort to reach out to the largest populace of the State and make them want to go to Springfield and spend their money.
Inclusion of Cook and the Collars would be a good start and not make the State Fair an us against them deal, like everything else.
With all of the great ethnic food in Chicagoland area why isn’t that being courted for ethnic village? Do we really need a constant flow of crappy spinning rides, that any Church parking lot can have for a weekend fundraiser? Find Illinois bands that have made it big? Pearl Jam just crushed Wrigley on Saturday.
Integrate a Technology component/venue to the fair about tech start ups and how they can work with agriculture to create better outputs and jobs.
Have a University corner showcasing the schools of Illinois, public and private. (fund higher ed)
Just some ideas to throw at the wall. See what sticks, don’t be afraid to try new things. A private foundation is a good idea as well for corporate sponsorship infrastructure fixes.

Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:13 pm
The KISS concert was amazing.

Comment by connor Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Newsclown,

As I understand it, the fair starts on the second Thursday of August. Therefore, the fair can start as earlier as August 8th or as late as August 14th depending on when the second Thursday falls in August. I am sure those more familiar can point to a state statute or regulation that requires the IL hold the fair and the timeframe for said fair.

Comment by Cimry90 Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Do people really go to things like this?

Comment by Ron Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 1:35 pm
Charging a $5 admission fee for preview night was a disaster. It was shocking how thin the crowds were.

Comment by Indochine Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 2:12 pm
School in Springfield started on Tuesday after Labor Day and end about Memorial Day when I attended (1965 graduate). Now, so many institutes, in-service days, etc. make for a longer year.
Didn’t make it to the fair this year because of health issues. Took my wife out today to get her the corndog and lemonade shakeup she craved, and Vose’s was closed up tight at 12:35. Bummer.
A long time ago, I worked for the fair a few summers, and one or two of them, I compiled the daily attendance figure for the previous day that the media clamored for by 10:00 each morning. There was a great formula used to determine the estimated attendance, but like Coke and KFC, it’s a secret. This year, numbers will be released following DuQuoin. Times change.

Comment by Behind the Scenes Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:27 pm
“The beer tents need to book better bands.”

I agree. However, I feel strongly that all of the beer tent bands should be from Illinois.

Comment by Mama Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:29 pm
I am not sure if this would fly in Springfield, but are all of the partisan political events an essential feature of the State Fair? Other states have elected officials visit the fairgrounds without turning the programmed activities into a choreographed political rally.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:30 pm
With 102 county fairs, Six Flags and other amusement parks close by, people just don’t get excited about the State Fair anymore. Everyone I spoke to said its like Ground Hog day.

I told them people make their own fun. If you are not having fun, its your own fault.

Comment by Mama Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:36 pm
Rich, can you do a poll or research to find out what other states do to have a successful State Fair?

Comment by Mama Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:38 pm
I don’t have an MBA or anything, but I can’t imagine anything where you have to impale an alligator on a stick is a good business model. /s

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 3:48 pm
Minnesota has an awesome state fair. Generally, over 1 million attendees. It converted to a private foundation model a number of years ago.

Comment by Observation Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 4:20 pm
I live 30 miles away, and haven’t gone to the fair in 20 years. Most people I know who go, view the fair as new bars. A lot of the comments on here bear that out. Beer tents seem to be the #1 attraction.

Comment by Bruce (no not him) Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 4:38 pm
We went on Veterans appreciation day. It’s kind of a family tradition. Weather was perfect but now that you bring it no it does not seem like much has changed. We got there at 10 parked at gate 6 only about 20% of the lot was available still pretty nice considering the flooding the friday before.

Comment by Mason born Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 5:23 pm
The fair starts according to JCAR Administrative Code policy:

“The annual Illinois State Fair, located at Springfield, will be held commencing not earlier than the Thursday that is twenty-five days prior to Labor Day.”

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/008/008002700A00150R.html

Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:51 pm
The governor has spent two years criticizing Illinois and Springfield.

Why would anyone drive from Chicago to Springfield to buy his product?

Maybe it’s time to take a page out of Wisconsin’s book and relocate the state fair from the state’s capital to the state’s population center, somewhere in Will County maybe?

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Aug 22, 16 @ 9:53 pm
I have to agree with Juvenal- when your CEO trashes your own product, how do you expect anyone to buy what your selling?

Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Aug 23, 16 @ 12:29 am
I had a good time. Each year I can get with family and see what the fair has to offer. I travel one hundred and twenty miles one way. There is a lot to see and it would take a week to see all of it.
I would like to bring a camper next year. That would enable me to see more of the fair. I want to participate and observe in the agricultural competitions. I like to see the various state agency exhibits. I hope that there will be more new activities next year. I saw one advertisement on the television about a week before the beginning of the 2016 Illinois State Fair. The county fair was cancelled this year. I am glad that I did get to go to the Illinois State Fair.

Comment by Fairvisitor Tuesday, Aug 23, 16 @ 12:37 am
They need to move the dates of the fair up a couple weeks. A lot of schools start at the same time as the fair. That means families can’t go to the fair.

Comment by Alton Giant Tuesday, Aug 23, 16 @ 8:21 am