The Illinois State Fair is held annually in the beginning of August in the town of Springfield. Visitors to the fair can enjoy some of the many events and entertainments included in general admission or pay a little extra to see tractor pulls, truck pulls and freestyle motocross at the Arena. If you want to pay the higher cost you can also check out the popular musical acts that often play at the Grandstand.

Children will enjoy the Kids Korner set up in the Emmerson Building on the fairgrounds. There's always clowns, magicians, storytellers and folksingers wandering around. They can also enjoy a variety of puppet acts and face painting or take part in a Coloring Mural.

Adults and families will be able to find entertainment in the Happy Hallow. Stage acts have included such thrills as the Great White Shark Exhibit and Show with highlights involving divers entering the waters, and audience members getting a close up view of the sharks. Or those looking for something a little more comedic can see shows like the Peers Muttville Comix Dog Show. Watch Johnny Peers and his fifteen show dogs perform an amazing number of tricks, high wire walks, and see the dogs walk all over Johnny in a live act.

There is also the Ethnic Village where visitors can sample flavors and sounds from all over the world. You can eat Gyros from Greece, Jerk Chicken from Jamaica, and Banana Turon from the Philippines. Grab yourself a Reuben Sandwich and head over to the stage where you can hear the sounds of Irish music or the beat of the African drums.

Conservation World at the fair is filled with acts and information that can show you ways to help preserve and conserve the environment, while being entertained. There's usually a Bird Sanctuary Show that allows visitors and up close view of some of the birds of the world.