Published: May 19, 2008 10:20 am      

Ag department promotes county fairs

Staff Report

SPRINGFIELD — With gas prices continually on the rise, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging families to consider visiting county fairs as a means of saving on travel expenses.

The department recently released its schedule of 2008 County Fairs, which will kick off June 8 this year. The Jefferson County Youth Fair will be held July 18-26 in Ina.

“With gas prices at record highs, I encourage families to consider a trip to their county fair as a way to save on travel expenses when they plan their summer vacations this year,” acting Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. “County fairs offer affordable entertainment the whole family can enjoy, from livestock shows and demolition derbies to games and carnival rides.”

Copies of the complete schedule can be obtained by calling the department’s Bureau of County Fairs and Horse Racing at (217) 782-4231 or visiting its Web site at www.agr.state.il.us. The electronic version on the Internet includes a database that is searchable by both date and location.