The Illinois State Fair is a barrage to the senses. People squeal as they sit upside down on an amusement park ride, the smell of fried Oreos, funnel cakes and corn dogs waft in the air — and people parade through The Coliseum with their prized barrows, goats and steers. The annual fair, which is held in Springfield and runs until Aug. 26 this year, showcases the state’s agricultural and livestock industry. It is both a tradition and a quintessential Midwest experience.
Winners interact with their barrow during the Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
People ride a lift at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Eva Lansaw, 14, shows her meat goat, which won grand champion, during the Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
People look through a glass case that features a cow made of butter at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Ice cream is sold at the Diary Building at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Debbie Johnson (left) and her grandchild Brooklyn Johnson, 7, learn how to milk a cow at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Piglets feed on their mother at the Illinois Pork Producers Association’s Piglets Birthing Center at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Potatoes are coated with Cheetos at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Kids ride on a spinning amusement park ride at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Greek and Filipino food are sold at the Village of Cultures at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Fruits are coated in sugar at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
People walk around the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Thursday.
Funnel cake is topped with chocolate at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
People roam around the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Fairgoers play games at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
A person stands with their animal during the Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.
Bowyn Dryer, 4, leans on her family’s steer named “Big Shooter” during the Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. on Wednesday.