Last week we went to the press party for the 65th annual Heart of Illinois Fair. So I thought it only fair (ha!) that we’d go to the actual event this week. And so it’s off we go! To the MBIP Mobile!
The weather has been great this week for the fair and as you can see by all the cars, there's a good turnout tonight.
This is the 65th year for the Heart Of Illinois Fair, quite a long-standing tradition.
Coming out here is fun and it always brings back memories from the past.
A ticket booth stands attention in front of the midway section with the rides and games.
Let's go take a look!
Step right up and win your sweetie a stuffed animal! Taxidermy at its finest hour!
The rides add to the color and excitement of walking around the midway area.
The sky played along with me tonight and it's the perfect backdrop for these fair photos.
Here's a ride for people who just want to sit and ponder the past and future.
Of course it wouldn't be the fair without funnel cakes, lemonade shake-ups and other unique midway cuisine among the rides and games. I plan on sampling some of this, but first...
I think it's time to hit the Beer Garden!
There's a good crowd in here and there's live music too! We'll check that out soon, but right now...
Joe serves up an ice-cold 16 ounce bottle of beer!
New Legacy were performing live in the Beer Garden and they put on a great show. They play authentic country/bluegrass music and the crowd loved them.
Here's the band getting ready to take a break...
And let this guy shine in a solo spot.
There's MBIP pal Greg with his friend Andy to his right. Andy's in town from Quincy on business and came to check out the fair.
This is the first year that you can get a beer from the Beer Garden and wander out into the fair with it. So I got one to go from Sue who served it up with a pretty smile!
Greg told me this stand had really good corn dogs, so let's go sample one.
Wow, that's the biggest corn dog I've ever seen!
Of course I had to apply a liberal dose of mustard to it.
A corn dog and a beer at the midway at the fair. It doesn't get much better than this!
I thought I'd continue this food on sticks theme for dessert...
Mmmm...caramel apples!
Foods on sticks, part II, served up with another pretty smile for the evening from this lovely young lady!
After eating we went back and met Greg's pretty wife Roxy at the Beer Garden for a nightcap. Roxy's on the board of directors for the fair and she and the whole crew have worked hard to make this a fun-filled fair for this 65th year anniversary. Cheers to all of them for keeping this tradition alive!
The Heart Of Illinois Fair is open today, tomorrow and Saturday. In addition to the midway rides, games and food, there's free live music in the Beer Garden, motor sports, tractor pulls, animal exhibits, The Axe Women, shows in the Opera House and much more. Check out all the information at their website and facecrack page.
Heart Of Illinois Fair
1601 W Northmoor Rd.
Peoria
309-691-6332
Related Posts: Heart Of Illinois Fair Press Party!, The Yellow Pages: “E” Is For...Expo Gardens and Fair Weather Friends: Heart of Illinois Fair Memories.
Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!
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