Big slide to remain at fair

SPRINGFIELD - A Minnesota man has reportedly agreed to buy the big yellow slide on the Illinois State Fairgrounds which has been a favorite of fairgoers for over 50 years.

The State Journal-Register reported the man will buy the slide and operate it on the grounds in Springfield. Prairie State Bank and Trust repossessed the slide from previous owners but would not announce the sale price or identify the buyer since the sale will not officially close until spring.

Sources say the initial asking price for the slide, which has been at the State Fair since 1968, was $135,000.