Sept. expo replaces State Fair

SPRINGFIELD – A Junior Livestock Expo this September will have to do for those who wanted to participate in the 2020 Illinois State Fair.

The annual fair has been cancelled along with the DuQuoin State Fair. Illinois exhibitors between the ages of 8 and 21 will be able to show their animals at the expo. A virtual show is planned for 4-H general projects with premiums and ribbons distributed by the Department of Agriculture. Entry details are expected to be released soon.

The State Fairs were cancelled by an executive order of the governor due to COVID-19. The news was revealed Friday afternoon with a release stating the decision prompted the IDOA to offer a creative and safe way for youth exhibitors to still have the chance to showcase their hard work.

A number of fairs around the state have called off summer events because of the pandemic.