Spent 3 days at the fair. It is not the state fair of old but there is still plenty to see and experience. I would like to see more booths selling items like the old days, Buck and Bum, toy farm equipment etc. I also miss seeing the large farm equipment display. There doesn't seem to be as many entries in the arts and crafts, maybe people just aren't doing that anymore. I don't recall seeing an Illinois Wine tent. The Neon Experience was amazing with the newest addition of a corn dog. A display of products made in IL would be great. I stumbled in on the Chilli cook off, and sampled some great chilli, not sure if that was a daily thing. Having the Tram run through the grounds instead of around the outside would be helpful. The Ethnic Village was great, all the little buildings had something in them, the Gyros are always a favorite. I do miss the yearly Ethnic Fest over Labor Day weekend. I appreciate the free day for seniors and the $3 entry the 2 other days I was there. The music in the beer tents didn't seem to start until much later in the afternoon and the stage by the barns on the way to the grandstand didn't have any seating which would have been nice. Corrections did a wonderful job with all the landscaping. I miss the flower entries, maybe they could have an entry for flower shops to display their creations. Having a cooling center nearer the middle of the fair instead of the Illinois Building would be helpful to seniors and people with small children, it used to be in the Emerson Building. I don't believe that building is being used at all, it held the flower arrangements at one time and would be a great place for the Governors Wife's set up with the children's activities if its still air-conditioned. The State Police presence was great, the couple I spoke to were kind and helpful. The grounds were well kept. Cold water was available at all the government and political tents. Conservation world was super, the raptor show put on by World Bird Sanctuary was amazing. read more