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August 2002
In just a few days, we'll be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Illinois State Fair and enjoying 10 days of family fun at Conservation World. We have achieved our goal of making Conservation World's 30-plus acres of rolling hills, lakes and green grass more inviting than ever before. Conservation World has always been a place for the family—a center for introducing children to Illinois' natural resources and outdoor recreation. For some youngsters, a visit there might be their first encounter with certain outdoor activities or a particular species of fish or wildlife. In any event, we have every intention of opening new doors for visitors and instilling an appreciation of the outdoors in even the youngest fairgoer. It is our hope that, for many, a visit to Conservation World will stimulate the development of a lifetime commitment to outdoor recreation. There is no admission fee for Conservation World, and all shows and activities are free. Visitors will find that this year's lineup includes some favorite attractions, along with several new ones. We're giving fairgoers more options while remaining committed to our central theme. There will be more to eat and drink, including barbeque prepared by 17th Street Barbeque of Murphysboro. This firm has the distinction of being the only three-time winner of the Memphis barbeque championship and is legendary for its tasty products. There also will be homemade root beer served in decorative glass bottles, homemade pork rinds, river fries and fresh strawberry shortcake. But rest assured that those who look forward to the kettle corn will not be disappointed. We're going to have a greatly expanded youth archery 3-D range operated by TL's Archery of Carbondale, a favorite at last year's DuQuoin State Fair. The range offers an excellent opportunity for fun while learning. The same is true of the kids fishing clinics and casting competitions, which are offered five times a day. There will be a frontier encampment with several teepees and daily demonstrations of chopping wood, ax throwing and cooking on open fires. At 4 p.m., on the first weekend of the fair, a field dog demonstration will be held at the northwest corner of the lake. Specific directions can be obtained at the information booth located just inside the main gate of Conservation World. For the first time, the nurserymen's exhibit area will be hosting daily educational seminars at 1 p.m. And as always, experts will be on hand to answer questions and give free advice to fairgoers about plants and trees. The Scheers' Lumberjack Show will return this year, along with Birds of Prey, Bwana Jim's Reptile Show, the Hawg Trough and Tim and Karen Barker, a husband and wife chainsaw carving team. A sign language interpreter will be on hand at many of the shows and also will be available to individuals upon request. At the Director's Tent, OutdoorIllinois will be offering an opportunity to win its 2002 Adventure Package, comprised of more than $8,000 worth of donated merchandise. Anyone signing up at the tent for a new or renewal subscription to the magazine will be eligible to win. The entire package goes to one lucky winner. Although there are no state fair exhibits or displays in our newly completed office building at the fairgrounds, it is now the official headquarters of the Department of Natural Resources, and an open house will be scheduled at a later date. Now that the new building is completed, we are turning to improvements at the grounds. Conservation World is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. See you at the fair!
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