Ag Tent Active at State Fair

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Tent will be a destination for fairgoers during the 2023 Illinois State Fair. IDOA is celebrating agriculture’s impact on Illinois with free food samples, apple cider slushies, USDA Beagle Brigade, free kids’ crafts, a tractor play area, corn and soybean sensory-play tables, and free caricatures and balloon animals.

“Over the course of the last year and half our locally grown products have become more important than ever,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello. “People want to know where their food is coming from and to give them the chance to meet the farmers growing it is even better. We will have farmers from traditional to urban, covering the full scope of Illinois agriculture.”

Activities taking place at the IDOA Tent include:

Artisan Market-Enjoy FREE samples from local food artisans, August 11th-13th! Featuring: Cherry Red Roasters BBQ Sauce, Rolling Lawns Farm Ice Cream, Fruit of the Spirit Jams, Glaciers End Shrubs, Golden Hour Bake House, Snacks from Peter’s Produce, Umland’s Crunchy Cheese, Baked Goods Central Illinois Bakehouse, Fire Department Coffee, Four Score and Seven Ribs Ago BBQ Sauce, Baked Goods from Michelle’s Minis & More and Spartan Valley Olive Oil.

AgVenture Kids Area-Take your children on an AgVenture and learn the importance of Illinois agriculture through play. Featuring: a tractor playground, crafts, piglets, corn and soybean sensory bins and opportunities for FREE balloon animals and caricatures, check the daily schedule for times.

Illinois Specialty Growers Farm Stand- Serving apple cider slushies, watermelon, soft-serve ice cream, sweet corn, and peaches.

Illinois Farm Bureau Stage-Check the daily schedule for the exciting things happening on the Illinois Farm Bureau Stage, including the USDA Beagle Brigade, Meet the Farmer Presentations, Family Bee Keepers Presentations, Cutest Little Farmer Contest, and much more!

HyVee Illinois Product Store-Shop your favorite local products at the HyVee Illinois Product Store, August 14th-20th! Featuring: Donny B’s Popcorn, Turasky’s Meats, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Riley’s Seasoning, Prevail Jerky, Fire Department Coffee, Uncle Joe’s BBQ Sauce, and Boots Beverages.

Daily giveaways include: Buy Local Stickers, Illinois Product Bags, Free Apple Cider Slushies, Illinois Product Horseradish Hot Sauce, Soybean Stress Relievers, Ag Tent Cash, Buy Local T-Shirts (while supplies last).

The IDOA Tent will be open daily 10am to 8pm and 10am to 6pm the last Sunday of the fair. Check the daily schedule for details.