We will be able to pre-purchase parking and gate admission passes for the State Fair again this year. We have to have pre-payment for the passes to place our order. We will NOT be able to purchase any additional passes after our initial order. See attached order form to pre-order your passes. Passes must be requested no later than June 30.

State Fair Books are again on the web this year. You may print off the entry forms. The forms still must be brought in to the Extension Office for the authorized person to sign. These forms must be in the office no later than June 23. The website is: www.illinoisstatefair.info.

Jr. Horse Show – July 22-27

Jr. Market Lamb Show –August 8

Breeding Sheep Show – August 10

State Fair 4-H Dog Show – August 24

Beef, Dairy, Horses - $10 per animal

Sheep, Swine, Goats - $2.50 per animal

Dogs - $2 per dog

Poultry, Rabbits - $1 per animal

State Fair Swine entries must have PQA Plus ID number on them.

Watch for information about State Fair Premium Books, Junior Department Entry Forms, and Rule Changes. This will be posted on their website: www.agr.state.il.us/isf/. Check this website for updates.

Junior Department Livestock Entry Forms – are due in the Extension Office no later than Monday, June 23.

The 2008 Illinois State Fair will be held from August 8-17.

Formal Speeches, Extempore Speaking and Demonstrations will be judged on August 8. Illustrated Speeches, Original Works, Bicycle Rodeo, Fashion Revue and Club/Group Exhibits will be judged on August 9. Oral Interpretation and Foods Demonstrations will be judged on August 10. All other projects will be judged on August 13.

Page 30 of the 4-H Fairbook has details about eligibility and the selection process for projects. Please read carefully so that you are informed about the process.

All lambs going to Illinois State Fair in Junior Show or Open Premiere Show will need to be tattooed and nominated at one of the dates and locations around the state between March 15 and May 15. All lambs will be given an electronic ID tag. The producer will be charged $2 per EID. Checks should be made out to the U of I. All premiere wethers must be owned no later than May 15. For more information, call Extension at 815/933-8337.

Dates and locations:

May 10

Hugh Moore Jr. Farm, Jerseyville – 9-noon

Monroe Co. Fairgrounds – 11-noon

Black Hawk East College – 9-noon

Bond County Fairgrounds – 10-noon

Grundy Co. Fairgrounds – 9-noon

Landon Kirby Farm, Athens – 9-noon

Interstate Center, Bloomington – 9-noon

May 15

Western Illinois University – 9-noon

Sunday, August 3, at 2:00 p.m. is the time and date for the meeting about the State Fair. Please attend if you have been chosen to be a delegate or alternate.

State Fair premium checks are mailed to the Extension Office from the State 4-H Office shortly after the State Fair is over. We will mail them directly to the State Fair exhibitors as soon as we receive them and verify that all the information is correct.