FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2, 2001

CONTACT: 217-524-2751
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ILLINOIS STATE FAIR THEME CONTEST ANNOUNCED; PRIZES TO BE
AWARDED FOR BEST ENTRY

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois State Fair Manager Bud Ford is challenging fairgoers to come up with a theme for the

2001 Illinois State Fair. As an incentive, he is offering a prize package that includes free admission to the fair, a parking

pass and two tickets to a Grandstand concert to the person who submits the most creative entry.

"The response has been terrific since we started this contest two years ago as a Twilight Parade theme contest," Ford

said. "We have received many clever entries that colorfully capture the excitement of the State Fair. In fact, the

suggestions have been so good that the winning theme this year not only will be used for the Twilight Parade, but also for

the fair itself."

The theme contest is open to all Illinois residents. Entries should be typed or printed in blue or black ink on a 3" x 5"

index card and mailed to: Promotions Office, Illinois State Fair, P.O. Box 19427, Springfield, IL, 62794. The deadline i

s February 1.

A State Fair committee will select the winner. Judging will be based on creativity. Past Illinois State Fair themes have

included "The Spirit of Excellence," "Just for Kicks," "A Great Adventure," "It's Great, My State, Illinois" and

"Remember the Past, Enjoy Today, Dream of Tomorrow."

The 2001 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 10 - 19. The Twilight Parade is scheduled Aug. 9. The contest winner also

will receive a 2001 Illinois State Fair cap, shirt, coffee mug, and pin.