Many Learning Opportunities At The Local Officials' Tents For City Of Springfield/Public Officials' Day At The Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD (Aug. 12) - The City of Springfield/Local Officials' Day brought people of every political affiliation to the Illinois State Fair to work in their designated tents.  Among the local officials' hosting tents were Governor, Rod Blagojevich, State Treasurer, Judy Barr Topinka, Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, Comptroller, Dan Hynes, and Secretary of State, Jessie White.  All of the tents provided information concerning current policies and services provided by state agencies.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's tent emphasized the fight against meth, along with identity theft, and informing the public of the new sex offender registry.  Secretary of State, Jesse White's tent informed the public of the new "Ask?Away"  program, a free service for Illinois residents that allows one to chat with a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The tent also engaged in activities that are usually only at the D.M.V., such as issuing driver's licenses and identity cards.  Offering the public information, along with souvenirs, the tents of the local officials will be open throughout the Fair.
    Kankakee County Exhibitors Earn Top Honors at 2006 Illinois State Fair Junior Barrow Show
Eleven-year-old Trey Fecke of Kankakee County was wide-eyed as the judge picked his crossbred barrow as the 2006 Junior Grand Champion Barrow last night, pending verification.
"I just thought ‘Wow,'" said Trey, smiling in disbelief.
The 264-pound barrow, purchased from Steve Cobb, has already won Trey grand champion reserve barrow at the Ford County Fair and reserve grand champion at jackpot this season.
Along with the Grand Champion ribbon and trophy, Trey earned a trip to the Governor's Sale of Champions, to be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug 15.

DeRue Wins First-ever Meat Goat Show at 2006 Illinois State Fair
Dustin DeReu had never shown a goat before this year's Illinois State Fair. But the 18-year-old from Geneseo, Ill., doesn't think it was beginner's luck that got him the 2006 Grand Champion ribbon, pending verification. Meat goats competed for the first time at this year's Illinois State Fair. Dustin explained that the judges were looking for "width, muscle and muscle hardness."  With his Grand Champion win, Dustin earns a slot in Governor's Sale of Champions on Tuesday, August 15.

Horseshoe eating contest conducted at Lincoln Stage at 5 p.m.
Eating 6.5 lbs of hamburger, french fries, bread, and cheese in 10 minutes, competitor Joey Chesnut won the championship title in the Horseshoe Eating Contest held at Lincoln Stage.  First prize was $2000.  Taking second place, eating 5.9 lbs, Eater X received $1000.  Finishing third was competitor Tim Brown, eating 3.12 lbs and taking home $750 for his effort.
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