What to expect from 2024’s Heart of Illinois Fair

PEORIA (25News Now) – A fan-favorite is returning to Central Illinois with a new attraction.

The 75th annual Heart of Illinois Fair will not have a carnival in 2024. Instead, a new animatronic animal and dinosaur exhibit will take its place. It will also feature multiple kiddie rides.

The attraction will cost a small fee to walk through, but those wristbands will also get children and families into the inflatables play area.

Fair Board President Roxy Baker said the fair will have a more family-friendly atmosphere this year.

“What I encourage people to do is come on out and create new memories for your children and for yourself,” Baker said. “It isn’t the same as it was, even five years ago, but I really encourage people to come out and create those new memories.”

The fair will still feature classic fair foods, live music, motor sports, a trapeze show, competitive exhibits, and agriculture shows.

Ten-year food judge Kimberly Stiner believes the fair means a lot to people, and that it is a great way to see what is happening in the community and meet others.

“It brings a lot of new people out to get to know each other, whether it’s volunteering for the fair or whether they’re actually bringing something in to be judged,” Stiner said.

Baker said she hopes everyone can come out and enjoy what she says makes the community great: the people.

“This is an affordable and family friendly way to come out, wander around, check things out, slow down, unplug, and see what makes our community so strong,” Baker said.

The fairgrounds are open July 16 through July 20. Adults get in for $10, kids for $5, and children under the age of six get in for free.

Find the fair schedule here.

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