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The Heart of Illinois fair is an event that plays host to livestock competitions, rides, concessions, motor contests, and sometimes concerts. The Heart of Illinois Fair, sponsored in part by HOI-19 News, takes place annually in Peoria, Illinois. In 2009, the Heart of Illinois Fair will be in its 60th year.

History

On July 11, 2008, the 59th annual Heart of Illinois Fair opened at Exposition Gardens. The fair officially opened that Friday, afternoon, as it does every year, at 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Gate #1. In 2008, the nine day fair began on July 11 and concluded on July 20. Over the years the fair has grown largely from being centered solely on rides, games, and foods to being centered more on the entertainment shows featured at the fair. With rock shows, livestock competitions, and tractor pulls, there is entertainment for all ages at the Heart of Illinois Fair.

Admission

The gates opened at 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, all events began at 10:00 a.m. The fair closed at midnight every night. Although the gates did not open until 4:00 p.m. Gate #5 opened early in the morning to allow for entry to early morning events and livestock shows. In 2008, the general admission for anyone over the age of thirteen was seven dollars and was three dollars for children age six to age twelve. Children under six were free.

Venue

The Heart of Illinois Fair takes place every year at Exposition Gardens in northwest Peoria, Illinois. Exposition Gardens is a non-profit organization whose goals involve providing unique opportunities for educational and recreational events. Sitting on eighty acres, Expo Gardens features numerous buildings which may be rented throughout the year. Such buildings include an arena, a covered pavilion, and a large, open area perfect for the fair, auto sales, or flea markets. Several of the building located in Expo Gardens provide wireless internet and almost all building are handicapped accessible. A full hook up camping area is also featured on the grounds. Exposition Gardens is located at 1601 N. Northmoor Road, just off of University Street. Because of its location, Expo Gardens provides mile of free parking for all events featured there.

Events

Concerts

Over the past years, concerts have become a much more popular event at the Heart of Illinois Fair. Concerts take place in the US Army Entertainment Tent. Concerts at the fair are, for the most part, sponsored local radio stations. Such radio stations include: 95.5 GLO, 105.7 the X, WVEL AM, and 97.3 River Country. The acts that were featured in the 2008 Heart of Illinois Fair include: