Gov. Blagojevich announces 2005 Illinois State Fair theme

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke today announced the theme for the 2005 Illinois State Fair and Twilight Parade --- "All Roads Lead to the 2005 Illinois State Fair."

"Hundreds of thousands of people go to the Illinois State Fair each year to enjoy the best 10 days of family entertainment in Illinois," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Not only do we showcase top notch entertainment and the best of Illinois agriculture, the fairgrounds is easy to get to no matter where you live in Illinois; Quincy or Chicago, Carbondale or Danville. All roads truly lead to the 2005 Illinois State Fair."

The theme chosen for the 2005 State Fair also kicks off a promotional campaign to reach residents who have never experienced the fair or those who have not traveled the road to the fair in many years.

"As a child and one of seven kids, we looked forward to our trip to the Illinois State Fair every summer," State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick said. "I want every person in Illinois to have that same great experience and I'm working with my team to make sure there is something for everyone who comes into our gates."

In her first year as State Fair Manager, Bliefnick is asking visitors what they want to see at the Illinois State Fair. Illinois residents are asked to e-mail their suggestions to statefair@agr.state.il.us.

The 2005 Illinois State Fair runs from August 12th to the 21st.