Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Kicks Off Beginning Of 154th Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Governor Rod Blagojevich, along with his family, arrived at the Main Gate for the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially begin the Illinois State Fair this morning.  Accompanying the Governor at the ceremony was Amy Bliefnick, Illinois State Fair Manager, Chuck Hartke, Director of Agriculture, Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin, and area representatives, Rich Brauer and Raymond Poe.  After the ribbon cutting, they proceeded to the Governor and First Lady's tents for official openings there as well.  The fair will run through Sunday, August 20th.
The State Fair today also celebrated County Fairs and Horse Racing Day.  Due to wet weather conditions, the day's races were canceled.  The race will be rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12.  Racing will begin at 11:00 a.m.
More than 70 County Fair Queens gathered on the Director's Lawn to honor the county fair volunteers of the year.  Dean Bruns received the Outstanding County Fair Person of the Year award.  Bruns, a lifelong farmer and resident of Logan County, has donated his time and talents to construct, organize, and promote the Logan County Fair.  His timeless and unselfish efforts have allowed the fair to flourish.    For over 50 years, his example of leadership and dedication to the fair has been displayed in various capacities as a champion livestock exhibitor, milking shorthorn superintendent, and more recently as fair director and acting president.  Bruns assumed the role of president after the death of former president and county fair legend W.G. Colburn.  He has since guided the Logan County Fair as president for the past 11 years and as the Central Zone Vice President for the past few years.
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