Cover Story
Fair fanfare
The Illinois State Fair is back this year with the theme of One Illinois, designed to emphasize a need for unity during the pandemic’s challenges. Krista Lisser, Illinois Department of Agriculture’s public information officer, said that the fair’s organizers expect a similar attendance to previous years, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. An estimated 509,000 people…
Look, up in the sky
In celebration of its 75 years of operation, the Decatur Airport, a Decatur Park District property, is hosting a two-day air show. The show will consist of both civilian and military performers. You will be able to see the precision aerial maneuvers of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Demonstration Team, the strict coordination of the…
Historic Old Leland Farm House scheduled for demolition
As Illinois Times goes to press, demolition of the old rambling, brick mansion at Willemore and Wiggins, known as the Leland Farm house, appears to be imminent. The house was set to be demolished by its owner, Frank Vala, this week. Vala, a prominent Springfield businessman, is chair of the Springfield Airport Authority. Rumors had…
Out and proud on Adams
Adams Street in Springfield is getting more colorful. In June Jonna Cooley attended the second annual Pride Brunch on the Adams Street patio in Springfield when she took notice of an empty storefront next to Elf Shelf Books and Music. During the outdoor event, complete with booze and burlesque performances, the Phoenix Center, which Cooley…
UIS students combat litter at Lake Springfield
UIS environmental science students are conducting research to determine how people’s recreational use of Lake Springfield is impacting the environment. They’ve documented that cigarette butts and fishing line are the most widespread types of litter at popular fishing sites along the lake. In June alone they collected 2,841 littered cigarette butts and about 2.6 miles…
Letters to the editor 8/12/21
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- TEACH CRITICAL RACE THEORY Should it or should it not be discussed in classrooms? George Santayana stated, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” This, to me, pretty much sums…
Mandating vaccines for state employees
When Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced that state employees who work in congregate facilities would have to be vaccinated by Oct. 4, the largest state employee union, AFSCME, released a statement chiding the governor. “We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem,” the powerful union claimed on behalf of those…
Small-time landlords are struggling too
In the maelstrom of economic chaos roiled by the COVID-19 virus, small-time landlords are struggling to stay afloat. “We are the only business out there that has to provide its service but doesn’t have to be paid,” said Anthony Nudo, a Springfield landlord. While there may be a touch of hyperbole in that statement, there…
Vose’s Korndogs, a fourth-generation business
Kelsie Vose was just 8 years old when she got involved in the family business: working a corn dog stand at the Illinois State Fair. Her first job was to squeeze the lemons used to make lemonade shake-ups. “Growing up as a kid, my summers were not normal like the other kids,” she said. “Once…
Hotels welcome back guests, but struggle for staff
One sector that will see strong benefits from the fair’s return is the hotel industry. “The Illinois State Fair generates 15,000 hotel room nights and creates millions of dollars in economic expenditures annually,” said Scott Dahl, director of Visit Springfield. The first weekend of the Illinois State Fair leads to a “citywide sellout” of hotel…
CODA is a crowd-pleaser, but Respect hits sour notes and Squad is a bloody mess
Sincere emotion saves CODA Ruby Rossi is stuck. Her deaf parents have burdened her with the responsibility of being their bridge to the hearing world, requiring she translate all interactions with the hearing community. As Ruby enters her senior year of high school and sees her peers preparing to leave for college, her resentment grows,…
Visitors need food and parking
With half-a-million attendees or more in a single year, there’s a large need for parking and food options near the fairgrounds. Bill Tinsley owns Main Gate Bar & Grill, 2143 N. 11th St., so named for its proximity to the main entrance. Despite the many food vendors at the fair, his restaurant will remain open…
A different way to eat a peach
I share a long butcher block work station at Minneapolis’ Spoon and Stable restaurant with Alexandra Motz, executive pastry chef. One of the first people to befriend me when I started my new job, Alex’s appearance is quite striking to say the least. With tattooed arms, stretched ear lobes, a nose ring and hair dyed…
Fair time music and more
Howdy hey, music lovers and others, it’s state fair time and in Springfield, that’s a big deal. On top of that there’s plenty of stuff going on everywhere, so let’s dig in and see what’s up. First off, please be careful and follow all the safety rules for prevention of COVID-19 and associated variants. It’s…
Waking up the grandstand
The folks at the Illinois State Fair have been planning a comeback and they have packed a lot of fun into its 10 days – livestock shows, concerts, midway rides and attractions, harness and auto races and, of course, food, lots of food. To get the party started, the rock music supergroup, Sammy Hagar and…
