Division of Fairs and Horse Racing

Section 700 Section 700.60  Division of Fairs and Horse Racing a)         The Division of Fairs and Horse Racing is responsible for the operation of the State Fairs as a showcase for the nation and world to view Illinois agriculture, as a place for industrial, cultural, educational, trade and scientific exhibits, for the promotion of horse racing and other competitive sports, and for the entertainment and enjoyment of the people of the State of Illinois.  The Division is also responsible for promoting the general use of the Fairgrounds and the facilities located on the Fairgrounds year around. 1)         Illinois State Fair--schedules and coordinates non-fair activities on the fairground; arranges space rental for Fair and non-fair events; supervises competitive events during the Illinois State Fair and is responsible for the payment of premiums for those events; responsible for providing entertainment at the Illinois State Fair, including Grandstand, free stages and special events; and contracts for and supervises contractual activities providing services to the Fair, including but not limited to, admission and parking.  Publicity and promotion for the Illinois State Fair is initiated in this section. 2)         The Bureau of County Fairs administers funds to county fairs, expositions, 4-H Clubs and Vocational Agricultural Section Fairs according to statutory authority.  Each year a "Recapitulation of the Reports of the Fairs" is compiled and published.  Also published is a list of fair dates each season, with the names and addresses of the fair secretaries. 3)         The Bureau of Horse Racing is responsible for administering a program designed to increase the quality and number of standardbred and thoroughbred race horses in the state.  Annual reports are issued on the yearly foal registration and on the registration of qualified stallions. 4)         Bureau of DuQuoin State Fair--schedules and coordinates non-fair activities on the fairgrounds; arranges space rental for fair and non-fair events; supervises competitive events during the DuQuoin State Fair and is responsible for the payment of premiums for those events; responsible for providing entertainment at the DuQuoin State Fair, including grandstand, free stages and special events; and contracts for and supervises contractual activities providing services to the fair, including but not limited to, admission and parking.  Publicity and promotion for the DuQuoin State Fair is initiated in this bureau. 5)         The Bureau of Buildings and Grounds is responsible for the management and maintenance of all buildings and grounds, equipment and security under the control of the Department. b)         Address and phone number for the Division of Fairs and Horse Racing: 1)         Superintendent, Division of Fairs and Horse Racing, Department of Agriculture, Emmerson Building, State Fairgrounds, Springfield, 62706; Phone 217/782-6661. 2)         Illinois State Fair; Phone 217/782-6661. 3)         Bureau of County Fairs; Phone 217/782-7411. 4)         Bureau of DuQuoin State Fair, Box 408, DuQuoin, 62832; Phone 618/542-9373. 5)         Bureau of Horse Racing; Phone 217/782-4504. 6)         Bureau of Buildings and Grounds; Phone 217/782-0789 (Springfield) and 618/542-9797 (DuQuoin).