Tuesday, August 18, was Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair. Jerry and I visited the fair and had lunch on the lawn of the Illinois Director of Agriculture. Orion Samuelson from WGN emceed the program.

Governor Quinn made an appearance at the Ag Day festivities and signed a bill authorizing a task force to provide more locally grown food to local markets.

Orion Samuelson commented that this was his 48th visit to the Illinois State Fair.

Swing ride on the Midway.











There were lots of these cutouts. Hubby took this picture of me playing "fahmer".

The butter cow is always a big hit at the fair. This year "Honest Abe" was also portrayed.

Lots of beautiful gardens at the fair.

Here's a couple of photos of my favorite floral arrangements in the Floriculture exhibits. As you can see, I didn't choose the Champions.

Wire art outside the Artisans Building.

Hubby poses by another beautiful flower garden at the fair.

I don't know if this character has a name, but he looks like an upside down CFL bulb. He was part of Ameren's exhibit in Conservation World.

Tom and Jerry check the fair map- probably the first time either one has ever checked a map.

Climbing the rock climbing wall in Conservation World. The girl on the left reached the top and rang the bell.