Heart of Illinois Fair


The Heart of Illinois Fair is an annual fair featuring livestock competitions, rides, concessions, motor contests, and concerts. It has been held in Peoria, Illinois every year since 1949, at Exposition Gardens in northwest Peoria. Exposition Gardens is a non-profit organization whose goals involve providing opportunities for educational and recreational events. A full hook up camping area is also featured on the grounds.
Over the years, the fair has grown from being centered solely on rides, games, and foods to being centered on bigger events, such as rock concerts, livestock competitions, and tractor pulls.

Events

Concerts

Over the past years, rock concerts have become a popular part of the fair. The acts that were featured in the 2008 Heart of Illinois Fair included Mojo Risin, Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel, Drowning Pool, comedian Joe Recca, Next Generation Wrestling, Night Storm Teen Dance Party, and Confederate Railroad

Motorsports

All motorsport events take place in the arena located at Exposition Gardens. Motorsports events and competitions include truck and tractor pulls, super semi pulls, demolition derbies, and bog and mud drags.

Livestock show

The fair features livestock shows for beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs, as well as pig racing.

Home Arts

The fair's Home Arts department features include gardening, floriculture, textiles, photography exhibits, food competitions, hobby shows, and science exhibits.