Illinois State Fair to hold preview party, 5K run next month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois State Fair is giving people a taste of what's to come this summer - complete with their favorite fair foods.

The fair is hosting a "Corn Dog Kickoff" on June 9 in Springfield. It will include live music, food and a 5K run and 3K walk through the state fairgrounds. The state fair box office also will be open so people may buy tickets to events at the fair's grandstand.

Illinois State Fair Manager Luke Sailer says the kickoff event is a way to introduce people to the fun that can be had at state and county fairs. He says "now is the perfect time to give the community its first taste of this annual summer tradition."

This year's fair is scheduled for Aug. 9-19.