Illinois State Fair to host 'Preview Party' Friday

Event will include announcement of official 2013 Illinois State Fair theme, new attractions and Grandstand entertainment acts

[February 06, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- The countdown to the 2013 Illinois State Fair begins Friday, when fair officials will throw a "preview party" to discuss plans for this year's event.

The preview, which will include live entertainment by Heather Riley and samples of fair food, is open to the public. The event will run from 6 to 9 a.m. in the Illinois Building, just inside the Main Gate to the fairgrounds.

A press conference is scheduled at 9 a.m. State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick, Agriculture Director Bob Flider and other dignitaries will unveil the 2013 Illinois State Fair theme, discuss new attractions planned and announce additions to the Grandstand concert lineup, including the booking of up-and-coming country sensation Kip Moore.

Moore, whose second single, "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck," currently is in the top 30 on the country music charts and climbing, will open for Toby Keith on Aug. 14. Tickets for the concert will go on sale Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet.

Dates for the 2013 fair are Aug. 8-18.

[Text from Illinois State Fair file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]