The Illinois State Fair will have a new logo for 2017.

STATE

New look kicks off changes for this year’s state fair

The Illinois State Fair will sport a new look this year with a redesigned logo. Director Raymond Poe and State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon recently unveiled the new logo, and the 2017 fair theme: ”Generations of Fun!” The logo keeps the iconic Main Gate, but provides a more modern look.

The Illinois State Fair is a family-friendly tradition that dates back to 1853. Information about new entertainment, events and food options at the fair will be announced later. The fair is held each year in Springfield. This year’s dates are Aug. 10-20.

The fair will see at least two new rides join the Carnival Midway this year. The Downdraft is a death-defying ride that will have fairgoers free fall from 30 feet in an open car while their feet dangle below. Also, the fair will feature a roller coaster called the Bullet Train.

A Illinois State Fair Mega Pass will allow fairgoers to enjoy unlimited rides all 11 days of the fair. The Mega Pass is on sale now for $70. They can be purchased by phone, (217) 782-6661, or online at Illinois.gov/statefair.

Also, discount admission booklets will be sold. These booklets provide 11 adult admission tickets for $60, or 11 senior admission tickets for $30. These discount booklets are only available by phone.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

ACLU chapter annual meeting set

The Peoria ACLU Chapter’s annual meeting is scheduled for April 27, at the IVY Club, 1502 N. Galena Road, Peoria Heights.

The event features Peoria City Council member Beth Jensen speaking on civil liberties and municipal government. An attorney, Jensen was the top vote-getter in the 2015 election for an at-large seat on the council. She has received awards for service in various organizations, and has been president of the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois. Currently she is the program director of the Public Interest Law Initiative, an organization dedicated to expanding legal access to individuals, families and communities needing legal services.

The Community Word and its managing editor Clare Howard will receive The Sam Belfer Award for valuable and important journalism. Ryan Hidden will receive The Citron award for founding the group ChangePeoria to support candidates seeking political offices.

The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. with the program and speaker, presentation of awards and election of officers to follow. Reservations for the dinner are due by April 21, at aclupeoria.org.

PEKIN

Church’s golf outing is slated for April 29

The St. Joseph Church of Pekin Spring Fest 2017 golf classic will be held April 29 at Sunset Hills Golf Club, 1620 Summit Drive, Pekin. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Fees are $100 per golfer and $400 per foursome. The price includes green fees, cart, boxed lunch and dinner at Mashie’s. Call (309) 347-6108 for more information.

Day’s activities to honor women

YWCA Pekin is planning its 36th annual Women’s Recognition Day on May 4, a special day to honor the outstanding accomplishments of women in their careers and community service. The event will be held at noon at the Pekin Country Club, 310 Country Club Drive, Pekin. Achievement awards will be presented to women demonstrating outstanding contributions in the following areas: arts, business, professions, sports, outstanding employee, and community services. Women’s Recognition Day was established in 1982 to honor the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of women in their careers and community service.

In addition, Tazewell County schools will be invited to select and bring one outstanding young woman of their choice to be honored at the luncheon. To make a nomination or reservation, call (309) 347-9922 or visit ywca.org.pekin.

MORTON

Being educated in a fake news world

The Morton Public Library is hosting a program to help adults figure out how to separate fact from fiction in the plethora of fake news disguised as journalism. The informative program will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 24 at the library, 315 W. Pershing St., Morton. Topics will include how to spot fake news, how to sort out propaganda and how distinguishing fact from fiction can help in everyday life.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–