What Was I Thinking?

48 Hours in the Heartland

I've been in Illinois for a little under 8 hours.  Today's highlight:  the Illinois State Fair and, of course, the 2006 ButterCow.  This is the 84th ButterCow of the ISL, and has been a tradition since 1922.  Here, is my first-hand photo :) (click on the photo to enlarge and get a clear, bigger image) Not ONLY is there a ButterCow, but there's a ButterCalf, ButterCat, ButterTree AND ButterBirds (the last is just really fun to say...ButterBird ButterBird ButterBird...).  Of course, it wouldn't be a State Fair without corndogs, fair fries with vinegar, lemon shake-ups and a trip through the stables.  As I trapsed through the stables with my friend Andrea, we overheard the distinctive sounds of hot-rod tractors revvin' it up in the Arena.  Always intrigued by loud motor noises, we decided to wander over-yonder to catch a glimpse of a mid-west favorite: Tractor Pulls :)  As we watched through the chainlink, the smell of the exhaust from the tractors mixing with the smell of the manure from the barns, I couldn't help but think: "Damn, it's good to be home."  That feeling should wear off soon.  If it doesn't, i'm in trouble.

Butter Butter Butter Butter Butter

Oooooh...the excitement.  The Illinois State Fair kicked off Thursday night with the Twilight Parade back in Springfield.  As if the Fair weren't exciting enough -- and my anticipated attendance this coming Tuesdsay (I've never missed a fair and I don't plan to) -- anyway, as if that weren't exciting enough, the 2006 ButterCow was unveiled!  I'm soooo excited.  And, because I'm excited, YOU should be too. 

As with last year, the State Fair has webcams set up around the fairgrounds.  And, once again, they have the CowCam.  You, too, can enjoy the 2006 ButterCow without having to travel to Springfield for the Fair (though I highly recommend you drop everything and get out to the Prairie!).

The 2006 ButterCowCam:  http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/webcam/cowcam.php?cam=2