Letter to the Editor: State Fair Timing Hurts Families

To the Editor:

Moving the Illinois State Fair so late into August was a mistake.

The State Fair is supposed to be one of the biggest family events of the summer. It should be a time when parents can take their kids to the fairgrounds, enjoy the rides, see the animals, attend concerts and make memories before school starts again.

Instead, the fair now runs at the same time many families are dealing with back-to-school schedules, orientations, practices, supply lists and the first days of class. That makes it harder for kids and families to attend, especially during the week.

For many parents, a night at the fair is not simple when children have school the next morning. Families are trying to get back into routines, adjust bedtimes and manage homework, sports and activities. By pushing the fair later into August, the state is making one of Illinois’ best traditions less convenient for the very families it should be serving.

The State Fair belongs in the summer, not in the middle of back-to-school season. If Illinois wants strong attendance and wants families from across the state to enjoy it, the fair should be held earlier in August, before school calendars take over.

Kids should not have to miss out on the State Fair because adults scheduled it too late.

Brian Alexander - Springfield