What do politicians, pork chops on a stick, sheared sheep, the sky ride ride, and 500 pounds of butter all have in common?

The Illinois State Fair.

The State Fair is less than a week away. The annual corn dog and concert fest is tradition in Springfield.

This year's fair runs Aug. 9-19 at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

State Fair Manager Luke Sailer said the state has invested millions in the fairgrounds this year. But it's not the grounds that make a good fair.

"Last year we were a little over 500,000 attendees through the gate throughout the entirety of the fair," Sailer said. "Obviously we hope top have that many and more. Weather is a factor. Obvisourly, in Springfield, school is starting Wednesday of our fair. It does hurt us."

Salier is counting that the summer tradition of the State Fair will carry this year's event.

And of all of the State Fair traditions, one stands out. Marla Beherends with the Midwest Dairy Association said people come from far and wide to see the butter cow.

"It is a cow made of butter," Beherends said. "People always ask 'Is it pure butter?' It is pure butter. But there is a small frame underneath."

It takes 500 pounds of butter to sculpt the butter cow.

There are of course rides, concerts and politicking at the fair as well.

For information, visit Illinois.Gov/StateFair.

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