The Heart of Illinois Fair is an annual fair located in Peoria, Illinois, featuring livestock competitions, rides, concessions, motor contests, and concerts. It is held at the Expo Gardens, a fairground in northwest Peoria.[1][2] A full hook up camping area is also featured on the grounds. Exposition Gardens is a non-profit organization whose goals involve providing opportunities for educational and recreational events.[1]
History
The Peoria District Fair began fundraising in 1945.[3] More than 24,000 people donated and 160 acres of Walter Poppen's farm were purchased for a groundbreaking in April 1948.[3] On April 24, over 100 volunteers moved a quarter-million cubic tons of dirt to level the farmland; it garnered national attention from Time and Life magazines.[3]
Established in 1949, the fair has grown from being centered solely on rides, games, and foods to being centered on bigger events, such as rock concerts, livestock competitions, and tractor pulls.
Half of the acreage was sold in 1955, which eventually became the site of Richwoods High School.[3]
