The first Fair was held in Springfield, IL in 1853, at a site on the west side of town. The Fair of 1853 promoted not only improved methods of agriculture and raising livestock, but also displays of improvement for labor, industry, education, arts and sciences. The admission fee was twenty-five cents and up to 20,000 people attended the Fair on its third day. Focusing on family activities, it was reported that "not one inebriated man was seen!" 

In 1854, the Fair was once again held in Springfield. The attraction this time was Senator Steven Douglas' speech and Abraham Lincoln's rebuttal the following day.

The Fair has been held in 12 cities throughout Illinois, including: Chicago, Alton, Peoria, Freeport, Jacksonville, Decatur, Quincy, Ottawa, DuQuoin, Olney and Centralia

The Fair has had its home in Springfield for over 100 years. Many buildings on the fairgrounds have also celebrated over 100 years of history in Springfield. For the amount of $69,500, the Dome Building was purchased from the Chicago World's Fair and was then reconstructed for the 1895 Fair. It was reported that the dome was the second largest unsupported dome in the world.

Tragically, the Dome Building, located just east of the Exposition Building burned down in August, 1917, just before the Fair opened.

In 1966 or 1967 the Lord’s church after much planning and preparation started an exhibit within the State Fair.  In 1974 Burl Price became the director, with the 20^th Street congregation of Rockford having the oversight of the exhibit.  The goal and purpose of the exhibit was and is to reach (Mark 16:15) as many people, and to also teach (Romans 15:20) them the good news (gospel).   

In late 1974-1976 the director was Ray Christman.  There have been several directors since its inception, and also several congregations with the oversight of the exhibit.  After the congregation in Rockford, the Sunnyside Road church of Christ had the oversight.  A number of years later it went to East Peoria church of Christ for their handling.  From then until present the Highway church of Christ has the affairs of the exhibit, which it is responsible for.   

There have been several directors since Burl Price (74-75), and Ray Christman (75-76).  The following have been directors: Bill Clary (77-84) at which time he left to go to Alaska.  Richard Hill took over (84-85), then Peter Bumpass from (85-present) with JE Miller serving as Exhibit Coordinator.   

Directing and Coordinating are much more than just a title.  There are many things that have to be addressed.

1. Volunteers to work the exhibit,

2. The exhibit has to look inviting, and also project a scriptural message. 

3. Sleeping quarters have to be provided. 

 4. Meals for the volunteers as well as volunteers to cook and clean. 

5. Schedules have to be planned. 

6. Setting up the exhibit takes almost a whole day with many volunteers. 

7.  Many congregations have to be visited with presentations of the past year and the material for the upcoming year.  The purpose of the visits is to try and obtain financial support to help fund the exhibit.  There are a lot of expenses (none of which are salaries) for the ten days the exhibit is displayed. 

There are a large number of home bible studies registered for each year.  When they are received, they’re graded and the next lesson is mailed to the individual.  There are many things for young children, such as Joy Junction, computers to take their pictures, games etc.    

The fair is a lot of hard work but the ones that volunteer find it very rewarding, to be a small part in helping someone find the Lord.  The glory doesn’t go to the volunteers; the glory goes to the Lord.  Thirty years ago a man and his wife walked through the fair exhibit.  They evidently believed what they saw and heard, and The man is and elder in the Lord’s church to this day.   

In 1998, the Fair now runs ten days, and is filled with many exciting attractions and outstanding entertainment. Through the years, the Illinois State Fair has had one of the most extensive agriculture shows in the country. It is a place to congregate and learn the history of Illinois Agriculture. The premiums that are offered, serve as an incentive to have exhibits in areas other than just agriculture.

Currently, the fairgrounds cover 366 acres. The Illinois State Fair is legendary to Springfield and the State of Illinois. It has provided many memories to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Roaming through the beauty of the fairgrounds and experiencing the historic essence, visitors will make their own history at the Illinois State Fair.