We left at 4am for Springfield, walked several miles around the fair, enjoyed the exhibits & fantastic weather, and drove home with not one but TWO state champions. (DD’s friend came along and both girls earned a "superior ribbon" in addition to the regular state fair red/white/blue rosette.) After 4 years of going to the fair in search of poultry, this was the 1st time we were present on the same day as the poultry. (In past years we either couldn’t find the building or the poultry were already sent home.) DS was so excited when he saw another Sp Sussex like his Chizzy and liked naming the different breeds. Because of judging times & project pick up, we had to return to the 4H area every 2 hours, but we managed to see the annual “butter cow” in the dairy building, walk through the animal barns, buy a souvenir in the expo hall, explore the conservation area, and eat a picnic lunch that I had packed. All 3 kids were fast asleep in the backseat for the ride home! Great day!