Information will be posted to our web site as it becomes available including the entire premium list.  We will not be printing a book for 2025. If you have any trouble downloading any portion of our premium list please call our office and we will be glad to mail a hard copy to you.  Only entry information is available via PDF files, online entering will be available for 2025. 

 

NEW SECURITY MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE FOR THE HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR

For the safety of our patrons, exhibitors and their entries, employees, guests and performers we will be implementing new security policies.  As exhibitors you will be required to have your exhibitor pass, ticket or armband on or with you at all times to show each time you enter one of our gates.  If you intend to bring a vehicle onto the grounds, you must have the proper mirror hang tag for your vehicle.  Please keep in mind a vehicle hang tag allows the vehicle through the gate, HOWEVER,  the driver and passengers must each have a ticket, armband or gate pass.  Your vehicle hang tag will indicate which parking lot you need to park in during our hours of operation.  This will be strictly enforced.  We will no longer do hand stamps if you need to leave the gate, instead a paper armband will be put on by the ticket personnel.  If you do not have your credentials you will need to plan on paying to get through the gate.  No refunds will be issued.  These new policies are to ensure we have a safe and secure fair for everyone.

 

PREMISE REGISTRATION IS VOLUNTARY TO EXHIBIT LIVESTOCK

(beef, dairy, horses, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and rabbits).

Choosing to register your premises puts you on the frontline of controlling and preventing the spread of animal disease.  A disease outbreak can't be predicted but it can impact every segment of animal agriculture.  Participation ensures that you have the information you need, when you need it most, to protect your animals and your investment.  Registering a  premises involves obtaining a seven-character alpha-numeric “identifier” for the farm, ranch, veterinary clinic or other site where livestock or fowl are handled, housed, managed or processed.  If an exhibitor wants to register their animals an application form can be found on-line at   www.agri.state.il.us/premiseid.  Exhibitors who register on-line will receive a premises registration number immediately.  An application can also be obtained by calling 1-866-299-9256.  If completing   application and returning by mail, it may take up to 4 weeks to receive the number.  Return applications to:  Food Safety & Animal Protection Bureau, Illinois Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL  62794-9281.

In order to access information from our website for entering the Heart of Illinois Fair you will need to first go to the “FAIR BOOK” section of the website and find the department or section that you want information on, these sections will appear as PDF files and you should be able to download and print them as needed.  You will then need to go to the “ENTRY FORM” section of the website to again download the appropriate PDF entry form.  In addition to our normal Departments, there are also sections for Demo Derbies, General Rules, Special Contests, etc.

For 2025 the regular entry deadline will be July 1, 2025, for all departments except.  Again in 2024 we will offer an extended (LATE) entry deadline in several departments, please check each department for the specific late deadline. Please make sure if you are entering under the late entry rule that you enter online or in person at the Heart of Illinois Fair office during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 1601 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria, IL

Entry forms are on the Entry Form link of our website.  We have a total of (3) different entry forms, they are:  Open & Junior Livestock Entry Forms for Beef, Dairy, Swine, & Sheep entries and the Home Arts/Non-Livestock Entry Form  which will be used for Ag Products, Floriculture, Textiles, Photography, Foods & Hobbies.

Please read the top of each entry form to make sure you are using the correct one.  White forms usually indicate an open show entry and yellow forms usually indicate a junior show entry form.  If possible please submit one entry form per department per person and one check per envelope when making entries. 

Please be aware that there are new Illinois Department of Agriculture Rules governing release times, drug testing, etc.  Please check over each department and the Department of Agriculture Rules.  The Heart of Illinois will abide by the International Assn. of Fair & Expositions National Code of show ring ethics.  A copy may be obtained on request.  Copies will also be available at the Fair office.

 

2025 Heart of Illinois Fair  -  July 1 to July 15

PO Box 3334, Peoria, IL 61612

Phone (309) 691-6332  Fax (309) 691-2372

 

GENERAL RULES of the 2025 Heart of Illinois Fair

THE HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR WILL ABIDE BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSN. OF FAIRS & EXPOSITIONS NATIONAL CODE OF SHOW RING ETHICS.  A COPY MAY BE OBTAINED ON REQUEST.  COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR OFFICE ALSO.

 

LIVESTOCK MAY BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING OF ANIMALS BY INSPECTORS FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

 

Because of the early posting of the Premium List, changes or errors may occur.  The Heart of Illinois Fair reserves the right to construe its own rules and regulations and decide all matters and difference.  Any cancellations of exhibits or shows that may occur beyond our control will take precedence over this premium book information.

 

ENTRIES

Conditions
The Management of the HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR reserves the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and to arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions or differences in regard thereto.  It further reserves the right to amend or add to these rules as in its judgment it may determine and to withdraw all premium offerings in all departments should an emergency exist and circumstances demand it. 
 

How to Make Entries

All entries made by mail must be sent to the HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR, 1601 W. NORTHMOOR ROAD, P O BOX 3334, PEORIA, IL 61612, postmarked not later than July 1, 20234except in Department 18--TRACTOR, TRUCK PULLS AND Depart.  23--SEMI-TRUCK PULLS and SPECIAL EVENTS.   Entry fees must accompany entry form except in Departments 18 & 23 and Special Events.  We will have online entry available for some departments.  We are still working on the details for online entries.
 

Late Entry Rule

The regular entry deadline by mail is July 1, 2025.  Any entries received after a July 1^st postmark will be governed by the individual department's final cutoff date.  See each department for exact final entry deadline.  In all cases and in all departments there will be an additional charge of $4.00 per entry item if received during the extended deadline.
 

Purchase of Exhibitors Ticket

In all departments exhibitors will be required to purchase an exhibitor's admission ticket at $15.00 for 3 days.  The purchaser of an exhibitor's ticket will be entitled to exhibit in any or all departments.
 

Eligibility of Junior Entries

Livestock to be shown in the Junior Fair are eligible to show in the open lots provided that all the rules and fees are met as required in the open lots. Livestock must be shown in the name of the Junior Fair exhibitor when such are shown in the open lots.
 

Refund of Entry Fee

There will be no refund of entry fees or refund of exhibitor ticket fees.  Exhibitor tickets will be issued only when entries are brought during the acceptance times in non-livestock departments.
 

Premium List

No actual printed premium book will be provided in 2024  The “Official Premium List, FAIR BOOK” will be available on the internet at www.heartofillinoisfair.com ; every effort is made to make sure the Official Premium List, FAIR BOOK is correct, however, due to last minute changes please check with your department superintendent for any additions or changes to the content.  Final rules and changes by department superintendents will take precedence over any previously posted or printed material.

 

EXHIBITS

Protection of Exhibit
Exhibits are at all times subject to the owner's risk.  There will be police protection furnished by the Fair, but at no time will the management be responsible for the loss or damage occurring to the exhibits. Exhibits will be given the best care and protection the surroundings will afford.

Transportation and Delivery of Exhibits
All livestock and equipment brought in by truck are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
 
Correct Entry
No animal or article can be entered in the name of anyone other than the bona fide owner or owners.  A violation of this rule will forfeit any premium awarded to such exhibitor.
 
Stalls and Pens
Stalls and pens will be assigned only by superintendents after all entries have been received.  Exhibitors must keep their stalls open between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
 
Arena Conduct
No person will be allowed in the judging ring while stock is being judged, except judges, officers of the Exposition and necessary attendants.
 
Registration of Animals
Exhibitors of pure bred animals will be required to furnish name and registry number of animal at the time of making entry and certificate of registry must be shown when called for by the superintendent in charge.
 
Premium Limitations
No more than two prizes will be awarded an exhibitor under one lot number.
 
Time of Arrival and Removal
See individual departments for specific regulations.
 
Irregularity or Misrepresentation
Should any premiums be found to have been obtained by false evidence or misrepresentation, or a violation of any rule of the HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR, such money will be withheld.  This definitely pertains to persons removing exhibits before the time stated in the rules of the individual departments.  Total premium monies will be forfeited in all departments in the event of a violation of this rule.
 
Presentation of Ribbons, Payment of Premiums
All ribbons or premiums or premium cards shall be attached by the judges or superintendents as soon as awards are made and in livestock lots, before the animals leave the ring. All livestock premium checks will be mailed to exhibitors.
 
Color of Ribbons
Ribbons will designate awards as follows:
Champion..................................................................Royal Purple
Reserve Champion..........................................................Lavender
First.....................................................................................Blue
Second.................................................................................Red
Third..................................................................................White
Fourth..................................................................................Pink
Fifth..................................................................................Yellow
Sixth..........................................................................Dark Green
Seventh.....................................................................Light Green
Eighth...............................................................................Brown
Ninth...................................................................................Gray
Tenth or over................................................................Light Blue
 
How to File a Protest
Judges have been carefully selected.  All persons making entries accept these judges, and agree to abide by their decisions.  Protests upon any other grounds or against other than judges, must be made out in writing on the same day in which the department concerned, who shall present such protest to the Manager of the HEART OF ILLINOIS FAIR.  Parties filing protest must deposit $100.00 cash to be forfeited if not sustained in the complaint.
 
Duties of Judges
Any exhibitor attempting to influence a judge in his work in any manner, shall forfeit all premiums awarded and will be excluded from further competition.  When respectfully requested, the judges are expected to give reasons for their decisions; stating what constitutes special points of excellence in the class of animals or articles being considered, and pointing out of the superiority of one over another.  Judges will make their report of awards to the superintendent in charge, properly signed, without delay, after awards are made.
 
W-9 Completion & Income Reporting
We ask that all exhibitors complete a W-9.  By law we must prepare at 1099 for anyone receiving $600.00 or more in premium awards.  Any social security or federal ID number provided the Heart of Illinois Fair is kept confidential, not linked with other computer systems and not shared with any other individual or business.  The last 5 digits of your social security number or federal ID become you exhibitor number. 

ADMISSION

Spectator Admissions
The admission of persons on foot will be through turnstiles established at convenient locations off the parking lots.  Prevailing admission prices will be posted at each gate.
 
Passenger Cars
Passenger cars will not be allowed to enter the grounds proper, but an adequate parking lot at the entrance of the grounds will be available for parking.
 
Trailer Park
Trailer Park located on the grounds.  The cost is $30.00 per day, tent camping will be $15.00 per day.   Full facilities are provided for trailers.   
 
Disclaimer
Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided on this site is accurate and up to date, but no legal responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. It is Exposition Gardens, Inc. and the Heart of Illinois Fair's policy to obtain permission to link to other web sites, and contextual links are provided to such sites where appropriate to Exposition Gardens, Inc. and the Heart of Illinois Fair's business. Exposition Gardens, Inc. is not responsible for, and cannot guarantee the accuracy of, information on sites that it does not manage; nor should the inclusion of a hyperlink be taken to mean endorsement by the Exposition Gardens, Inc. and the Heart of Illinois Fair of the site to which it points.

Exposition Gardens Drug and Alcohol Policy

Exposition Gardens (Expo) is committed to protecting the safety, health, and wellbeing of all individuals in our facility. We have established a drug and alcohol-free facility policy that balances our respect for individuals with the need to maintain a drug and alcohol-free environment. Drug and Alcohol-Free Facility Exposition Gardens prohibits the transportation of illegal drugs, medical cannabis, or alcohol onto the property at any time. Any illegal drug paraphernalia or outside alcohol found at the facility will immediately be confiscated and the appropriate authorities notified. Special Events During specific events, alcoholic beverages may be made available for purchase from approved vendors within designated areas at the facility. At these approved events, patrons of Expo will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages once proof of age has been provided. Purchase of alcohol will be limited to three (3) beverages per person at one time. All employees, volunteers, and patrons are expected to exercise good judgment and moderation. In no instance may any underage individual consume alcohol at any Expo events. All employees, volunteers, and patrons are expected to comply fully with all laws (including laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol), and to take safety precautions including arranging for a designated sober driver .

Last Review & Revision: 12/01/2024