Illinois wins the 38th Annual Tug Fest

On August 7-9, Le Claire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois hosted the 38^th Annual Tug Fest. The “tug” refers to a tug of war game between Illinois and Iowa with a 2,700-foot long rope that stretches across the Mississippi River. This year, Illinois won all eleven rounds of tugging to continue their win streak to over a decade.

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Agriculture and Conservation at the Illinois State Fair

The Illinois State Fair has kicked off in Springfield – transforming into more than a celebration of rides and treats—it’s a showcase of the future of Illinois agriculture. From the early morning sounds in the livestock barns to the learning stations tucked inside the Agriculture Education Tent, the fair is packed with opportunities to see, touch, and understand what makes Illinois a national leader in farming and sustainability.

Young 4-H and FFA members proudly show cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry they’ve raised with care—demonstrating the responsibility and dedication it takes to be part of the next generation of Illinois farmers. The competitions go beyond ribbons, fostering leadership and lifelong skills, and connecting communities through a shared agricultural heritage.

Visitors eager to learn about farming innovation flock to the Agriculture Education Tent. Here, hands-on activities where kids can participate in agricultural-themed crafts, games and meet young farmers who explain modern practices. These demonstrations make agriculture tangible, inviting visitors to ask questions and see firsthand how things like the food they eat everyday reaches their tables, connecting everyday fairgoers with the practical side of environmental stewardship.

One of the most popular stops each year is Conservation World, hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This interactive area highlights everything from prairie restoration to river habitats, and features live demonstrations on how farmers and conservationists work together to protect land and water for generations to come.

Whether you’re sampling Illinois-grown produce, cheering at a showmanship contest, or learning about native wildlife, the Illinois State Fair brings together the best of agriculture and environmental care. It’s a reminder that the state’s rural roots and forward-thinking spirit are working hand in hand to grow a greener, stronger Illinois.

A memorable morning in the Land of Lincoln

• Abraham Lincoln

Aug. 8, 1860 was a seminal moment in the history of Springfield, when 80,000 people rallied and marched to end slavery and support then-candidate for president, Abe Lincoln. The energy was ecstatic, bands, clubs and floats marched through Springfield. What lit the fire for this great expression of free speech and civil duty? The contentious admission of the new territories west of the Mississippi as slave states, or free states.

The parade and rally were held to support the view that the territories must be admitted as free states. A prominent float in the parade featured 33 young women, each representing a state.  Behind them, a buggy in the rear carried a woman representing Kansas with a sign, “Will you let me in? – Kansas.” This theme had followed statements that Lincoln had made during the campaign, regarding the issue, “Do not give in; do not compromise. Do not choose some middle ground between right and wrong. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us dare to do our duty.”

This worldview was reflected in the crowd that day, as members of Springfield’s African American community took part in the rally. There were also folks of different social backgrounds, projecting the idea that America is a patchwork of people who should all have a voice. This love of Lincoln and his ideas are memorialized in Springfield today. To learn more about these monuments and museums click here.

Chicago supports Special Olympics with Duck Derby

Did you know tens of thousands of rubber ducks splash down into the Chicago River to race every year? Chicago celebrated its 20^th annual duck derby this year, featuring a rubber duck race along the Columbus Drive Bridge. Participants can adopt a duck starting at $10 with a chance to win prizes for every entry. Proceeds from the derby benefit the Special Olympics Illinois programming and supports a community of over 24,000 athletes. This year over 82,000 ducks were adopted, accounting for $434,204 raised.

Once the race is over the ducks are collected by volunteers and staff to be cleaned and readied for their next derby. The derby festival includes games, food trucks, souvenirs, photo opportunities and music.

Events like this raise awareness for Special Olympics while also providing an engaging fundraiser to benefit Special Olympic athletes.