Since the 1920s, the iconic Butter Cow Sculpture has been the unofficial mascot of the Illinois State Fair. Each year, a sculptor is selected to create the butter cow using hundreds of pounds of unsalted butter, which serves to highlight the importance of Illinois’ agriculture and history.

The first Butter Cow was sculped in 1922 by J.E. Wallace, which honored the image of a world record holding jersey cow named Raleigh’s Sibyl. Raleigh’s Sibyl was owned and cared for by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Raleigh’s Sibyl earned her record by producing 18,847 pounds of milk in one year.

The Paris Summer Olympic Games are finally here – and an impressive 39 athletes representing the United States are from Illinois! Later this summer, Paris is also hosting the 2024 Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

Only three U.S. states will send more Olympic athletes to the 2024 Paris Games than Illinois. California will send 120 athletes, Florida has 42 and Texas has 41, according to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Illinois athletes will compete in multiple sports including soccer, wrestling, volleyball, rowing, rhythmic gymnastics and more.

Sports combine recreation, community and entertainment, making them one of the favorite activities for people of all ages, especially in Illinois.

According to SmileHub, a non-profit charity rating organization, Illinois is the 4^th best state for sports lovers in the U.S. SmileHub compared all 50 states using 20 key metrics related to three main themes, including sports interest and success, sports careers and income and access to sports.

Illinois ranked 6^th for sports interest and success, 8^th for sports careers and income, and 5^th for access to sports – with an overall ranking of 4^th and a total score of 48.5.

Sports are extremely popular in Illinois due to various reasons. Illinois is home to one of 11 cities across the U.S. that have a team in each of the five major professional sports leagues. Illinois is also home to two professional women’s sports teams, the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association and the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League. Illinois also has prominent minor league sports teams and pre-professional sports clubs in soccer, baseball, hockey and more.

Since 1983, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been bringing the joy of music to the Northern Illinois region along the Fox River. Starting as a small ensemble sponsored by the St. Charles Park District, the community-run band, composed of volunteers, now has a membership of over 60 musicians. The band is led by conductor Dr. Colin Holman who has been with the band since 1993. 

Currently in its 41^st season, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been a staple in the local community for decades, garnering immense support from members of the community, local businesses and groups. Over the years, the band has built its audience through generosity and giving back. 

The band often plays at venues across the Fox Valley area, putting on special performances for local nursing home residents and even the Kane County Cougars Baseball team. The band’s tradition of holding free and public concerts has been bringing families and neighbors together to enjoy beautifully composed music at concerts all year round.  

Each concert put on by the band highlights different composers and styles of music with varying themes that range from seasonal music to celebrating Illinois and its composers. During their 40^th anniversary season, the band even featured a live painter, David LaPlaca, during their performance of “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” by Mark Camphouse.

The Fox Valley Concert Band continues to inspire members of the community to maintain their passion for music through performance and entertainment.

Catch the Fox Valley Concert Band’s next performance July 7 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles from 3 to 5 p.m. 

For more information, visit the Fox Valley Concert Band’s website. 

Summer in Illinois is a time for celebration, and the prairie state offers an array of vibrant festivals that showcase its rich culture, music, food and community spirit. Here’s a look at some of the must-attend summer festivals throughout the state:

Chicago area

Ribfest – Chicago, June 14-16

• Live music, barbecue food

Hyde Park Summerfest – Chicago, June 17-18

• Hip-hop and house music festival

Chicago suburbs

Long Grove Strawberry Fest – Long Grove, June 21-23

• Strawberry-infused food and drinks, carnival rides, live music

Morris Beer Festival – Morris, September 7

• 50 breweries, live music, food vendors