SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The 2023 Illinois State Fair begins next week, on Thursday, June. 11, and WMBD is compiling a list of all the ways you can enjoy your time in the fairgrounds without breaking the bank. Free activities every day Dairy Products Building: All things dairy from all over Illinois. See the 600 lb. Butter Cow, take a selfie at the Undeniably Dairy Selfie Station, and answer trivia questions to earn dairy-themed prizes. All this plus a kids' coloring book station, benches for relaxing, and dairy demonstrations are open from 9 a.