Lt. Governor's tent highlights Illinois Reads authors
SPRINGFIELD - July 31, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today announced plans for the 2014 Illinois State Fair, which include a Back-to-School Book Drive, a book giveaway and readings by Illinois Reads authors, including Newbery award-winning author Joan Bauer. Simon also will present the annual Agriculture Day awards and make her fourth annual appearance with her band, Loose Gravel.
"The Illinois State Fair is a much-loved tradition, and it is one that my family and I have enjoyed for many years," said Simon. "This year I am excited to showcase Illinois authors, including a recipient of the Newbery Award, in my tent. I encourage families to stop by and promote a love of reading for all generations of fairgoers."
As an ambassador to Illinois Reads, Simon is partnering with the Illinois Reading Council to showcase live readings, a book giveaway and a book drive at her tent during the 10-day fair. Visitors may drop off new or gently used children's books to be donated to Springfield schools, and also register to win the 35 books selected for Illinois Reads 2014, a literacy project aimed at children and adults.
Illinois authors selected for Illinois Reads 2014 and 2013 will appear in Lt. Governor Simon's tent, including Joan Bauer, a New York Times bestselling author, whose awards include the Newbery Honor Medal and the Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize. She will read from her youth novel "Rules of the Road," named one of the top young adult books of the quarter century by the American Library Association. Bauer is originally from River Forest (see complete reading list below).
On Governor's Day, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Loose Gravel will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shed. The Carbondale-based blues band debuted at the state fair three years ago and is the only group fronted by a constitutional officer to perform.
On Ag Day, Simon will celebrate Illinois' rich agricultural heritage by presenting the Ag Day Awards to families who have farmed in the state for at least 100 years. A resident of southern Illinois, Simon is chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocates for agriculture education. Simon's husband, Perry Knop, comes from a family that has farmed over a century near Steeleville.
Lt. Governor Simon's tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, across from the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about Illinois Reads, please visit www.IllinoisReads.org.
LT. GOVERNOR SIMON'S STATE FAIR EVENTS
EVENT: Ag Day Awards
DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 12
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Director's Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield
EVENT: Loose Gravel performance
DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 13
TIME: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Shed, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield
AUTHOR APPEARANCES AT THE LT. GOVERNOR'S TENT
Friday, Aug. 8
EVENT: "Hollywood on Lake Michigan" by Michael Corcoran
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A retrospective on a century of Chicago's relationship with the movies. Author Michael Corcoran is a certified Chicago tour guide and lecturer. Recommended for students in grades nine through12.
EVENT: "The Fourth Stall" by Chris Rylander
TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.
A humorous tale of crime, betrayal and school. Author Chris Rylander lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.
EVENT: "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" by Edward Kelsey Moore
TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.
The New York Times bestseller tells the tale of three small-town Indiana women as they stick together through 40 years of life, love, and the blues. Author Edward Kelsey Moore was born in Indiana and lives in Chicago. Recommended for adults.
Saturday, Aug. 9
EVENT: "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Awkward, 16 year-old Jenna learns life lessons as she drives her crusty old employer cross country in a bid to save the family business in this New York Times bestselling novel. Newbery Award-winner Joan Bauer is originally from River Forest. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.
EVENT: "Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer" by Carol Brendler
TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.
Winnie Finn is determined to win a prize at the county fair for her worms, even though there's no worm prize... Carol Brendler has lived in Palatine, Oak Park and Mokena. Recommended for students in kindergarten through second grade.
Sunday, Aug. 10
EVENT: "The Journal of Best Practices" by David Finch
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The New York Times bestselling story of the author's journey of self-improvement after he and his wife learn he has Asperger Syndrome. David Finch lives in Northern Illinois. Recommended for adults.
EVENT: "Peep!" by Kevin Luthardt
TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.
A young boy makes a new friend when a baby duckling hatches and starts following him around. Author, muralist and University of Illinois graduate Kevin Luthardt lives in Illinois. Recommended for children up to age 4.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
EVENT: "Charlie Collier, Snoop for Hire: The Homemade Stuffing Caper" by John V. Madormo
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Twelve-year-old private eye Charlie Collier is on the trail of a lost parrot in this puzzle-filled first installment of an ongoing series. Author John Madormo, lives in Naperville. Recommended for students in grades three through five.
Saturday, Aug. 16
EVENT: "1 Zany Zoo" by Lori Degman
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Foxes who steal keys, beavers who cook chili and hyenas who play the blues are some of the things you might see before the gates open at this zany zoo. Author, mother and special education teacher Lori Degman lives in Vernon Hills. Recommended for children up to age 4.
EVENT: "The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale
TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.
Eric Haskins must find the mysterious Bully Book to figure out how he has been turned into the school's punching bag. Born in suburban Michigan, Eric Kahn Gale lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.
EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls
TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.
Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.
Sunday, Aug. 17
EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.
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