SPRINGFIELD, IL - Back by popular demand, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and her band, Loose Gravel, will perform at the Illinois State Fair.

The Carbondale-based blues and boogie band debuted at last year’s state fair and is the only group fronted by a constitutional officer to perform at the annual event. The band returns to the Miller Lite tent from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, August 15, Governor’s Day.

In addition to her Governor’s Day performance, Simon will deliver remarks on Local Officials Day, and on Ag Day, Simon will be honored by the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education with the “Perry Schneider Award for Special Recognition.” The award recognizes Simon’s dedication to and support of expanding agricultural awareness and education in Illinois. 

Throughout the 10-day event, Simon will display a Mitsubishi iMiEV electric vehicle in her tent to promote green living. Visitors can play an interactive racing game and have their picture taken behind the wheel of the iMiEV – an electric vehicle produced in Bloomington-Normal. The photos will be available on Facebook.

Lt. Governor Simon’s tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, next to the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, August 10 to Sunday, August 19 from 11 am to 6:30 pm.