The Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation will kick off fundraising efforts with a family-friendly event, with special guest Gov. Bruce Rauner, from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4 at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Rauner announced the new nonprofit foundation during the annual Ag Day Breakfast at the Illinois State Fair last summer. It was established as a private coalition to help rehabilitate aging structures at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield and Du Quoin.

“Each year, the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair spotlight our great agricultural heritage as they host thousands of Illinois families. Unfortunately, many of their facilities have become dilapidated or unsafe through years of neglect and disrepair,” says John Slayton, chairman of the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation.

The 66 Days and Counting event marks the official beginning of the foundation’s fundraising efforts. The theme highlights the fairground’s proximity to historic Route 66 and the 66-day countdown to the opening of the 2017 Illinois State Fair.  

Fundraiser attendees will enjoy a preview of state fair fun, including food, children’s activities and live music by Illinois native Amy Benton. Benton opens for musical acts such as Florida Georgia Line, David Lee Murphy, Aaron Tippin and Johnny Lee.

Slayton says guests will hear about the historical buildings located on the fairgrounds, such as the Sears House built in 1910 and now home to the state fair manager.

“We want to include all of Illinois — from our agribusiness giants to Illinois families who have come to love the state fairs — in our effort to help repair and restore these showcase properties for the benefit of future generations of all Illinoisans,” Slayton says.

Tickets to the 66 Days and Counting event are available on eventbrite.com for $50 per person or $100 per family.

Find more information about the event or the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation on its new website, ilfairfoundation.com.