DNC Leadership Announced

Presidential adviser Minyon Moore, a Chicago native, will chair the Democratic National Convention in the city next summer. The University of Illinois Chicago alumna got her start working on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign and ascended to working on Hillary’s Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. [Politico]

• How do Chicagoans feel about the upcoming convention? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

‘Cha Cha Slide’ Creator Dead

DJ Casper died Monday after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to his family. His hit song became popular in 2004 thanks to WGCI. [Chicago Defender]

Lime Scooters on the Lakefront?

The San Francisco-based company is surveying users about expanding electric scooter access to the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. A Chicago Park District spokesperson said the city is not currently discussing the expansion. Electric scooters aren’t permitted on the lakefront, 606, and or riverwalk. [Crain’s 🔒]

• Want to be part of the Scooter Gang™️? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Dave Matthews Band Tour Bus Poop Anniversary

It has been 19 years since the band’s tour bus dumped 800 pounds of feces into the Chicago River, hitting people aboard a cruise. [Block Club]

Starting Thursday, the Illinois State Fair is in Springfield through Aug. 20, where fairgoers will fill their bellies with fried delicacies and see headliners Nelly and Alanis Morissette.

Springfield became the state capital in 1839 thanks to Abraham Lincoln and his associates. Railroads, agriculture, and mining once contributed significantly to Springfield’s economy. Today, Illinois legislators wheel and deal at the Statehouse while tourists explore Lincoln’s legacy.

Hannah Meisel, a Capitol News Illinois reporter, has covered Springfield for the last decade. She shares her recs.

Something to Eat

If you go to Springfield and don't eat a horseshoe — a slice of bread with a burger patty topped with fries and cheese sauce— did you even go to Springfield? If you can't eat a whole plate, order a ponyshoe! Chilli, spelled with two L's, is a lesser-known local specialty. Go with the original from Dew Chilli Parlor. Going to the Illinois State Fair? Springfield is possibly the birthplace of corn dogs on sticks. Tired of fried food? Reserve an outdoor table at Maldaner's, the oldest restaurant in Springfield and still one of the best. The salmon is a personal favorite.

Something to See

Downtown Springfield is full of reminders that Abe Lincoln walked the same streets for nearly 24 years. Tour the Lincoln Home. Spend hours at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and visit his tomb. See the Statehouse, which is under renovation. Tours are offered seven days a week.

Something to Do

If you're in town on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, visit the Old Capitol Farmers Market. Walk to the Illinois State Museum for its “Growing Up X” exhibit, a step back in time to the analog world of the 1980s. Get your kitsch on at a few downtown independent shops, including a record store with an arcade. Kids in tow? Check out the Kidzeum of Health and Science.

It’s not all fun and games at the State Fair — especially for Illinois politicians who have launched their campaigns, tried to win voters over, and taken shots at one another on the fairgrounds. Today, we’re recounting some of the more memorable fairs and what to expect this year.

Standout Political Moments

From the 1854 Lincoln–Douglas exchange to the near assassination of JFK in 1962, the Illinois State Fairgrounds have long been political in its 170-year history.

Tribune reporter Rick Pearson told WILL that former Republican Gov. George Ryan made waves in the early 2000s when he lashed out at his own party who he felt was tarnishing his legacy. (He later was convicted on fraud and racketeering charges.) And in 2012, public union workers heckled Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn because of his efforts to change their pensions. (He was trying smash a pork sandwich.)

It was just last year when then–GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey doubled down on calling Chicago a “hellhole.”

What to Expect at the 2023 Fair

Both parties have continued the tradition of going after each other and bringing national players to the fair stage.

• This year on Governor’s Day on Aug. 16, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will be the keynote speaker at Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch.
• Republican Day on Aug. 17 will include rallying from conservatives in the state and a BBQ with the public.

And you thought the State Fair was just for deep-fried delicacies and livestock pageantry. …

Streeterville Fireworks Front Row 🎆 Wednesday | 7–11 p.m.

Enjoy pizza, a bottle of Chandon Spritz, and a front row seat to Navy Pier fireworks at the W Hotel. [$80]

Douglass Park Indie Film Alliance Tour 📽️ Thursday | 4–8 p.m.

Aspiring and current Chicago filmmakers are invited to learn about the industry and network. [Free]

Irving Park Block Sale 🏘️ Saturday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find new treasures — art, clothes, decor, plants, and more — from over 130 homes. [Varies]

Jackson Park Nature Walk 🚶 Sunday | 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Explore the natural area, learn about the history, meet neighbors, and meditate or do yoga. [Free]

After nearly 95 years, the Bud Billiken Parade is back this weekend. Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas tells us about the history of the country’s largest Black parade and dancer Shkunna Stewart shares her family’s history in the Bud. Plus, see Stewart’s film “Billiken” at Art on the Mart this week.

All hail last year’s butter cow, which depicted the relationship between the farmer, land, and animal 🧈🐄

—Sidney Madden

Thanks to editor Simone Alicea!