Good morning, Springfield.

Heaterz Hot Chicken won the People’s Choice Award at the Illinois State Fair Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food Contest with over 4,700 votes for its dish Nashville Hot Chicken — organizers said the dish proved the clear favorite among fairgoers.

Ted Dabrowski, head of the conservative group Wirepoints, said on Thursday at the Illinois State Fair that he will soon start his campaign for governor—he said the state's business problems and high taxes must change.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick joined the governor race while former party chair Don Tracy announced his bid for Senate, each promising to work on public safety and making life more affordable for families.

The UIS athletic department announced a multi-year partnership with FanWord—an AI storytelling company that will help staff streamline content creation for game recaps, player bios and feature stories for the Prairie Stars community.

Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.

Springfield Virtual Job Fair

4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.

Healing Arts Festival

2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.