IDOC helps keep Illinois State Fairgrounds beautiful

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Department of Corrections has again helped make the fairgrounds beautiful this year.

Since 1993, IDOC has helped with the landscaping. Jerry Morgan, landscape supervisor, has led the project since the partnership began.

"It's a project they love doing," said Morgan.

Men from Shawnee Correctional Center welding class design, weld, and paint bench for Illinois State Fair.

Men and women from IDOC spend their days leading up to the fair clipping, mulching, weeding, and watering the numerous beds and pots around the fairgrounds. However, according to Morgan, the work begins in February.

"We have a greenhouse on the fairgrounds, so we start our own stuff."

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It's not just the flowers, if fairgoers look closely they will notice unique handcrafted decorations. Morgan said they've crafted frogs and turtles from horseshoes, dragonflies using coat hangers, and bumblebees from tin cans.

"The kids love it and it really helps make the bed look even better."

New this year is a steel Monarch Butterfly bench near Thrillville. Men from the Shawnee Correctional Center welding class designed and welded the bench from scrape metal.

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Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager, said it's created the perfect spot for families.

"It's in the best little setting next to our Thrillville area."

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 8 -18.