The Illinois State Fair kicks off in Springfield on Thursday and runs until the 18th. Illinois Public Radio's Peter Gray recently caught up with fair officials to learn more about what's new this year, including special tickets that allow concert-goers to get closer to performances by bands like REO Speedwagon and Journey. Plus, a smart-phone application that helps fair-goers find their way to their favorite fried foods and activities. Peter recently spoke with IPR's Rachel Otwell about all that, and more: