A professional event planner who was born on a western Illinois farm and spent years showing livestock at the Illinois State Fair is the next director of the annual agricultural showcase.
Patrick Buchen was named Monday as manager of the state fairs in Springfield and DuQuoin.
The 63-year-old Buchen was previously executive director of the Indiana State Fair; president of HSI Show Productions, an Indianapolis-based creator of "lifestyle events;" and executive director of the Texas Longhorn Cattle Breeders Association.
Buchen says creativity is the key to presenting "something new and fresh year after year while still delivering familiarity."
Buchen grew up in Fulton County and spent years with 4-H showing sheep, hogs and cattle at the Springfield festival.
