I'm not sure that you're aware of this, but not a lot of fun stuff started in Springfield, Illinois. But...I started in Springfield, Illinois. I was born here in this fine town in the beginning of August at St. John's hospital. Being a native to this fine, fine city, I am also aware of several other things that started in Springfield. For instance, Abraham Lincoln started his law practice here as well as his political career.
There is evidence all over the place of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield. Statues of him and his cute little family are downtown, there is a slightly impressive (for Illinois) museum dedicated him and his life in Springfield as well as his life as President. And you can't go anywhere downtown without seeing his handsome face plastered across every kind of memorabilia you could possibly think of. The man is everywhere, and residents of Springfield, Illinois just cannot get away from him no matter where they go.
But really, other than myself and Mr. Abraham Lincoln, there is not a lot of things from Springfield that are very excited.
The state fair, however, can be rather pleasant if all you want to do is eat lots and lots of terribly fattening foods (elephant ears, milkshakes, fried anything, hot dogs, etc.) or maybe ride some cruddy theme park attractions that will rattle and shake dangerously when small children step aboard. Abraham Lincoln is also a constant presence at the fair- there is a huge statue of him just beyond the main gates. He is wearing an suspenders and a flattering blue shirt and is welding a very large ax. I think the creators of this statue were going with the stereotypical "Abraham Lincoln, the modest rail splitter" image to make him more easy to relate to for the middle class working folk that attend the state fair.
In general, there is not a lot of stuff to do in Springfield, Illinois and not a lot of fun things started here. There is some delightful food, but the looming figure of a gaunt Abraham Lincoln is enough to take my appetite away.
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