Several breweries from across the state will compete during a new attraction at this year's Illinois State Fair that's tied into Illinois’ upcoming birthday.
The winning beer will be known as the Official Bicentennial Craft Brew. And only one of 18 participating breweries will get to make it, after fair-goers cast their votes during opening weekend.
Destihl Brewery and White Oak Brewing, both based in Normal, are both participating in the competition.
Heidi Brown-McCreery from the Illinois Bicentennial Commission said this is a unique opportunity for Illinois residents to influence a year-long celebration, honoring the state's 200th birthday in 2018.
"It's really exciting that the people of Illinois who come to enjoy the fair will actually get to have a say in what will be the official beer of the bicentennial."
Gov. Bruce Rauner will announce the winning brew the first Sunday afternoon of the fair.
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