Illinois auctioning off forgotten valuables at State Fair

Posted on August 2, 2023
The Illinois State Fair get’s underway in the middle of August. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Valuables left behind – mostly in forgotten safe-deposit boxes – wind up in the state treasurer’s office. And, after at least ten years, they are sold off. Treasurer Mike Frerichs Wednesday announced plans for an auction Saturday, August 19, at the Illinois State Fair.

Frerichs, reviving a tradition of late predecessor Judy Baar Topinka, suggested the annual auction is increasing in popularity.

“We’ve seen over the last few years increasing crowds at the State Fairgrounds.I’m not going to claim that’s just because of the unclaimed property auction, but we like promoting the state fair. We like bringing people from around the state – or from around the Midwest – here to Springfield to enjoy everything we have to offer.”

The auction is Saturday, Aug, 19, on the fairgrounds’ Lincoln Stage.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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