The Illinois State Fair is a heavy dose of Americana that draws hundreds of thousands of people each summer. It’s also become a required stop for Illinois politicians from Abraham Lincoln to current Gov. Bruce Rauner.

WBEZ state politics reporters Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney join host Becky Vevea to explain how politics ended up alongside hog calling, and how this year’s state fair is setting the stage for the upcoming election season.

Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics. Find more episodes and where to subscribe here.