For Immediate Release- August 10, 2023
Copi returns to Conservation World for 2023 Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD – Copi, the new consumer food brand for invasive carp, will return to Conservation World during the 2023 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 10-20.
Fairgoers will be able to enjoy Copi nuggets, Copi rangoon, Copi empanadas, and Copi sliders from the Flippin’ Fish Shack in Conservation World. The Fish Shack, operated by Darla Drainer of Grafton, will be open daily during Conservation World hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources – which led the rebranding of invasive carp to combat public misconceptions and increase consumer interest in the healthful, tasty, top-feeding fish – said fairgoers who want to try Copi should head to Conservation World.
“We know there’s a lot of curiosity about Copi, and the Illinois State Fair is a perfect time for people to find out what all the buzz is about,” Phelps Finnie said. “Anytime IDNR has offered Copi during the fair, people walk away impressed by how light, delicious and versatile it is.”
IDNR launched the Copi brand in June 2022, generating regional, national, and international attention. Illinois processors have reported doubling their sales since the launch, and nationwide online sales are now available.
Copi are mild, clean-tasting fish with heart-healthy omega-3s and very low levels of mercury. Increased consumption will help to stop them from decimating other fish populations in the Great Lakes and restore an ecological balance to waterways downstream.
Fairgoers who come to Conservation World for Copi can stay for lots of other entertaining and educational activities and exhibits, as well as shaded hillsides and a park-like atmosphere.
Visitors will be able to purchase hunting and fishing licenses, pick up state park guides, purchase collectible lapel pins, and talk to IDNR staff and conservation officers about wildlife, laws and other topics. Other popular attractions offered at Conservation World during the Illinois State Fair include:
- Youth 3D archery
- Fishing clinics for children daily
- Fly-fishing clinics for youth and adults on weekends
- Smokey Bear available for pictures twice daily
- Youth BB gun range hosted by Illinois Conservation Police
- Voyageur canoe rides at the Conservation World pond on weekends
- Rock-climbing wall
- See-through aquarium featuring sport fish that are popular in Illinois waters, hosted by IDNR’s fisheries staff
- Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show daily
- Demonstrations by Chris Camp, the Whip Guy
- Music in the IDNR outdoor amphitheater
- Monarch butterfly tag and release
- Information and exhibits about warblers of Illinois at the IDNR education tent
- Interactive exhibits and activities for all ages at the IDNR wildlife tent
- Leaf identification and tree management information with IDNR’s forestry staff
- Children’s mineral dig, underground mine models, exhibits about convention oil and gas practices, and more at the IDNR Mines and Minerals / Oil and Gas tent
In addition to Copi, other food available in Conservation World this year includes wood-fired pizza, barbecue, ice cream, shaved ice, old-fashioned root beer, kettle korn, pork rinds and candy.
Conservation World is a 30-acre park with grass, park benches, ponds and shade trees located on the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds adjacent to the IDNR headquarters building. Nearly every area of oversight covered by IDNR will be represented with activities, presentations and educational materials. For more information, including details about times for shows and activities, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservationworld/schedule.html.
