FESTS & FUN

Chicago area travelers can choose among a variety of Midwestspecial events on next weekend's calendar:

Balloonfest '93, Centralia, Ill., Aug. 20-22. Nearly 50 hot-airballoons, two stages of entertainment. Call (618) 532-6789.

Illinois State Fair, Springfield, now through Aug. 22.Life-size cow sculpted of butter and other amazing sights at annualagri-fair. Call (217) 782-6661.

Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Aug. 19-29. One of the nation'soldest fairs features livestock shows, big-name entertainment,downhome treats and Midway rides. Call (515) 262-3111.

Irish Fest, Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 20-22. Come wear the green toenjoy bagpipe concerts, pub bands, costumed dancers, culturalexhibits. Call (414) 476-3378.

Lakefront Arts Festival, Michigan City, Ind., Aug. 21-22.About 125 artists from nearly 20 states display works. Call (219)874-4900.

Parson's Indian Trading Post Wood Carving Shows, WisconsinDells, Aug. 21. Midwest wood craftsmen demonstrate carvingtechniques. Call (608) 254-8533.

Return of the Voyageurs, La Pointe, Wis., Aug. 21-22. Frenchtraders camp on Madeline Island and demonstrate skills of 18thcentury explorers. Call (715) 747-2415.

Sail Racine, Racine, Wis., Aug. 19-22. Gaslight Pointe istransformed into 19th century port with five tall ships open fortours. Call (414) 636-2393.

Wisconsin Convertible Classic, Madison, Wis., Aug. 20-22.Topless car tour retraces the 1878 route of the world's first autorace. See story on Page 7.