The Midwest Charity Horse Show Association announces its 76th edition, June 13-17, 2017 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Carole Kennedy, Midwest Charity Horse Show Association President and Show Manager said, "On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Midwest Charity Horse Show, we are committed to holding our event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. We will continue to monitor and meet with fairgrounds officials on the availability of the Coliseum and other buildings. We want what’s best for our horses, exhibitors and volunteers that have supported our show and have made it a success. As well as continue to support our charity, Camp COCO."

“Midwest Charity Horse Show is a treasured tradition on the Illinois State Fairgrounds,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Raymond Poe. “I appreciate the association’s commitment to Springfield and the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The decision to temporarily close the Coliseum was done so with the safety of our fairgoers, exhibitors and employees in mind. Safety will always be our top priority. We pledge to work diligently to make the necessary repairs to this world-class facility and work with event organizers to ensure the 2017 show is a remarkable success.”

The Midwest Charity Horse Show has a history of hosting world champion caliber American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians, Roadster horses and Hackney ponies on the Illinois State Fairgrounds because of its superior facilities. The Coliseum’s banked ring, excellent footing, multiple warm-up rings, and stabling in the village like atmosphere adds to the appeal of the entire equine complex. Skilled and competitive athletic riders, drivers and trainers all agree this is one of their favorite equine facilities in the United States today.

Kennedy said, “The economic impact of national events coming to Springfield is enormous. Illinois, an Agricultural state, needs to have this venue and buildings like the historic Coliseum to showcase the best agricultural, equine and livestock we have to offer.” Not only does Midwest provide Springfield an opportunity to see world champion-caliber horses and ponies but also officials estimate that the Midwest Charity Horse Show has the potential to bring $1.5 million to Springfield’s economy. The equine industry is not only highly beneficial to the city of Springfield but also to the state of Illinois, contributing through the production of goods and services valued at $1.3 billion.

Since its inception, the Midwest Charity Horse Show, a non-subsidized, all volunteer event, has donated its annual proceeds to a Springfield area charity. Midwest has selected Camp COCO as its beneficiary since 1988. Midwest's donations to Camp COCO are now valued at over $210,797 including 2016's donation of $10,000.