Illinois State Fair
Aug. 7-17 – 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, (buildings open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
The countdown to some of the best summer fun has begun with only 77 days left from the day Summerguide hits the streets until the Illinois State Fair. Springfield folk are blessed to have this 10-day overflowing smorgasbord of incredible food, quality entertainment, interesting displays and amazing performances right in their backyard.
You are invited to try your hand at this year’s theme, “Making Memories at the Illinois State Fair.” Start with a seat along the Twilight Parade route. The annual procession starts at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7, leaving Ninth Street at North Grand Avenue and making its way down Ninth to Peoria Road where it will travel north to 11th Street and in the Main Gate. It’s a great evening to visit the fair. Admission is free on Preview Night with discounts on rides and other attractions.
Regular fair admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. Vehicle parking is $7 a day. With this in mind, another good time for families to visit the fair besides Preview Night is on the last fair day, Aug. 17. The general admission price is lowered to $3 per person. A few happenings on Family Day are Abe’s Amble, Draft Horse Pull, Chilli Cook-Off and Deadlift Competition. There are other special days for seniors and members of the military and their families and more.
No matter what day you visit the Illinois State Fair, there’s something for everyone. The butter cow exhibit has become a long-lasting key attraction and you can purchase some cheese or grab an ice cream cone when you see the sculpture. Some folks love to meander through the arts and crafts or food exhibitions marveling at the talent of Illinois artists and farmers alike. Conservation World is always a sure bet for great shows whether that includes raptors or reptiles, fish or fowl.
And that doesn’t even touch upon the spectacular music offered. This year, one of the hottest groups in country music, Florida Georgia Line, plays on Sunday, Aug. 10. They are joined in 2014 by some other great acts, including the 10 finalists from American Idol, Pitbull, Million Dollar Quartet, Boston, Hunter Hayes, Emblem 3, Steely Dan and Jake Owen.
The state of Illinois has a website that is easy to navigate and has all the info you need to plan when and how you’ll make your memories at the fair. Visit agr.state.il.us/isf.
