Free admission to the state fair on its fi rst night has been a longstanding tradition in Springfi eld. No more. This year, the Department of Agriculture plans to charge $5 to enter the fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 11, the fair’s opening night (offi cially called Preview Night), which has long been known for a parade that features bands, fl oats and no shortage of smiling and waving politicians, especially in election years. How, exactly, this will play out should be interesting. Will they install some sort of turnstile at the main gate to prevent parade watchers from sauntering through along with parade participants? On the plus side, admission on the fi rst night will be $5, half the regular charge. Rebecca Clark, Department of Agriculture spokeswoman, says that there will be a free grandstand concert to pump up the value. “This is just one of the many actions the fair is taking to become fi scally responsible,” Clark wrote in an emailed response to an inquiry. At least no one is blaming the state budget impasse or House Speaker Michael Madigan, which counts as progress these days.