Illinois State Fair
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Recent News About Illinois State Fair
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Shaboozey set to perform at Illinois State Fair Grandstand this summer
The Illinois State Fair has announced that Shaboozey, a rising star in the music industry, will headline the Grandstand on Sunday, August 18. Shaboozey is known for his work in both alternative country and hip-hop genres. He was born to Nigerian parents and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia. His musical influences include a diverse range of artists from classic hip-hop and R&B to country legends like Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.
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Illinois State Fair announces "It's Showtime!" theme for 2024
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair has announced its 2024 theme, "It's Showtime!" The theme reflects the diverse array of events at the fair, including livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, and ice skating performances.
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Illinois State Fair transitions livestock registration online with ShoWorks
The Illinois State Fair has transitioned its livestock exhibitor registration process to an online platform using ShoWorks. This change is now live on the fair's website, alongside the Livestock Premium Book.
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The Smashing Pumpkins set to perform at Illinois State Fair Grandstand
The Illinois State Fair has confirmed that The Smashing Pumpkins, a two-time GRAMMY award-winning band, will headline the Grandstand on Friday, August 16. Formed in Chicago in 1988, the band has sold over 30 million albums globally and received multiple awards including two GRAMMYs, two MTV VMAs, and an American Music Award.
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Miranda Lambert to perform at Illinois State Fair on August 17
Miranda Lambert, a prominent figure in country music, is set to headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 17. Known for her energetic performances, Lambert's appearance is highly anticipated by fans. Rebecca Clark, the Illinois State Fair Manager, expressed excitement about the upcoming performance: "Miranda Lambert is a high-energy performer who will have everyone in the Illinois State Fair Grandstand singing along to her hit songs."
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Keith Urban announced as headliner for Illinois State Fair concert
Keith Urban is set to headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 9, with special guest MacKenzie Porter. The announcement was made by Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark, who expressed excitement about Urban's performance: "Keith Urban is a country music legend, and we are delighted to bring him to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand. His music spans decades and appeals to generations of fans."
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Jordan Davis set to headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand in August
The Illinois State Fair has announced that multi-platinum singer and songwriter Jordan Davis will be headlining the Grandstand on Tuesday, August 13th. Davis, known for his two-time platinum hit "Next Thing You Know," recently achieved his sixth career #1. Hailing from Shreveport, LA, Davis was recognized as Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2019 and Billboard's Top New Country Artist in 2018. His songs have been streamed four billion times globally.
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Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit to perform at Illinois State Fair
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are set to perform at the Illinois State Fair on August 11, with Ashley McBryde as the special guest opening the evening. The band's latest album, "Weathervanes," showcases their storytelling prowess and has received critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy award nominations.
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Illinois State Fair offers holiday gifts including cookbooks and ride passes
The Illinois State Fair is offering new holiday gift options, including an "Illinois' Best" cookbook and special passes for the 2024 fair. The cookbook features prize-winning recipes from the fair, providing a range of dishes from main courses to desserts. It can be purchased in person at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for $15 or online for $20, which includes shipping.
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Record-breaking turnout at Illinois State Fair underlines successful initiatives
Governor JB Pritzker announced record attendance at the 2023 Illinois State Fair, with over 700,000 attendees marking it as the most attended fair since industry standards were established. "Once again, the hard work of the Department of Agriculture and hundreds of dedicated fair staff have resulted in shattered attendance records, serving as a testament to the value of our increased Fairgrounds funding and the spirit of Illinois," stated Governor Pritzker. Attractions such as the new Multi-Purpose Arena and concerts drew significant crowds.
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Governor Pritzker supports youth at Illinois Sale of Champions
The Governor's Sale of Champions, an annual event in Springfield, Illinois, highlights the dedication and efforts of young individuals in the agriculture sector. Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker purchased the Grand Champion Steer for $105,000, marking their fourth consecutive win. This purchase ties a record set by First Lady MK Pritzker in 2021. The couple also encouraged attendees to contribute towards champion exhibitors to support youth advancement in agriculture.
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Illinois DCFS engages public at state fair with activities and resources
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is actively engaging with the public at the 2023 Illinois State Fair. Representatives from ten divisions are present to provide information about their programs and services. The DCFS tent, located on Central Avenue, offers visitors insights into becoming foster or adoptive parents, opportunities to speak with agency recruiters, and applications for joining the DCFS team.
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Illinois EPA highlights clean energy at state fair
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim has announced the agency's exhibit for the 2023 Illinois State Fair, themed "Clean Energy - A Bright Future!" The exhibit is situated in Conservation World and aims to educate visitors on various aspects of clean energy.
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Illinois State Fair cancels Ag Day Breakfast due to weather concerns
The Illinois State Fair Ag Day Breakfast, initially planned for Friday morning, has been canceled due to predicted severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service forecasts storms with strong winds during that time.
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Copi returns to Conservation World during 2023 Illinois State Fair
Copi, a consumer food brand for invasive carp, is set to make its return to Conservation World at the 2023 Illinois State Fair from August 10-20. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Copi dishes including nuggets, rangoon, empanadas, and sliders at the Flippin' Fish Shack, managed by Darla Drainer from Grafton. The shack will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Butter Cow unveiled at Illinois State Fair celebrating local dairy farming
Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the Butter Cow sculpture at the Dairy Building on the fairgrounds. The theme for this year's creation is "Harvest the Fun," crafted by sculptor Sarah Pratt. The sculpture features Illinois dairy farmer Lorilee Shultz from Mill-R-Mor Dairy in Orangeville, Illinois, depicted harvesting milk from one of her cows.
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Illinois State Fair announces FFA officers as parade grand marshals
In Springfield, Illinois, the Illinois State Fair and Governor JB Pritzker have announced that the Illinois State FFA Officers will be the Grand Marshals for this year's Twilight Parade. This announcement comes in a year marked by significant growth in youth participation in agriculture.
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Illinois State Fair announces updated themes and discounts for its annual event
The Illinois State Fair has unveiled its new theme and discount days for the 2023 event. The fair will commence on Thursday, August 10, with County Fairs and Horse Racing Day, starting at 7 a.m. This day will feature horse racing, county fair activities, entertainment, carnival rides, food, and the Twilight Parade.
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Illinois Department on Aging hosts Senior Day at state fair
Adults aged 60 and older will have free entry to the Illinois State Fair on Monday, August 14. The event, hosted by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), will feature special activities for seniors and their families in the Illinois Building throughout the day.
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Illinois Liquor Control Commission joins 2023 state fair with educational activities
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) will participate in the 2023 Illinois State Fair, featuring a table in the Lieutenant Governor's tent. ILCC Executive Director Lisa Gardner expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating, "The Illinois State Fair is a staple of Illinois' summer festivities, and a showcase of the best Illinois has to offer." She added that the commission looks forward to engaging with attendees by providing educational resources on alcohol safety and awareness.